Review: Willow Cottage, Bovey Tracey, Devon, UK

Willow Cottage is one of Devon Hideaways’ handpicked luxury properties. A rural, romantic property for two, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, in a great position to discover Devon. This comfortable cottage is one of the self-catering options available on Little Dunley Cottages’ 24 acres of peaceful countryside near Bovey Tracey and Newton Abbot.

Little Dunley is quietly tucked away but within walking distance of the local pub, the Claycutters Arms, and only a 20 minute walk to the nearest beach. It’s a scenic spot that reminds visitors that Devon is a holiday destination and one of England’s favorite regions.

A relaxing resort of bucket and shovel beaches, fish markets, top tourist spots, ice-cream parlors and smugglers’ huts. A place where imagination comes alive.

Yet nearby Dartmoor is a rugged landscape of granite, tussocks and tussocks lying on cool 280-million-year-old volcanic mud: a place for wild climbing, swimming and walking adventures.

Is there any other country with such a variety of beauty?

Acceptance

The codes for the Little Dunley gates and the Willow Cottage lockbox had been emailed prior to our arrival. Then it’s a few meters from our parking lot to the front door to unload.

A cottage

Willow Cottage is one of four single-storey buildings accessed via a well-planned route.

The open plan living area offers a spacious bright kitchen, dining and lounge area. The two-seater sofa is in entertainment mode from the 54-inch flat-screen SMART television that lets you log in to your regular apps.

The bedroom has a king size double bed and attractive decor in various creams and greys. A rustic print of sheep and flowery landscapes reminds us that we are hidden deep in Devon’s green valleys.

A large walk-in shower, both rain and direct, has Elsyl toiletries to be carried in the bathroom.

The underfloor heating, which makes Willow Cottage a cozy place, is controlled by two thermostats: one in the living area, one in the bedroom.

Resources

The covered patio hosts the hot tub, which is kept at 38 centigrade and serviced twice a day by Little Dunley staff. All we have to do is uncover, come in and rest.

Thick evergreen and hazel hurdle hedges provide privacy for the astroturf lawn garden, sun loungers and al fresco dining table and chairs.

Beyond the neighboring Hazel Cottage is a small laundry room with washer and dryer.

And it’s just a three-minute walk to the tennis court, floodlit for evening play. Four different species of carp swim in two fishing ponds with 12 pounders being the biggest fish to date.

Location

Willow Cottages is on the shoulder of 368 square kilometers of Dartmoor National Park. Over 450 miles of trails invite visitors to explore England’s highest point south of The Pennines.

Africa may have its Big Five but Dartmoor has a Little Five that can be equally difficult. Search for the threatened Marsh Fritillary butterfly, cuckoos that winter in the Congo, the world’s largest slug growing up to 20 cm long, otters and the rare blue beetle. Black-faced sheep, ponies and thick-haired Galloway cattle are easy to spot.

In the heart of the blankets, mysterious mud, gray granite and The Hound of Baskerville the mists that form Dartmoor dwell in Princetown. It has a free Dartmoor National Park visitor center with all the maps, history and information you need to explore it.

A short walk away, the Dartmoor Prison Museum tells the story of the institution that was established by prisoners of the Napoleonic wars and the war of 1812 with America. The cemetery contains 1217 French and 271 American prisoners who died.

The macabre museum writes that the boots of the prisoners left an arrow so that they could be tracked if they escaped. Although Frank Mitchell, The Mad Axeman, was never recaptured.

The exhibits range from cardboard F1 cars created by inmates to pass the time to dangerously advanced guns, knives and a knuckleduster with 6 inch nails.

At Buckfast Abbey, which celebrated its 1000th anniversary in 2018, a floor-to-ceiling stained glass window of Christ, offering his body and blood in the Eucharist, delights visitors. Scholars believe that the face colors are similar to those on the Turin Shroud.

The English Riviera, a short drive to the south-west, where palm fronds flutter in Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.

Another nice touch

Within an hour of arriving, Dominic, from the Little Dunley staff, knocks on the door to check that everything is okay and that we are settled.

A sparkling bottle of Prosecco is part of the welcome pack which provides tea, coffee, sugar and milk.

Costs

Short breaks start from £510 and seven night breaks cost from £705.

The best beat

Devon is a foodie’s dream. The well-equipped kitchen – complete with full-size fridge, hob, oven and dishwasher – encourages guests to create their own culinary magic with fresh regional produce.

Nearby Ashburton, with its independent shops, hosts a food festival. Although, usually in late September and early October, the English Seafood Feast, including a morning trip to Brixham Fish Market takes place in over 30 restaurants across the English Riviera.

Final decision

Willow Cottage offers clean, tidy, modern comfort away from the madding crowd. Yet it is within easy driving distance of the unique landscapes of primal Dartmoor and the enchanting English Riviera. A romantic escape for all seasons.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Devon Hideaways.

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards is a travel writer from Oxfordshire, UK. Although Michael published his first published travel pieces nearly four decades ago, he still finds new luxury destinations to visit and write about.