Robin's Nest (secluded cabin)
“We were living in London and working at a company that took us travelling around the world when the idea to create an off-grid space began to germinate in our minds. Tim is a surfer, and I grew up near the sea in New Zealand, so we wanted to be near the beach; and the natural beauty of the South Hams instantly drew us in. We wanted the project to be as low-impact as possible; the cabins are totally off-grid, made from locally-sourced and sustainable materials. Since Tim and I renovated a 109-year-old Dutch Tjalk back in 2019, we knew a thing or two about making something comfortable with all the latest off-grid technology. We hope you fall in love with the place, the same way we have.” Owners, Louise and Tim
She loves
“Sitting on the deck watching buzzards float above the tree line and butterflies flutter when the buddleja comes out.”
We love
Feeling as if you’re in on a special secret; being on a privately owned estate, it’s blissfully quiet with no-one around, yet in this incredible wider area.
You may not love
Closed Nov-March. No WiFi or electricity (but solar power). Though Little Owl & Honey Buzzard are close together, each is on its own deck, and the decks are staggered for privacy; book Robin’s Nest for total privacy. A short uphill dirt track from the car park, which can get slippy in the wet months. Sorry, no pets or young kids.
Sustainability.
All the structures are made from sustainable wood including locally-sourced larch. We have no foundations; we use ground screws so if we took all structures away there would be no footprint of us having been there. We use eco-friendly products, solar power, off-grid loo (no 7 litres of water being flushed). Our bedding is sustainable linen and the duvets and pillows are made from Devon merino plus recycled Atlantic blankets. The fire places inside the birdhouse cabins are bio fuel. We have an electric motorbike to go to and from the site.
Surrounds.
- Start the day with a swim and sauna at Blackpool Sands. Conde Nast Traveller’s no 1 UK beach, it has clear waters and a soft shingle shore, plus a sauna cabin and great beach café for a post-swim breakfast. The bay is also perfect for paddle boarding or kayaking – all can be hired here.
- Walk to The Green Dragon village pub for Sunday roasts, fireside drinks and live music nights (15 mins).
- Head along the coastal path all the way to Dartmouth Castle. Have a peek around then jump on the little taxi boat which drops you right in Dartmouth harbour, for a waterside pint in the Dartmouth Arms. If you’re too tired for the walk back, there’s a bus home which drops you right by the secret garden door!
- Or if you’re up for a more challenging hike (that ends in a hearty meal), walk 2 hours in the opposite direction to Slapton, a small village with a dog-friendly beach and lots of country pubs. Bus or taxi home.
- Further afield, we love Dittisham, a pretty riverside village where you can sit with a drink on the banks of the River Dart and watch the boats go by.
- Spend an evening at The Pigs Nose, one of the quirkiest pubs in South Hams. The traditional 16thC pub hosts fantastic music nights featuring local up-and-coming bands and well-known artists. You’re sure to meet some characters there – it’s the kind of place you’ll come out with a story or two (30 mins’ drive).
- Go surfing at Bantham Beach (newbies can take lessons with Bantham Surfing Academy) or simply float up the river on a SUP and let the tide take you on a gentler ride (40 mins’ drive).
Details.
- 3 standalone cabins on a private estate
- Honey Buzzard and Little Owl each have:
- Double bed
- Adjacent private bathroom with shower and Cinderella incinerator toilet; eco-friendly toiletries
- Gas hob for tea and coffee making (milk, tea & coffee provided) and Yeti cooler
- Biofuel fireplace
- Private deck with sea views and bistro dining set
- Robin’s Nest has:
- Kingsize bed
- Ensuite private bathroom with large shower and Cinderella incinerator toilet; eco-friendly toiletries
- Large deck with seating and covered kitchen section with gas hob and pizza oven (milk, tea & coffee provided) and Yeti cooler
- All have:
- USB charging
- Bose speaker, books and binoculars
- Hi-viz sash, beach bag and RED dry robes to borrow
- Shared kitchen cabin with gas hobs, Gozney gas pizza oven, kettle, coffee maker and wood stove; basics provided
- No WiFi (4G only)
- Children 8+ welcome (in the same cabin as 1 parent)
- Free parking onsite
- The owners are available by WhatsApp should you need anything
- Direct access to the beach
- Walk to local shop, beach cafe and pubs (5-10 mins)
- Hire electric bikes locally
- Sorry, no pets
- Booking conditions: closed Nov-March. A 2-night minimum stay
- Remember to pack: beach towels and slippers
Simple
30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £40 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
Yes, you’re a 15-minute stroll from Stoke Fleming, which has The Green Dragon pub and a village shop.
It’s a dirt track, a little uneven but fine for cars. The cabins are set in a woodland on a hill with grass and dirt pathways so there’s a short walk from the carpark.
No, very fine shingle. It’s a beauty though!
In real life, they are staggered so feel much more private. Each is on its own deck, with a sleeping pod and private bathroom pod.
Each cabin sleeps a max of 2 guests, whatever the age. There isn’t really space for a travel cot.
Regrettably not.
It’s very easy to use but very important to read the simple instructions that are in the bathrooms. The main point being, ALWAYS add a paper liner first.
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