Swifts Return - Bolthole with hot tub, pool and sauna

Like the Swift, you’ll want to return. This first-floor apartment, nestled in a woody glen between the South Devon coast and Dartmoor, provides a chic, relaxing bolthole for two people and a pet. Curl up in front of the woodburner after a long hike and take advantage of clear nights to stargaze from your private self maintained wood-fired hot tub. You also have access to shared wooded grounds, an indoor pool and sauna and also a new TESLA STARLINK Broadband Service

The Space

If you dream of escaping to south Devon’s wide open spaces, the heather and gorse of the moors and shining coastal waters, head to Swifts Return for an unforgettable trip to treasure. This newly refurbished little hideaway is the perfect cosy retreat for two to relax and rejuvenate. Hidden deep in the Teign Valley at the foot of the majestic Dartmoor National Park, it’s within easy reach of the golden sandy beaches of Torbay and the hustle and bustle of Exeter. Go out and have an adventure – whether it’s walking, cycling, pony trekking or simply wandering around pretty little market towns and villages – before returning to your sanctuary. Chill out in the morning sun with your coffee on your private patio and treat yourself to a twilight aperitif in the wood-fired hot tub or a long leisurely swim and sauna in the beautiful shared pool. Whatever you do, this Devon holiday homestay will immerse you in nature, with all your home comforts and more.

Open the stable door of Swifts Return and step into a homely haven that’s been styled to bring you joy. A contemporary cottage interior offers an embrace of a comfortable sofa and chairs and smart TV and DVD player. Wifi throughout means you can maintain connection to the outside world, should you wish to! If you’re visiting in the winter months, curl up in front of the wood burner with a glass of red to thaw out after a long ramble on Dartmoor – we’ll provide your first basket of logs. Rustle up a delicious meal from local delicacies in the bright kitchen-diner and relax with the papers at the breakfast bar while you get ready for your day out. Everything you need for self-catering is here, including an oven, hob, microwave and fridge with an ice compartment. Fall into a well-deserved sleep in the light and airy, prettily furnished bedroom, which boasts a sumptuous king-size bed and its own TV – treat yourself to a leisurely lie-in. The en suite bathroom has a shower-over-bath and WC.

Outside, enjoy the fresh air and peaceful surroundings on your private patio. This is the perfect suntrap for a barbecue or even one of Devon’s famous cream teas. After your meal, wander the shared expansive lawns and woods – there’s even a babbling brook running past. You don’t have to go far for adventure – head to the gorgeous vaulted pool for a energising swim and relax afterwards in the traditional wooden sauna. Comfy chairs and huge doors that open out into the fresh air make the pool a great place to enjoy a book and even an aperitif – try the local gin – before drifting back to Swifts Return for dinner.

Please note: Guests are required to fill the hot tub themselves, and to prepare the burner to heat the water. We recommend starting this procedure soon after you arrive as this can take 2-3 hours.

Guest Access

Swifts Return is approached by a number of external steps, so is sadly not mobility-friendly.

The Neighbourhood

You can be as active or relaxed as you like at Swifts Return. If adventure is your priority, the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park and its miles of scenic walks lie to the west of the property. You can also cycle, pony trek and climb its famous granite tors. Less energetic but equally as beautiful is wandering the pretty local villages and towns – Chagford in particular is famous for its olde worlde vibe and lovely shops and cafes.

You’re just a short distance from Stover Country Park, a 114 acre nature reserve where wildlife and nature abound. Follow the 90-metre aerial walkway and explore the Ted Hughes Poetry Trail, which features some of the late poet laureate’s best-loved nature poems, with illustrations by Raymond Briggs. Lose yourself among the ancient woodland, waterfalls and lakes of Canonteign Falls or try Kennick, Trenchford and Tottiford reservoirs for easy and relaxing walking.

Stunning coastal views can be found on the English Riviera. For a relaxed sightseeing tour, take the Riviera Line, the coastal railway route running between Exeter and Paignton, which stops at many of the region’s most interesting and beautiful towns along the way, including Dawlish and Torquay. If you fancy a beach day, it’s a 40-minute drive to Torbay, where there are loads of hidden sandy coves and pretty harbour villages to explore. Twelve miles and 25 minutes' drive to the south is the pretty seaside town of Dawlish, famous for its sandy beachfront, colourful huts and black swans. The bright lights, eateries and entertainment of Exmouth or Exeter can all be reached within 40 minutes.

If you’re a foodie, there’s lots of options, from super-posh Gidleigh Park near Chagford and the high-end Manor Inn at Lower Ashton to the Teign House Inn up the valley near Christow. Other authentic Dartmoor boozers to try are the Bridford Inn at Bridford for a real country atmosphere and good food, the Artichoke at Christow for traditional pub grub and the Cridford Inn at Trusham, one of the oldest pubs in Devon.

Getting Around

You will need a car and there is ample off-road parking available.

Other Things to Note

Please note: Guests are required to fill the hot tub themselves, and to prepare the burner to heat the water. We recommend starting this procedure soon after you arrive as this can take 2-3 hours.

Please enjoy your own patio, garden and the bottom lawn – the rest of the grounds are private property.

Please pick up after your pet and do not leave them unattended. We encourage dogs to be walked down the lane.

Please bag all rubbish in black bin liners before placing in the bins otherwise the bin men will not take them.

For the safety of guests and the security of the property, the pool and sauna areas are monitored via CCTV.