If you’re looking for an idyllic Devon retreat, oozing peace, harmony and isolation…then look up
Nestled in 12 acres of woodland in the village of Lee, this magnificent two-storey treehouse was a labour of love for owners who escaped London to live the coastal dream
WHEN you’re spending the weekend in a treehouse, 80mph winds and a raging storm are hardly ideal.
So it was a relief to arrive at our gorgeous North Devon room in the branches to find it was built around a sturdy timber frame . . . and designed so beautifully that we’d never want to leave.
Nestled in 12 acres of private woodland in the quiet coastal village of Lee, the two-storey accommodation is the product of two years’ hard work by Kieran and Helen Fisher.
The owners escaped their jobs in London with dreams of building an eco-friendly retreat where couples could unwind and detox from the digital world.
And this property – available from TripAdvisor Rentals – ticks all the boxes.
The open-plan kitchen and living area, with large windows overlooking the valley, has a yoga and meditation corner, reading nook and games table.
There’s also a TV – but I guarantee you won’t turn it on. When the weather picks up, the terrace has a seating area, barbecue and wood-fired pizza oven for al-fresco dining with unbeatable views.
The home has been tastefully decorated with the help of interiors specialist Wayfair to offer an explosion of colour and textures, from the navy velvet sofa, mustard-yellow armchair and hot pink staircase to the directors’ spotlight and blue-illuminated wall sign. It’s a feast for the eyes.
But it’s also the little touches that make this treehouse stand out.
Every corner and shelf has been thoughtfully filled with a plant, picture or ornament.
There’s even a bathroom tap made from a reclaimed French copper kettle.
When we finally tear ourselves away from admiring the decor, we make use of the indoor wood-burning oven to rustle up dinner before a game of Cluedo in front of the fire (Mrs White with the dagger in the dining room, if you were wondering).
Those who like to soak before bed will love the king-size bedroom’s roll-top bath and complimentary natural Korres toiletries.
Add to that a glass of English white wine kindly supplied by the owners and you’ll have found heaven right within Devon’s beech trees.
In the morning, The Yoga Barn’s Alexandra Giffoni arrives at the treehouse for a holistic class followed by meditation.
The softly-spoken instructor has taught for more than 20 years and sets the scene with candles and instrumental music, before patiently guiding us beginners through the moves and breathing exercises.
Alexandra then performs a gentler version of Thai massage mixed with Reiki, a form of spiritual healing, to leave me feeling calm in soul and rejuvenated in body.
With the storm dying down, we pull on our wellies and take the scenic route through the woods to Lee bay, a rugged stretch of coast between Woolacombe and Ilfracombe, known for its rock pools and fuchsias.
We trek to a nearby headland and sit on a bench to take in the choppy waters before the arrival of more rain gives us the perfect excuse to visit the local pub, The Grampus, to sample Devon’s finest cider.
A short taxi ride takes us to the neighbouring town of Ilfracombe for dinner at the Michelin-starred The Olive Room.
Run by chef Thomas Carr, it offers fine dining in an unpretentious environment with a focus on fresh seafood.
Highlights from the six-course tasting menu include scallops in a cauliflower purée and chicken-skin crust and monkfish in a warm tartare sauce, with shrimp and peas.
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Those with a sweet tooth will devour the lemon parfait dessert, and wish they had room for more.
The taxi driver had told us a trip to the town is not complete without a visit to Verity – a 66ft bronze structure on the waterfront donated by artist Damien Hirst in 2012.
The imposing statue of a pregnant woman with an exposed muscular system and foetus is not to my taste, but Verity has been credited with boosting tourism – and the residents seem to like her, at least.
The following morning is bitter sweet. There is glorious sunshine filling the treehouse, but it means we can’t use the storm as an excuse to stay another day.
GO: NORTH DEVON
STAYING THERE: TripAdvisor Rentals’ Luxury Treehouse in North Devon costs from £215 per night. See bit.ly/2PtByJm.
OUT & ABOUT: For yoga classes or private sessions with Alexandra at The Yoga Barn, see . Dining at The Olive Room in Ilfracombe, see .
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