The Shippen | A romantic retreat with private hot tub and panoramic views across the Devon countryside

Sink into your very own outdoor hot tub at this luxury holiday cottage. The Shippen has panoramic views across meadows and dale. This is a retreat designed to give couples a taste of luxury in a calming natural setting on Sherway, a former dairy farm in the small East Devon parish of Clyst Hydon. The cottage is on top of a hill, meaning you get beautiful views – sometimes stretching almost 30 miles to Brixhams Parry – along with some great big skies.

The Shippen is located in eleven acres of land including Paradise copse woods, backing onto National Trust woodland, and a whole host of nature walks. Look out for the bluebells in spring. This is a great location to explore East Devon, Exeter and the southern coastline, if you can pull yourself away from your cosy retreat.

Step inside this spacious hideaway and you’ll find a large kitchen – perfect for cooking, and including a dishwasher. The owners will leave a little essentials hamper for you, including tea, coffee, sugar and milk. This airy space opens out onto the terrace, so you can dine inside with the fresh air feeling, or take dinner onto the terrace and under the stars.

The living room at The Shippen has two large sofas and an armchair, for relaxing after a day exploring the sights. There’s also a large screen TV with Freeview and free wifi.

Upstairs, the bedroom at this retreat has a comfy king size bed, with a window for looking out onto the trees and greenery that surround the cottage. There’s a en suite bathroom with a bath and a separate walk-in shower.

Outside, you can enjoy your own private terrace and seating area, complimented with a garden with countryside views. Here, you can unwind on the patio chairs in the sunshine, or lounge in the hot tub – which is big enough for four and would make the perfect spot for some evening stargazing.

There’s ample parking for two vehicles at this retreat. The Shippen is also baby friendly, and the owners can provide you with a whole raft of items to help you if you’re taking a newborn away with you. You can use a cot, bedding, a nightlight, highchair, potty, baby monitor, electric steriliser and more…just ask.

There’s lots to do while you are on holiday here. The Shippen’s owners recommend a visit to Sidmouth, a short drive down the road. This is a gorgeous area of Jurassic coastline with plenty of shops and cafes to explore plus lots of National Trust properties too. Or, you could explore Dartmoor National Park, which is especially enjoyable if you’re after a long walk or a chance to take some great photos. Another hop down the road will take you to the thriving city of Exeter, which boasts all the finery of a modern city, coupled with some striking architecture.