Pulley Mill | A five star romantic retreat for couples on a leafy North Devon estate with country views

This beautiful old mill has been reinvented for romantics. Pulley Mill is a great place to choose if you want to be close to North Devon’s beautiful beaches and market towns, while enjoying the peace of a beautiful family-run country estate. And guests can use the fabulous hot tub located in a log cabin in the woods, accessed along a romantic woodland raised path lit by lanterns.

You’ll find this retreat at the top of Millbrook Estate’s Old Mill building, sitting proudly on 32-acres of landscaped grounds. There are woodland and nature trails all around, making this a lovely choice if you love nature or want to enjoy a refresher away from the city. And during your stay you can book out the fabulous Beachcomber Hot Tub which is located in a log cabin in the woods, accessed along a woodland raised path - free of charge for guests.

From up here, you can enjoy views all around, with a lake nearby and a field of the estate’s five friendly alpacas. Head inside and you’ll find that mill owners Bob and Kate have recreated the interior to add every luxury.

A spacious living room, complete with oak-beamed ceilings, has been arranged with stylish Laura Ashley furniture. The huge comfy sofa is great for evenings in, and a wood-effect gas fire will keep things extra toasty. You’ll also find a sweet dining table, the perfect size for two. All the mod cons are here, with a 55” Samsung HD TV with Netflix, and Amazon Echo.

Head up a couple of steps and you’ll find the kitchen, including everything you’ll need for cooking, and situated in the perfect space so you can chat to anyone relaxing on the sofa below. There’s a traditional Belfast sink, double oven and fridge freezer, along with pretty Emma Bridgewater crockery and cutlery from Villeroy and Bock, giving the place a real home-from-home feel.

Continue through Pulley Mill and you’ll come to a luxurious, spacious and light bedroom, complete with a Laura Ashley king size bed. The room has been finished off with Egyptian cotton sheets and a TV for lazy mornings in. There’s even a star gazing machine for a laid back experience.

Finally, the bathroom has been decorated to impress, with a bath, power shower and blue feature wall, as well as Alexa, dimmable lighting and heated towel rail.

Once you are ready to head out and explore, you’ll find this retreat is in a great location. You are close to several of Devon’s beautiful sandy beaches including Woolacombe (with is gorgeous long stretch of sand) and Ilfracombe (where this writer was once nearly blown down a hill by the wind but that’s another story). There are market towns like Great Torrington, Barnstaple and Bideford.

And while you’re here, Pulley Mill owners recommend several great eateries in the local area including The Bell in Chittlehampton and the award-winning Rams Head, just ten minutes away. Or try The Pierhouse, in Westward Ho! which is loved for its beautiful view.