Dwell Escapes…
Are you ready for something new?
In a first for us, we’re launching Dwell Escapes, where we’ll be sharing some of Devon’s most coveted stays, in our opinion.
Cheeky overnighter? Stylish staycay? Call it whatever you like, these places should be on your must-visit list for 2025 because, frankly, why should the tourists have all the fun? Up first, a Dreamy Dartmoor retreat…
Weeke Barton
It’s giving…
Big moorland energy, with splashes of retro style.
Like staying with your very cool and very hospitable friends from the country; super-relaxed and spoiling, with all the ingredients to be as active or horizontal as you so wish.
The dwelling
Weeke Barton is a real old beauty. A traditional, centuries old Devon Longhouse, it’s been lovingly restored and given a new lease of life by its owners Sam and Jo, who swapped Hackney for Dartmoor over fifteen years ago. With six rooms, (five in the main house and one in the glorious gardens), technically it’s a small hotel, but much softer around the edges. Padding down to breakfast in fluffy socks isn’t frowned upon here, it’s encouraged!
The enormous old door you enter sets the tone for things to come; low beamed ceilings, cosy nooks, cavernous fireplaces and ancient spiral staircases twisting their way up to the bedrooms, where you can gaze out over the valley from your sheepskin-draped window seat. It’s quirky, there’s lots to look at and loads to love.
Where are we talking?
Prepare to hunker down here. You might be just twenty minutes from Exeter and seven miles from Moretonhampstead, but you’re deep in the Teign Valley, right on the edge of Dartmoor with big skies and views all around. Nearby sheep bleat, the odd owl hoots, other than that, peaceful bliss. It’s a dream spot for walkers, country pub seekers and explorers hoping to discover a wild swim or just to soak up the natural wonders of the National Park.
The sleep score
Peace and quiet is a must for a good nights’ kip; the other is of course a decent bed. Happily, that box is ticked, too. Expect super-kings or kings with soft linens, plumpy pillows and enveloping duvets. The only thing likely to wake you from your slumber is the gentle waft of breakfast, not cooked by you. Is there anything better?!
The tranquillity is further reinforced by the fact that there are TV’s in the rooms, but with no signal, they function only for watching a film or two from the DVD library downstairs, where the shelves groan with all the classics.
A tea and coffee station delivers the caffeine fix and bathrooms come complete with a thoughtfully sourced selection of luxe toiletries. True story: of all the places I’ve visited, this is where I’ve most often gone home and purchased my own stash! This time, a new sustainable brand came onto my radar, Land & Water, inspired by the shores of north Cornwall’s Watergate Bay.
On the bathing front, we lucked out with a gorgeous bath in our room (Orla), which I can confirm is deep enough to luxuriate in the bubbles discreetly, close enough to bully your travel companion into supplying endless cups of tea, while they try and sneak a nap.
Hungry?
There isn’t a restaurant, but there are bonuses to one of your hosts being the former restaurant manager of Chelsea’s Bluebird restaurant. Every Friday night, Jo offers a supper menu and you’ll want to book yourself in. Think homemade pies, organic veg and a hearty crumble to make your heart and tummy sing.
Fridays aside, you’ll need to venture out for meals, which isn’t a chore. Sam and Jo have helpful recommendations up their sleeves and can nudge you in the direction of pubs and restaurants to suit your mood and budget. Since we only stayed the one night, we kept close, heading out to the nearest pub, The Nobody Inn, a few minutes’ drive away in the village of Doddiscombsleigh. Old and atmospheric, loved by locals and serving up tasty pub classics, which hit the spot.
When you arrive back, seek out the honesty bar, gorgeously snug, where you can recline in squishy armchairs with a local ale, Dartmoor gin or a bottle of biodynamic wine (yes reader, no hangovers here). They’ve got all bases covered; I mean, who needs Majestic wines when you’ve got the very picturesque Swanaford Estate Vineyard around the corner?
While you’re there…
Even as a Devon dweller, Weeke Barton feels like a holiday. A flick through the in-room info reveals loads of local highlights and active pursuits that will tempt even the laziest legs out the door. I get the feeling that Sam and Jo live and breathe the Dartmoor lifestyle, so you won’t be short of personally tried and tested walks with maps, for all energy levels. Just don’t forget your wellies or walking boots! For those needing an urban culture fix, Exeter is totally doable and the nearest beaches dotting the south coast (in Teignmouth and Shaldon) are less than half an hour away, as they always seem to be in Devon!
Book the babysitter?
No need, if you want to bring the whole family. We’ve visited both as a couple and also when our little Dweller was a baby. Some rooms are big enough to accommodate a cot or extra beds and kids will love playing Petanque outside or seeking out the den, when you’re not off exploring. It’s Famous Five for the 21st century.
Oh, by the way…
Pooches rejoice! Weeke Barton is dog-friendly too (at a small extra cost), so no need to leave them out of the fun. Five acres of gardens will tire them out and there’s a dog shower outside complete with towels. If you do decide to arrive sans pooch though, Sam and Jo’s waggy-tailed spaniels, Coco and Winston will happily dish out the love if you go looking for it.
There’s something about Weeke Barton that makes you want to gather your nearest and dearest and experience it as a group. It’s that unique combination of all the comforts of a hotel in a place that encourages you to treat it like your own home. Happily, you can do just that, with the whole house available for exclusive use rental. Big birthday on the horizon? Food for thought…
And finally, please, whatever you do, do not leave without purchasing some of Jo’s House Granola. The guests (me included) loved it so much, it’s now on sale in the likes of Darts Farm and Greendale farm shop, so stock up while you can!
Poised to book?
I don’t think you’ll regret it. Book direct here and make sure to check the website for brilliant deals, particularly in the winter months.
weekebarton.com