A Tranquil Sanctuary

An invite to escape into nature to a rustic space.

Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Blackdown Hills of East Devon, providing access to solitude accompanied with the soothing sounds of birds and a babbling brook.

Our glamping site is off grid, so we recommend packing your wellies in case of unpredictable British weather. We are also riverside, so caution guests not to leave children unattended by the water.

We have no wifi but mobile phone signal should be available depending on your provider. We also have charging points available. Beddings and kitchen utensils are provided. Guests are to bring their own beach towels. We provide a small basket of logs/kindling on arrival, but more can be purchased.

During their stay, guests can access the glamping site’s compost loo, solar-powered shower, and communal kitchen and can book a slot for the sauna or cold plunge bath.

We are located at: The Paddock, Sandy Lane, Upottery, Devon, EX14 9PL

Gertrude

Meet Gertrude, transformed into a versatile living space you will step into tranquility, charm and character.

Gertrude’s private terrace, complete with a larch railing, perfect for reading, relaxing with drinks in the sunset. Enjoy alfresco dining whilst listening to the bubbling of the River Otter close by.

Enjoy Gertrude in any weather. She is fully insulated – floors, walls and roof with double glazed hardwood doors and windows. A woodburning stove to ensure warmth on cooler days, while the off grid copper lighting, powered by roof mounted solar panels adds cozy charm and eco-friendly flair.

Every cosy detail of Gertrude has been carefully crafted to evoke a vintage aesthetic. Features include Bakelite-style light switches, copper ceiling and wall lights, copper curtain rails, handmade herringbone tweed curtains, and a classic black metal LPG-powered stove.

Gertrude boasts natural chalk-pine tongue and groove panelling and pine timber floors stained in a rich medium oak tone.

The accommodation provides a double bed and a sofa which transforms into a bed also for the third person if needed.

The exterior walls are constructed from insulated aluminium, layered with a weatherproof membrane, and finally clad in UK grown larch. On top a curved corrugated galvanised roof for durability and charm.

Pricing (sleeps 2-3)
  • £110 per night during the week
  • £115 per night at the weekend
  • 10% discount for weekly booking
  • £12 for Greener Camping Club fee
  • £22 cleaning fee

Eleanor

Our endearing vintage horse box wagon, Eleanor, has a wealth of character. She has been lovingly transformed into a rustic retreat, furnished with vintage finds and handcrafted fixtures. The interior features a spacious sofa, a raised super Kingsize bed, and a log burner for cosy evenings in. We provide all the utensils and bedding you may need to make your stay as comfortable as possible, and well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you during your stay.

Eleanor has her own private balcony space, overlooking our beautiful paddock, the river Otter, and its abundant wildlife so pull up a chair and relax with a glass of bubbly.

Our peaceful campsite is located in a spectacular nature reserve, home to verdant landscapes and a colourful variety of local wildlife. There is plenty of communal outdoor space, so after a day spent exploring the local beaches and the neighbouring footpaths, you can recline in a waterside hammock, toast marshmallows over a fire pit, or stroll to the nearby pub for a pint of local ale.

Our dog friendly campsite welcomes well behaved dogs, we encourage them not to roam free due to wildlife and nearby livestock.

Eleanor’s raised-up bed may not be suitable for people with accessibility issues and has limited headroom. Our glamping site is off grid, so we recommend packing your wellies in case of unpredictable British weather. We are also riverside, so caution guests not to leave children unattended by the water. We have no wifi but mobile phone signal should be available depending on your provider. We also have charging points available.

Beddings and kitchen utensils are provided. Guests are to bring their own towels. We provide a small basket of logs/kindling on arrival, but more can be purchased.

During their stay, guests can access the glamping site’s compost loo, solar-powered shower, and communal kitchen and can book a slot for the sauna or cold plunge bath.

Pricing (sleeps 2-3)
  • £90 per night during the week
  • £100 per night at the weekend
  • 10% discount for weekly booking
  • £12 for Greener Camping Club fee
  • £22 cleaning fee

Hettie – Shepherd’s Hut

Hettie started her life as a 1960’s hay trailer, partially converted to embrace steam rallies in Dorset.

We took Hettie home, named her after my late grandmother, giving her a complete new look and overhaul. This unique wee cosy space incorporates; double bed, vintage storage, handcrafted kitchen (complete with copper 1920’s stirrup hand up pump and basin), solar powered ambient lighting, beautiful timber larch linings, handcrafted fixtures and fittings sourced lovingly throughout the outstanding beautiful Devon. The cabin also benefits a wood burning stove for cosy nights and cooking, vintage hob and concealed fridge. We provide all stylish utensils, bedding and soft furnishing that you may need to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Hettie’s stylish French double doors open to a spacious balcony that overlooks our beautiful paddock, the river Otter and its abundant wildlife. A hammock, external seating and fire pits are provided.

Pricing (sleeps 2)
  • £75 per night during the week
  • £90 per night at the weekend
  • 10% discount for weekly booking
  • £12 for Greener Camping Club fee
  • £22 cleaning fee

Axe Bell and Otter Tents

Axe Bell and Otter Tents are cosy bell tents (sleeps 2-4) Both have a double and two single beds (cot is available if needed) The single beds can be removed if a couple want to just use the double bed (advance notice would be appreciated for this).

Furnished with charming and quirky flea market finds for individual finishing touches. The site includes a sauna and cold plunge as well as a communal bathroom and kitchen on site. All located in the beautiful Blackdown Hills, Devon. Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable place.

Pricing (sleeps 2-4)
  • £90 per night during the week
  • £100 per night at the weekend
  • 10% discount for weekly booking
  • £12 for Greener Camping Club fee
  • £22 cleaning fee

Sweatbox Sauna

Who doesn’t love a sauna? With all the wonderful benefits.

The sauna shift has been a game changer for longevity. Once seen as just a way to relax. Evidence continues to emerge that the sauna is providing a powerhouse for health and longevity. It helps easing pain, reducing stress and improves cardiovascular health amongst other benefits. The list goes on and on. But my personal favourite benefit as being a long standing insomniac myself, is that it improves sleep!!

The great news is that we have a brand new sauna here at The Sanctuary, created by The Sweatbox Sauna.

Isn’t she a beauty!!!!

Our guests will be invited to book slots during their stay at The Sanctuary.

Things to do

There are range of activities, workshops and things to do, onsite and locally including; yoga classes , foraging adventures, beaver bush craft, spoon carving, cooking demonstrations and a wild food larder.