The Barn, perfect for grandparents or couples who wish to join you

Praktyka

Devon

Unique architectural family cabins with workshops on site and space to 'be' in North Devon.

Units 3
Sleeps 1 - 5
Bedrooms 1 - 2
Pets No
Mobility No

Ideal for

Babies
Toddlers
Older Kids
Teens

From £130/night

Request to Book

Slow down and feel inspired at this North Devon eco retreat. Stunning architectural cabins and barns surrounded by lush gardens and wildflower meadows. Praktyka is more than just a family holiday, it’s an art project founded by artists and parents, Ania and Henry, in collaboration with Rural Office architects, where workshops are on offer to learn new skills and connect with nature. Perfect for group stays with friends and family - book the whole site and let the kids run free.

About this place

Best bits

All accommodation has been mindfully designed around the enriching surroundings and finished with tasteful interiors for an inspiring and restful stay.
The rewilded gardens are home to some impressive native species, woodland, and wildflower meadows plus a handful of hammocks so you can swing in the trees as the kids frolic in the grass.
Praktyka is committed to treading lightly on the planet so you can holiday with eco peace of mind.

Top tips

For a multi-generational or friends and family getaway, book all three units and use the communal barn as a gathering space.
Be sure to bring waterproofs, wellies, and walking boots so you can explore the rich local landscapes whatever the weather.
Westward Ho is the perfect spot for any keen surfers so don’t forget your wetsuits!

Plan your stay

What are the facilities like? Where can you eat? What can you do?

Wifi

Outdoor play equipment

Rooms

Praktyka offers a creative hideaway the whole family can enjoy and you can now book out the whole spot for large group trips. Enjoy three family pods and exclusive use of the Black Barn, a communal chill out room and eating space where everyone can come together. For a special occasion or long-awaited get-together, the whole site can sleep up to 12 and offers opportunities for group gatherings and moments for family downtime. The whole site comprises three unique spaces: The Dome, The Artist Barn and The Cabin.

The Dome is Praktyka’s panoramic pod perched on a floating deck beneath the ancient oak tree. Offering views out over the Devon hills towards Exmoor, The Dome offers plenty of opportunities for stargazing, sunrises and sunsets for an immersive outdoors experience. Sleeping up to five guests, it’s ideal for families planning a retreat in the wilderness with a little extra comfort. The 7m diameter geodesic dome offers bags of space for living, lounging and snoozing and is filled with hand-picked furniture pieces to make the space feel special.You’ll be greeted by a sumptuous king size bed, a day bed, plus a futon sofa-cum-double bed that makes for a great wildlife-watching setup during the day and prime stargazing spot at night. Wrapped in wild gardens, you can enjoy the beauty of The Dome’s surroundings from the viewpoint of the wooden pagoda. Swing in the hammock chair, cosy up in front of the woodburner with a book from the library or enjoy an energizing hot outdoor shower, The Dome is your home.

For a quiet getaway with trendy interiors and tranquil surroundings, The Artist Barn offers family living for up to four people - perfect for a close knit trip. Design-focused, the space in the barn has been thoughtfully arranged to maximise quality family time. Enjoy bags of space and unique nooks that kids and parents alike will love. It sits in its own corner of the gardens beside the beech tree, offering endless opportunities for alfresco dining, lazing in the sun and taking in the natural world. The open plan living inside the barn feels both cosy and spacious so you can cuddle up with a book from the hand-picked library in front of the Danish woodburner or enjoy a family games night at the dining table. There’s even a hammock which is a firm favourite with the kids! The artist barn has a master bedroom with a kingsize bed and a second bedroom/study with two single beds and a large desk plus a bathroom with walk-in shower and eco toiletries.

The Cabin is the smallest of the three accommodation options but what it lacks in space, it certainly makes up for in character and design. Intended to inspire creativity and reflection, The Cabin is perfect for couples in need of a retreat from the modern world. Designed by award-winning architect Niall Maxwell, the Praktyka cabin is centred around living simply. Tucked away with a private garden, outdoor shower and wood fired bath, return to nature and watch the world go by, tuning into life’s simple pleasures. Connected to the outdoors, The Cabin offers minimalist living and is split by a diagonal curtain with bedroom on one side, living room on the other.

Eat

With all the feeling of a remote escape, you’ll still have access to all you with all the feeling of a remote escape, you’ll still have access to all you will need for a food-filled stay. The Buckland Brewer Community Shop sells local produce and plenty of essentials and is open Monday to Friday 9am - 3.30pm. Asda and Lidl are the nearest supermarkets in Bideford if you’re catering to a larger group or why not order organic vegetables and preserves to be delivered ahead of your stay from Blagdon Wharf Barn? There are plenty of great local eats for dining out too, just ask Ania and Henry for their recommendations!

The open plan kitchen in The Artist Barn is kitted out with plenty of modern appliances including an oven, grill, induction hob, dishwasher, fridge / freezer, toaster and kettle so you can cook some hearty family meals and enjoy quality time. Recently refurbished, the barn has modern kitchen comforts, underfloor heating, mid-century furniture and all your essentials.

The Cabin keeps things simple but when it comes to cooking, there’s a fully equipped kitchenette with all you will need for a mini break retreat. You’ll find a two ring induction hob, fridge, kettle, toaster, plus all your kitchen equipment like pots, cutlery, utensils etc. There’s also an outdoor firebowl and barbecue so you can enjoy late nights in the garden firing up a feast.

As for The Dome, the sheltered wooden pagoda next to the dome provides all the key facilities you might need. With a fully equipped, bespoke kitchen and an outside dining area, you can dine outdoors without missing the modern comforts you’ll find inside The Dome just a step away. There is a double induction hob, large sink, mini-fridge, kettle, toaster and plenty of storage for all the kitchen utensils, plates, pots, cutlery etc. For a touch of home, you’ll be welcomed by a selection of Pukka herbal Teas and Climpson and Son Coffee beans and coffee grinder. There’s a large firebowl and barbecue too ideal for summer trips to The Dome.

Activities

Uncover secret wild beaches, try your hand at jewellery-making or swing under the trees in a hammock, plenty of magical moments await at Praktyka in this characterful corner of Devon. Just a 15-minute drive or two hour walk along ancient footpaths to the coast, you’ll be in the rural heart of Devon with close access to striking cliff faces and surfers’ spots. Peppercombe Beach is a firm favourite nestled in a lush, ancient, wooded valley. Follow the path that weaves down to the beach and marvel at the red cliffs before exploring the cobbled pathways leading to Clovelly, a traditional fishing village. End the day at the award-winning Farmers Arms pub for some classic coastal grub.

Westward Ho is another coastal delight at Sandymere golden sands, Westward Waves runs a surf school from a horsebox so you can take to the waves no matter your ability. With awe-inspiring views and dreamy waves, it’s a great day out for the whole family. Bideford is a laid back coastal town with a rich maritime history, perfect for independent shopping. It’s got a vibrant creative scene too with galleries such as The Burton featuring exhibitions from internationally acclaimed artists.

Perched on the edge of the world, Hartland is a striking site to behold. Head on a family adventure whatever the weather to see the giant, gnarled cliffs tower over a little cove. When the wind is up, you can use the vantage point to watch the massive waves crash onto the rocks. On calmer days you can wade in for a memorable swim at high tide.

Accessibility

Not accessible.

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Location & local area

Where is it and how do you get there?

By Road

Follow the postcode EX395NA in your sat nav, this will take you to Praktyka’s neighbours ‘Bearah.’ Praktyka is the next property up the hill on the left, you will see ‘Thorne Farm’ on the gate.

By Air

The nearest airport is Exeter.

By Rail

North Devon is well connected with train lines across the country, hop off at Barnstaple station and continue by taxi.

By Sea

Plymouth Ferry Port is on the southern coast of Devon offering direct access from France.

About the owners

Ania & Henry

Listed since July 2024

We are Ania & Henry, artists and parents, who moved to this beautiful corner or the world in 2019 from East London. Ania is a jewellery designer, artist and photographer who has a studio ont he farm where she makes and runs workshsops. Henry is a geographer and event manager who loves creating spaces and experiences. We really love this wild, untouched stretch of coastline and get joy from sharing it all with our guests.