Dragonfly Lodge, Bideford Near Woolfardisworthy

Devon. Sleeps up to 5

Woolfardisworthy 2.6 miles. Nestled in a remote location within Forest Lakes, Devon, Dragonfly Lodge sits on a secluded and partially wooded plot of nearly an acre, commanding panoramic southern views over a lake to the valley and hills beyond. Sitting on the deck allows you to enjoy the silence and the fantastic local wildlife, with deer, wildfowl, owls, and dragonflies all close by, and there is a resident pair of buzzards circling over the valley. At night, the total lack of light pollution allows for dark skies and wonderful stargazing. Dragonfly Lodge is built in a Scandavian style, with a large open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting area. It makes the most of the amazing views, the large plot, and the southern aspect, with large floor-to-ceiling windows. Up to five guests can be accommodated, with a super-king zip-and-link bedroom, a king-size, and a single, along with two large bathrooms; there is an impressive split-level walk-in shower in one and a bath in the other. Entertaining is easy thanks to the well-appointed kitchen, which includes a ceramic hob, oven and microwave, as well as separate fridge and freezer, and an espresso coffee maker. The large dining table seats eight, but the main draw is the fantastic deck outside the main living area: this provides a fantastic place to sit in peace and either eat or enjoy a relaxing drink, or simply soak up the view; in sunny weather you may be grateful for the parasol! The flexible living area boasts a TV with Freeview and DVD player (and a selection of DVDs), a Nintendo Wii (with games) and a CD player; there is 4G WiFi, but the remote location makes the connection intermittent, so please don’t rely on it! If you can tear yourself away from this serene location, venture to nearby Clovelly where you can discover the historic fishing village with its steep cobbled and car-free main street, or tour Clovelly Court Gardens. Bucks Mills is also nearby with free parking and access to a rugged coast with a pebble beach and waterfall. Woolfardisworthy is a short drive away and has impressive amenities, including a well-stocked shop with local produce, a superb fish and chip shop, a fresh milk station (direct from the local dairy herd), as well as probably the best pub/restaurant in north Devon; Sunday lunch here is a must. This part of north Devon is beautiful; the South-West Coastal Path is easily accessible, with Hartland Point and the rocky north coast providing breath-taking scenery. To the west lie the famous surfing beaches of Bude, and Sandymouth Bay. Not much further afield, visit Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall, Welcombe Mouth Beach and Hawker’s Hut, the former 19th century refuge of poet Reverend Robert Hawker. Tamar Lakes, a haven for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts, is within easy reach. The picturesque town of Appledore is reachable by car, with fantastic pubs and live music available, and Bideford is a similar distance, hosting the North Devon Maritime Museum, art gallery and numerous restaurants and shops. Boat trips are available from the town, both up the River Torridge and for the more adventurous to Ilfracombe and Lundy Island. Whisk your loved ones away to Dragonfly Lodge for a relaxing and memorable holiday in Devon.