Stunning Eco-Home In Beautiful Coastal Devon
About this house rental
We completed the property in 2013 and it was purpose-built by your host Rosemary, an ex-nurse, who designed The Retreat specifically for wheelchair users. The site at Rockenhayne, Branscombe is situated in a peaceful valley on a site which has been a dwelling since the 9th Century. The Maggs' Family are the proprietors and live on-site with Star, our border collie. We are 1 mile from the main coast road the A3052 and within 10 minutes drive of local villages, towns and all amenities. We are very pet-friendly! The Retreat has been specifically designed to accommodate those with access needs and has been built using locally sourced timber and as much local craftsmanship as possible has been employed. We are fully Eco-friendly with solar-powered electricity and heat-exchange underfloor heating. We have our own Spring water supply. As much waste as possible ends up on Rosie's compost and we keep two hives of bees in our vegetable garden, so we're doing our bit! We use natural cleaning products. The Retreat comprises two bedrooms; a master bedroom with en-suite wetroom with disabled-access features, and balcony doors opening into a decked area overlooking the valley. The twin-bedded room has an en-suite shower room. Both bedrooms have plenty of built-in storage and a hairdryer. The superking master bedroom has a large limestone tiled wetroom with grab rails and extra features such as a small handbasin next to the toilet, and mirrors for those using wheelchairs. Both bathrooms have heated towel rails. There is a wall-mounted shower seat and a commode shower seat on wheels too in situ. We can hire hoists and articulating beds if required. The main living space is open-plan with a kitchen, dining area and large open-plan lounge. The entire front of the building opens up with folding doors so you can connect with the outdoors and there is a large decked area with outdoor seating for sunnier days. There is a private lawn area for dogs which is fenced in. The living area has a 32' tv with DVD player and a 30+ library of DVDs. There are books and boardgames for you to enjoy. We have free Wi-Fi connection for you to use. All areas have been designed to accommodate those in wheelchairs. The light airy space and beautiful scenery will have particular appeals to artists, and Rockenhayne itself has a very calm and healing feel about it. We have three other holiday homes on the same site if you would like to come with larger families or a group of friends.
Amenities
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Wheelchair accessible
Garden
Family friendly
Map of East Devon District
House in East Devon District
Reasons to book
People love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Great for pets
$$$$
Reviews
4.9/5.0
Outstanding(74 Reviews)
5.0
Lovely spacious and light home, extremely peaceful and relaxing - good location to explore the area.
5.0
A great property, super warm and well provided for. Tucked away and very private, which was great for our needs, being with young children (6 & 2) to have space to relax and play. Thanks for a wonderful stay (and the delicious welcome scones!).
5.0
Another wonderful stay. Feels like a such a privilege each visit. Unique contemporary lodge in a secluded woodland spot. A very special holiday experience.
5.0
We stayed for a week in October and the weather was beautiful for us.
The facilities were excellent and I must say this was the warmest house we’ve ever stayed in.
Rosemary is a good host and quickly sorted out our lack of wifi on the first day.
We were able to sit outside on the terrace for the coffee and watch the wild life. It was a slight pity that the shrubs in the garden and hedgerow were overgrown and we couldn’t see the beautiful view that the photographs advertising the Retreat had promised.
All in all we had a fabulous relaxing time.
Many thanks Rosemary.
5.0
Great location and stunning property to totally relax in. Great for our 2 Weimaraner dogs. I is 12 and not great with stairs anymore so the fact the property has been designed for wheelchair users made it perfect for him too. Lovely hot scones, cheese and fudge on arrival and beautiful cut flowers from the garden was a real treat.
5.0
Perfect property and perfect location if you want to be away from everything. The hosts proved everything needed for a relaxing break and welcomed treats. A beautiful part of Devon to visit.
5.0
A totally stunning and isolated location which brought us close to nature but not too far away from some of the beautiful seaside towns and beaches. The property was pictured a while ago before the beautiful shrubbery and plants grew up around it. The retreat was open planned and extremely spacious and the garden and decking was alot bigger than we though...our dogs totally loved it there. We were greeted by some lovley homemade scones and preserve which was a really lovley welcome.
5.0
Perfect property and location
Perfect for wheelchair users. The property is nice and spacious. The host was lovely. We would definitely recommend and will be booking again.
5.0
We had a wonderful week at The Retreat - it's absolutely beautiful and Rosemary was a brilliant host. The scones were very much appreciated! The setting was extremely relaxing and isolated, while being only ten minutes from lovely beaches and activities. The woodland walks were ideal for the dog and the accommodation is really well thought out. Wish we could have stayed longer. Thank you!
5.0
A relaxing escape
We had a wonderful week at The Retreat - it's absolutely beautiful and Rosemary was a brilliant host. The scones were very much appreciated! The setting was extremely relaxing and isolated, while being only ten minutes from lovely beaches and activities. The woodland walks were ideal for the dog and the accommodation is really well thought out. Wish we could have stayed longer. Thank you!
5.0
This is a modern, spacious but secluded property. Great views of the woods and valley made for a peaceful and enjoyable break. Local to a number of nice beaches, seaside towns and local walks. Really enjoyed our break. Would definitely recommend.
5.0
Wonderful secluded property
This is a modern, spacious but secluded property. Great views of the woods and valley made for a peaceful and enjoyable break. Local to a number of nice beaches, seaside towns and local walks. Really enjoyed our break. Would definitely recommend.
5.0
This place is really idyllic and peaceful – just what we were after. It is off the beaten track so you really feel like you are away from it all – yet it is only a few miles drive to beaches and lovely towns like Brandscombe and Beer. Walks along the Jurassic coast were stunning. We loved walking and cycling through the woods. The hosts were very welcoming and thoughtful treats were left on arrival. Even though we have no accessibility requirements, the house it brilliantly set up for anyone that does. My mum was in a wheelchair and I know she would have just loved this place. The view, the open doors to the veranda and the contained garden for the dogs – really catered for us all. Even with two teenage boys it was just the family break we all needed. Thank you very much.
5.0
Wonderful
This place is really idyllic and peaceful – just what we were after. It is off the beaten track so you really feel like you are away from it all – yet it is only a few miles drive to beaches and lovely towns like Brandscombe and Beer. Walks along the Jurassic coast were stunning. We loved walking and cycling through the woods. The hosts were very welcoming and thoughtful treats were left on arrival. Even though we have no accessibility requirements, the house it brilliantly set up for anyone that does. My mum was in a wheelchair and I know she would have just loved this place. The view, the open doors to the veranda and the contained garden for the dogs – really catered for us all. Even with two teenage boys it was just the family break we all needed. Thank you very much.
5.0
We had the most wonderful week here this Christmas. We were welcomed by Rosemary with home made scones which was a lovely touch and a gorgeous Christmas tree.
The accommodation is gorgeous, the photos don’t do it justice. It’s a secluded spot with lovely woodland walks around. There are two towns within 15 mins drive and plenty of beaches to choose from.
The wifi is a little sketchy but that’s the only niggle we had. On the plus side it forced our son off his devices and to connect more with nature which was a great thing.
Our dogs loved it as much as we did! We will be back - thanks Rosemary and Dizzy.
5.0
Amazing!
Well if you are after a tranquil idyll then this place is for you. Beautiful, unique accommodation in a secluded and peaceful spot.
Very comfortable, everything you could need and you’ll only hear birdsong for a week ….we’ve already booked a return visit.
5.0
A wonderful Christmas at the Retreat
We had the most wonderful week here this Christmas. We were welcomed by Rosemary with home made scones which was a lovely touch and a gorgeous Christmas tree.
The accommodation is gorgeous, the photos don’t do it justice. It’s a secluded spot with lovely woodland walks around. There are two towns within 15 mins drive and plenty of beaches to choose from.
The wifi is a little sketchy but that’s the only niggle we had. On the plus side it forced our son off his devices and to connect more with nature which was a great thing.
Our dogs loved it as much as we did! We will be back - thanks Rosemary and Dizzy.
5.0
We had a fantastic week in the “Retreat” very comfortable, very peaceful and a great property to stay in. The weather was fantastic and the property was a great base to enjoy and visit the local area. The towns of Beer, Sidmouth and Exmouth are particularly nice and Branscombe with the Masons Arms we’re a particular delight. Rosemary was a pleasure to meet and was very welcoming and helpful.
We would certainly consider the property again should we revisit the area.
5.0
Holiday at last
We had a fantastic week in the “Retreat” very comfortable, very peaceful and a great property to stay in. The weather was fantastic and the property was a great base to enjoy and visit the local area. The towns of Beer, Sidmouth and Exmouth are particularly nice and Branscombe with the Masons Arms we’re a particular delight. Rosemary was a pleasure to meet and was very welcoming and helpful.
We would certainly consider the property again should we revisit the area.
4.0
This is a lovely house in complete isolation and privacy with just the woodland (and owls) for company. We loved it and came home rested and relaxed. The house has generally good facilities, but could do with a little refurb to make it great. The kitchen worktop has degraded to make it perpetually “sticky”, there could be more lighting for reading in the evening, the towels need renewing and the decking needs stripping back and re-treating. None of these small things had a big impact, just worth addressing. We had a wonderful time. The Retreat is just that, a lovely place to go to recharge your batteries.
5.0
To be honest, the pictures are out of date. The house and the location are far better. Greenery (trees, established bushes, wonderful grassy garden - perfect for football or frisbee) are now mature. The location is at tree level, so we watched soaring buzzards and swifts. The house was immaculate, spacious and delightful. It is in the depths of the forest, no sounds from passing traffic - a true delight. The nearest supermarket is just 10 mins away and the nearest beach (Branscombe) is even less. We truly loved the location, from swimming in the sea, walking the cliffs, eating (at Branscombe - great, relaxed cafe), seafood from Beer. Rosemary was a wonderful, inclusive host, turning up with warm scones on the first day was a hit. Literally couldn't recommend this place high enough. We were all sad to leave.
4.0
Stunning location - totally relaxed now !!
This is a lovely house in complete isolation and privacy with just the woodland (and owls) for company. We loved it and came home rested and relaxed. The house has generally good facilities, but could do with a little refurb to make it great. The kitchen worktop has degraded to make it perpetually “sticky”, there could be more lighting for reading in the evening, the towels need renewing and the decking needs stripping back and re-treating. None of these small things had a big impact, just worth addressing. We had a wonderful time. The Retreat is just that, a lovely place to go to recharge your batteries.
5.0
Stunning Accommodation
To be honest, the pictures are out of date. The house and the location are far better. Greenery (trees, established bushes, wonderful grassy garden - perfect for football or frisbee) are now mature. The location is at tree level, so we watched soaring buzzards and swifts. The house was immaculate, spacious and delightful. It is in the depths of the forest, no sounds from passing traffic - a true delight. The nearest supermarket is just 10 mins away and the nearest beach (Branscombe) is even less. We truly loved the location, from swimming in the sea, walking the cliffs, eating (at Branscombe - great, relaxed cafe), seafood from Beer. Rosemary was a wonderful, inclusive host, turning up with warm scones on the first day was a hit. Literally couldn't recommend this place high enough. We were all sad to leave.
5.0
Named 'The Retreat' for a very good reason. Nestled in beautiful surroundings with stunning views, the Retreat is in a lovely location, close to some lovely villages - Beer and Branscombe.
All amenities you need, modern decor, tastefully done.
Rosemary, our host was wonderful and very friendly.
5.0
Truly is a retreat
Named 'The Retreat' for a very good reason. Nestled in beautiful surroundings with stunning views, the Retreat is in a lovely location, close to some lovely villages - Beer and Branscombe.
All amenities you need, modern decor, tastefully done.
Rosemary, our host was wonderful and very friendly.
5.0
This was my third visit to The Retreat and it didn’t disappoint. As a wheelchair user, this property is extremely accessible without loosing any of its fabulous charm. With views and a setting to die for I’d highly recommend a stay.
5.0
A fabulous holiday property
This was my third visit to The Retreat and it didn’t disappoint. As a wheelchair user, this property is extremely accessible without loosing any of its fabulous charm. With views and a setting to die for I’d highly recommend a stay.
5.0
Brilliant
4.0
This was a long awaited holiday rebooked from 2020. We missed the original dry hot weather and ended up with a week of rain (except for one day).
It was just as well we took plenty of books to read and we made the most of the delightful woodland views from the many windows.
The Retreat served us well as an accessible property for my husband with MS. Indoors he used a rollator to walk around and the wheelchair was kept in the car for outdoor use.
We shared a couple of negative points with the owner Rosemary which may be of benefit to future users.
It was difficult to read in the evenings as the lights were not bright enough in the lounge or bedroom.
The bathroom tiled floor and wooden shower flooring needed to be upgraded to non- slip flooring.
My husband found it difficult to get up from the armchairs provided and we had to add extra cushions to get more height. The long sofa unit was unused by both of us as it was too low and too soft.
We enjoyed the peaceful surroundings very much. The long track down to The Retreat is mentioned in most reviews so it came as no surprise. There is a distinct division where the lane has had more upkeep - from the half with horrendous potholes and uneven terrain. This definitely needs to be sorted as it does make you think twice about the trips out and any return visits.
5.0
Lovely house with stunning views , great location
Brilliant
4.0
Our first post Covid holiday
This was a long awaited holiday rebooked from 2020. We missed the original dry hot weather and ended up with a week of rain (except for one day).
It was just as well we took plenty of books to read and we made the most of the delightful woodland views from the many windows.
The Retreat served us well as an accessible property for my husband with MS. Indoors he used a rollator to walk around and the wheelchair was kept in the car for outdoor use.
We shared a couple of negative points with the owner Rosemary which may be of benefit to future users.
It was difficult to read in the evenings as the lights were not bright enough in the lounge or bedroom.
The bathroom tiled floor and wooden shower flooring needed to be upgraded to non- slip flooring.
My husband found it difficult to get up from the armchairs provided and we had to add extra cushions to get more height. The long sofa unit was unused by both of us as it was too low and too soft.
We enjoyed the peaceful surroundings very much. The long track down to The Retreat is mentioned in most reviews so it came as no surprise. There is a distinct division where the lane has had more upkeep - from the half with horrendous potholes and uneven terrain. This definitely needs to be sorted as it does make you think twice about the trips out and any return visits.
5.0
This property has been designed from the outset with people with disabilities in mind. My wife is confined to a wheelchair so it is really important that there is level access throughout and a good roll- in shower room. There is lots of space in the master bedroom which also makes transfers easy, even if using equipment.
This property ticks these boxes without in anyway feeling institutional, infact I think the able bodied could stay without being aware that it has been converted.
The location is spectacular, a real get away from everything spot, but also just a short car drive from local beaches.
5.0
Lovely property in great setting and near all local towns walks and beaches
5.0
Great property, shame about the weather - but what can you expect for the first week of May
This property has been designed from the outset with people with disabilities in mind. My wife is confined to a wheelchair so it is really important that there is level access throughout and a good roll- in shower room. There is lots of space in the master bedroom which also makes transfers easy, even if using equipment.
This property ticks these boxes without in anyway feeling institutional, infact I think the able bodied could stay without being aware that it has been converted.
The location is spectacular, a real get away from everything spot, but also just a short car drive from local beaches.
5.0
outstanding prperty
Lovely property in great setting and near all local towns walks and beaches
5.0
Despite pretty appalling weather we had a very relaxing time. The property is a wonderful place to get away from the stresses of every day life, situated in a lovely wooded valley well away from traffic and all other distractions. A very well presented and clean house.
5.0
An idyllic place far from crowds
Despite pretty appalling weather we had a very relaxing time. The property is a wonderful place to get away from the stresses of every day life, situated in a lovely wooded valley well away from traffic and all other distractions. A very well presented and clean house.
5.0
Such a lovely setting. The Lodge is well appointed and very comfortable.
5.0
Beautiful.
Such a lovely setting. The Lodge is well appointed and very comfortable.
5.0
A return visit. Quiet setting in woodlands. Bumpy road to the property. If you want quiet with a warm welcome, it's for you.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in East Devon District?
The average price for a rental in East Devon District is $163 per night. This rental is $36 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Stunning Eco-Home In Beautiful Coastal Devon. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Stunning Eco-Home In Beautiful Coastal Devon pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Stunning Eco-Home In Beautiful Coastal Devon?
We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and laundry.
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