Move over Salcombe! A tiny village is Devon’s new go-to for those in the know. Why? The Collective at Woolsery. Here’s become an unexpected hub of urban-meets-countryside hospitality, and like Padstow and Poundsbury before it, one couple’s vision has put Woolsery (or more correctly Woolfardisworthy) on the Muddy map: tech millionaire Michael Birch and wife Xochi.

Having rescued the village pub, The Farmers Arms, from dereliction, the pair made Woolsery’s flagging village centre their passion project. With the help of local craftsmen and a topnotch design studio, they’ve created a super-stylish restaurant, a vintage-style store and post office, a chippy and some utterly drool-worthy stays.

The Farmers Arms’ has a huge local following, thanks to the head chef’s farm to fork menu. Seasonal dishes include locally foraged ingredients, along with crops and rare breed meat from their own 150-acre Birch Farm which you can visit for a bucolic tour. The food alone is worth the trip – just ask MICHELIN, The Good Food Guide, The Times and Trencherman’s.

In 2023, they revealed a collection of plush stays: three stunning cottages and the Shop Rooms, comprising four boutique rooms and suites. All are sensitively restored in contemporary, heritage style – some with landscaped gardens or private balconies which overlook the quaint rooftops and church spire. The distinctive cottages sleep up to eight people, including the former smithy (perfect for two), and are just a stone’s throw from the pub. All make the perfect base, whether you fancy a romantic, gastronomic stay for two or a family-friendly holiday cottage close to stunning beaches.

Fresh, new and very exciting – the countryside at its cosmopolitan best. Devon’s top eateries and hotels will be looking to their laurels.