Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="625" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-1000x625.jpg" alt="Starling Treehouse ar Nymetwood Treehouses, Devon" class="wp-image-65869" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-1000x625.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-800x500.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-768x480.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A Muddy Award-winning Best Boutique Stay 2024, that’s what, nestled in 20 acres of pristine woodland in the sleeping heart of mid-Devon. There are two treehouses, Starling and Blackbird &#8211; well, strictly they&#8217;re cabins as they&#8217;re built on stilts rather than in the branches. The pair are practically identical, except Blackcap has views of Dartmoor, while Starling (where we stayed) is more private when the leaves drop in winter, as it backs onto a woodland copse.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-3.jpeg" alt="Nymetwood Treehouses" class="wp-image-65872" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-3.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-3-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-3-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-3-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Nymetwood is owned by ex-Londoners Cherie and James, who live on site in an old farmhouse with their two kids and a bouncy black lab. Their dream was to create the kind of natural, magical escape they craved themselves where couples could arrive and instantly defrazzle. They&#8217;re around if you need them, but for those who prefer to remain anonymous, you can come and go without seeing a soul.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-2.jpeg" alt="Nymetwood Treehouses" class="wp-image-65871" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-2.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-2-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-2-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-2-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Peaceful, secluded and very Scandi. James is a documentary film-maker who took his design inspo from the Icelandic cabins he saw on location, and employed a local craftsman, Emmanuel Hendry, to meticulously build Starling and Blackcap from scratch using native from larch, oak and beech.  </p>



<p>Starling is accessed via a raised walkway &#8211; all lit up with twinkly lights should you arrive late post-work. Arrive by day if you can though for the wow moment – double height floor-to-ceiling windows which make wallpaper of the trees and glorious autumn colour. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-1.jpeg" alt="Nymetwood Treehouses" class="wp-image-65877" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-1.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-1-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-1-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-1-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s open-plan with a small hall which opens into a stylish charcoal-black kitchen and living space with a moss-coloured sofa facing the windows and a topnotch wood stove. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-deck.jpeg" alt="Nymetwood Treehouses" class="wp-image-65876" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-deck.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-deck-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-deck-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-deck-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Peel back the glass doors and you step out onto a wooden deck with a table for al fresco coffee, and a copper tub. There&#8217;s nothing so decompressing as steaming in an outdoor bath with just hooting owls and the stars rolling across the sky for company. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-1.jpeg" alt="Nymetwood Treehouses" class="wp-image-65870" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-1.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-1-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-1-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-1-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Architecturally, it’s clean lines and clutter-free, made cosy with sheepskin throws, the scent of Neom and Purdy &amp; Figg diffusers and the crackle of the fire.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-6.jpeg" alt="Nymetwood Treehouses" class="wp-image-65874" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-6.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-6-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-6-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-6-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The modern bathroom is glass-clad too (adding a certain frisson to shower time), but then there’s no-one around to notice except the birds and the bees.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4121-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71560" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4121-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4121-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4121-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4121.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s unusual to have this level of quiet solitude: a place to get lost and find yourself again. Playing Scrabble, reading the hygge-inspired books on the shelves or just watching the tree-creepers pecking among the tree branches. But when you&#8217;ve done with the gratitude, there&#8217;s always the Sonos speaker and Smart TV. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-bed.jpeg" alt="Nymetwood Treehouses" class="wp-image-65875" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-bed.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-bed-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-bed-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/blackcap-bed-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Your super kingsize bed is upstairs on the open-plan mezzanine where you can lie, wrapped in Bedfolk linen, enjoying the leaf canopy, the stars overhead and (ooh naughty) each other. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4118.jpg" alt="morning at Nymetwood Treehouses " class="wp-image-71562" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4118.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4118-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4118-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4118-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I was so ridiculously excited about waking up in a treehouse, I even remembered to bring my yoga mat for a morning salutation to the sun &#8211; with the actual <em>sun</em> for company! Sitting there in a complimentary waffle robe with a good coffee, watching the leaves wafting slowly one by one to the woodland floor. It’s enough to inspire you to haiku. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4115.jpg" alt="Two River Dairy milk " class="wp-image-71572" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4115.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4115-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4115-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4115-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Come stocked up because the shops are a schlep away &#8211; and don’t forget the first night booze! The welcome pack sets you up with a gold-capped bottle of milk (yes <em>bottle!</em>) from the local <a href="https://tworiverdairy.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Two River Dairy</a>, a squishy seedy loaf in a brown paper bag, Willie&#8217;s Cacao chocolate and Luscombe bubblies &#8211; a well-curated cross-section of all the best quality Devon brands.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="681" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/07/Duck_Main_Bar_Corner_1.jpg" alt="Duck at Yeoford" class="wp-image-17086" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/07/Duck_Main_Bar_Corner_1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/07/Duck_Main_Bar_Corner_1-300x204.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/07/Duck_Main_Bar_Corner_1-768x523.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/07/Duck_Main_Bar_Corner_1-720x490.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s a kitted out kitchen with oven, hob, dishwasher and fridge-freezer, and lovely handmade Nkuku crockery. Alternatively, or you can swerve the cooking and drive for food at some excellent local pubs, including your closest the Muddy-approved <a href="https://www.theduckatyeoford.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duck at Yeoford</a> (above), The Tom Cobley Tavern, <a href="https://www.thechagfordinn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Chagford Inn</a> (well worth the trip and the town is a delight) or the cosy Lamb Inn at Sandford &#8211; all helpfully signposted for you in an info folder listing local day trips and under 10 miles away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-3-1000x667.jpeg" alt="Nymetwood Treehouses Devon" class="wp-image-65878" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-3-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-3-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-3-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/starling-3.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>if you’re only here for a burnout break, you’ll struggle to leave the fireside (there&#8217;s also a fire pit for toasting marshmallows up the path). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/04/catkin-blooms.jpg" alt="Catkin Blooms" class="wp-image-65155" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/04/catkin-blooms.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/04/catkin-blooms-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/04/catkin-blooms-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/04/catkin-blooms-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/04/catkin-blooms-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I wanted to see <a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/cafes/catkin-blooms-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Catkin Blooms</a>, a gorgeous Muddy Award-winning florist and café which has set up in an old garage at Winkleigh, serving local coffee, cakes and light bites.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/old-school-tearoom-belstone.jpg" alt="Belstone" class="wp-image-50392" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/old-school-tearoom-belstone.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/old-school-tearoom-belstone-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/old-school-tearoom-belstone-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/old-school-tearoom-belstone-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Or you could have a wild swim and a stomp at Shilley Pool on Dartmoor; take a traditional Devon cream tea at the sleepy Dartmoor village of Belstone, or a walk in an ancient moss-covered woodland at Wistman&#8217;s Wood. For shopping there’s Okehampton, Crediton or Exeter 40 minutes or so down the A30. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Not on your nelly! Kids would ruin the vibe. Pack them off to the in-laws and don&#8217;t look back.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>Not this one &#8211; you need to be pretty steady on your pins to manage the stairs up and down to that lovely eyrie of a bedroom.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s a &#8216;no dogs&#8217; policy to protect the woodland wildlife which includes deer, squirrels, any lots of birdlife, including goshawks.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4165.jpg" alt="Nymetwood Treehouses " class="wp-image-71565" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4165.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4165-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4165-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/IMG_4165-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Take me <em>baaaaack</em>! Here walks the talk of the wellbeing books on the shelves. It smells, looks and feels amazing &#8211; it&#8217;s sexy on stilts.</p>



<p><strong>Good for</strong>: any time of year, cosy in winter or outdoorsy in summer; lovers and honeymooners; a burnout break; distraction-free work time in the woods (just think &#8211; you could write your book here) and there’s excellent broadband; girlfriends or mums and daughters who’re very close and don’t mind sharing the bed (it&#8217;s huge enough); wellness breaks with salutation to the sun on the deck, walks and outdoor bath times; a Nature-lovers&#8217; base for exploring Dartmoor.</p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: the carless &#8211; you need transport here; family or big groups, although you could come with another couple by hiring out Blackcap; if you never recovered from <em>The Blair Witch Project</em>; city distractions.</p>



<p><strong>The damage</strong>: a very reasonable from £250 per night, minimum two nights.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>How about this for a festive treat? Nymetwood Treehouse is currently offering 10% off 2025 stays for Muddy Devon readers &#8211; perfect for those who like to plan ahead!  <em>Use code MUDDY10 to save 10% on any 2025 stay when you book by 31 December 2024</em></strong>.</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/cafes/catkin-blooms-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nymetwood Treehouses</a>, Nymet Wood, Thorne Ln, Spreyton, Crediton EX17 5AA</em></strong></p>


Review: Nymetwood Treehouses, Spreyton

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