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="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/4.-Gardens-with-view-to-dome-1000x667.jpg" alt="Praktyka, Buckland Brewer near Bideford" class="wp-image-73981" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/4.-Gardens-with-view-to-dome-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/4.-Gardens-with-view-to-dome-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/4.-Gardens-with-view-to-dome-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/4.-Gardens-with-view-to-dome.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.praktyka.co.uk/stay" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Praktyka</a> is an architecturally designed eco retreat at Buckland Brewer, close to the lesser travelled North Devon coast, close to the spectacular Hartland coastline. Owned by ex-Londoners, Henry, a geographer, and former lifestyle photographer Ania, the pair combined their knowledge of the environment and art to design and build a naturally-inspired space for some creative downtime.</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/14/2025/04/cabin_north_devon_westward_ho_eco_retreat_20.jpeg" alt="Cabin at Praktyka " class="wp-image-75189" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/cabin_north_devon_westward_ho_eco_retreat_20.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/cabin_north_devon_westward_ho_eco_retreat_20-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/cabin_north_devon_westward_ho_eco_retreat_20-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/cabin_north_devon_westward_ho_eco_retreat_20-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>With the help of an award-winning practice, Rural Office for Architecture, they have created three very different stays in four rural acres, including an artistic two-bed barn (where Muddy stayed), a geodesic dome and a Shaker-inspired cabin which is currently let out as an artist&#8217;s retreat, along with a communal kitchen for gatherings. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1335" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/Praktyka_Lost_Wax_Jewellery_Workshops_10.jpg" alt="Ania's workshop at Praktyka Buckland Brewer " class="wp-image-75196" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/Praktyka_Lost_Wax_Jewellery_Workshops_10.jpg 1335w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/Praktyka_Lost_Wax_Jewellery_Workshops_10-534x800.jpg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/Praktyka_Lost_Wax_Jewellery_Workshops_10-668x1000.jpg 668w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/Praktyka_Lost_Wax_Jewellery_Workshops_10-768x1151.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/Praktyka_Lost_Wax_Jewellery_Workshops_10-1025x1536.jpg 1025w" sizes="(max-width: 1335px) 100vw, 1335px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s also <a href="https://www.aniajewellery.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ania&#8217;s workshop</a>, where guests can learn how to work silver into beautiful jewellery and wedding rings, and also the family home which the pair share with their young son.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="667" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/spring_north_devon_glamping_cabin_praktyka_holiday_098A0930-667x1000.jpeg" alt="The Barn at Praktyka " class="wp-image-75188" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/spring_north_devon_glamping_cabin_praktyka_holiday_098A0930-667x1000.jpeg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/spring_north_devon_glamping_cabin_praktyka_holiday_098A0930-533x800.jpeg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/spring_north_devon_glamping_cabin_praktyka_holiday_098A0930-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/spring_north_devon_glamping_cabin_praktyka_holiday_098A0930-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/spring_north_devon_glamping_cabin_praktyka_holiday_098A0930-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/spring_north_devon_glamping_cabin_praktyka_holiday_098A0930.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></figure>



<p>Rural, soulful and creative. The re-wilded grounds, which are planted with Piet Oudolf-style perennial meadows, are aimed at nature-starved urban types who want to rediscover the simple joys of snoozing in a hammock, stopping to smell the roses and topping up your mojo in nature.</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="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/2.-Barn-living-room.jpg" alt="Praktyka, Buckland Brewer near Bideford" class="wp-image-73989" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/2.-Barn-living-room.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/2.-Barn-living-room-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/2.-Barn-living-room-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/2.-Barn-living-room-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Muddy stayed in the two-bed barn which sleeps up to four and was recently listed in&nbsp;<em>The Times’</em>&nbsp; Top 10 Holiday Cottages in the UK. It features an open-plan kitchen and living area, furnished with stylish mid-century furniture, a covetable hammock seat and a Danish wood-burner. The two bedrooms sit either end of a corridor, with a beautifully tiled bathroom and large walk-in shower between. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/3.-Barn-Bedroom-1.jpg" alt="Praktyka, Buckland Brewer near Bideford" class="wp-image-73990" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/3.-Barn-Bedroom-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/3.-Barn-Bedroom-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/3.-Barn-Bedroom-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/3.-Barn-Bedroom-1-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The walls and shelves are painted in rich, earthy colours, while the furnishings are Shaker-level functional and beautiful. As you&#8217;d expect from someone who used to make a living photographing shoots for the likes of <em>Wallpaper</em> magazine, everything is beautifully composed, just like a gallery postcard. The trappings are quality for beauty <em>and</em> comfort&#8217;s sake: restful teal linen on the Kingsize bed covers, jewel-green velvet on the sofa, and underfloor heating underfoot.  </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/14/2025/04/IMG_6269.jpg" alt="brown eggs in a box" class="wp-image-75181" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/IMG_6269.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/IMG_6269-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/IMG_6269-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/IMG_6269-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The kitchen is well-kitted out, with an oven, grill, induction hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, toaster and kettle. We arrived to fresh flowers and a box of brown eggs on the kitchen table from the farm down the road, milk in the fridge and a few basics. If you like cooking, it would be a lovely place to spend time pottering and baking enjoying kitchen window views out over the fields.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="533" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/farmersarms-1.jpg" alt="Farmers Arms Woolsery" class="wp-image-70336" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/farmersarms-1.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/farmersarms-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



<p>My must-do recommendation would be to spend one night of your stay having a meal at the <a href="https://woolsery.com/thecollective/the-farmers-arms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmers Arms</a> in Woolsery (above), because the food is excellent, being part of the Michelin Key stay, The Collective at Woolsery. There are few local shops, so be organised and buy a veg box or book ahead, especially for the early end of the week when few pubs are open.</p>



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



<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/14/2023/04/hartland.jpg" alt="Hartland coast " class="wp-image-55609" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/04/hartland.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/04/hartland-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/04/hartland-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/04/hartland-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Here&#8217;s a place to enjoy walks in the hedgerows and along the South West Coast path. Hartland&#8217;s geologically bonkers cliffs are incredible, as are the sunsets over the sea. On calm days, you can swim off the beach here, then stop for a pint or a coffee in the <a href="https://hartlandquayhotel.co.uk/eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wrecker&#8217;s Retreat</a> and have a mooch in the museum, which is devoted to maritime tales of this treacherous shipwreck coast. </p>



<p>Henry has just put together a really useful guide to secret day trips in North Devon. <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6048c9d27335f429c4899183/t/65f417201da7fa4ed336fee4/1710495661719/NW_Devon_Guide_Things_to_do_in_devon.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Take a look</a> &#8211; it&#8217;s sure to whet your appetite for a trip.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anything-else">ANYTHING ELSE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/6.-Ania-in-her-studio.jpg" alt="Praktyka, Buckland Brewer near Bideford" class="wp-image-73984" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/6.-Ania-in-her-studio.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/6.-Ania-in-her-studio-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/6.-Ania-in-her-studio-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/6.-Ania-in-her-studio-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You can also book a one-to-one three-hour <a href="https://www.praktyka.co.uk/making" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">workshop</a> learning the art of lost wax <a href="https://www.aniajewellery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jewellery with Ania</a>, which I&#8217;d highly recommend and not just for the bespoke silver ring which results. Ania&#8217;s studio is a wonderfully restful place to be, and comes with very good coffee and her homemade brownies.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/IMG_6797.jpg" alt="lost wax ring made at Ania Jewellery Praktyka " class="wp-image-75185" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/IMG_6797.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/IMG_6797-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/IMG_6797-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/IMG_6797-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ania sends the carved wax ring you make to be cast in silver and it arrives in the post a few weeks later</figcaption></figure>



<p>Originally from Poland, Ania is well travelled, is happy to talk about her interesting career as a photographer and makes a kind, patient teacher. Afterwards, she gave me an impromptu tour around the gardens which are clearly close to her heart, so you might pick up some rewilding tips while you&#8217;re there too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID-FRIENDLY?</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/14/2025/02/5.-Dome-Interior.jpg" alt="Praktyka, Buckland Brewer near Bideford" class="wp-image-73983" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/5.-Dome-Interior.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/5.-Dome-Interior-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/5.-Dome-Interior-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/5.-Dome-Interior-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Yes, although you might have to stop them fighting over that hammock! There are books and family board games to play, and the gardens feel safe and secure. There&#8217;s wifi and opportunity for active day trips, including roller-coastering at The Big Sheep theme park, and wake-boarding at North Devon Wake Park. Alternatively, a stay in the dome would be great fun with young kids.</p>



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



<p>Sadly not, it&#8217;s a small site and they have their own pet cat who lives here.</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="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/1.-Barn.jpg" alt="Praktyka, Buckland Brewer near Bideford" class="wp-image-73991" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/1.-Barn.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/1.-Barn-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/1.-Barn-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/1.-Barn-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Sometimes, you just need to go away to find yourself and Praktyka is that place.</p>



<p><strong>Good for</strong>: creative downtime; a comfortable base for exploring a still relatively undiscovered part of Devon; shaking off your cares and learning something new; couples wanting to make their wedding rings together; surfers, walkers, swimmers, plus artists and authors seeking their muse.</p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: non-drivers, you really need a car; screen time, there&#8217;s no TV.</p>



<p><strong>The damage</strong>: prices start at £150 per night for a Barn stay; a three-hour one-to-one jewellery workshop with Ania is £150pp, plus the cost of silver casting and postage. </p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.praktyka.co.uk/stay" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Praktyka</a>, Thorne Farm, Buckland Brewer, Bideford EX39 5NA; Email info@praktyka.co.uk</em></strong></p>


Stay review: The Barn at Praktyka, Buckland Brewer

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