Excited for our weekend ahead, we drove through winding country roads towards our dreamy home for the weekend, Bluebell. Nestled in the picturesque Devonshire countryside, we arrived to a warm welcome and a thoughtfully curated hamper, complete with delicious local treats from refreshing cider to tasty fudge — a lovely touch that set the tone for the weekend...
The sun was still shining, so we poured a glass of cider and stepped outside to take in the sweeping views across the fields, dotted with grazing sheep and bleating lambs. We sank in the soothing scenes, relishing every moment in our tranquil paradise.
Inside, the cottage was a delight — beautifully finished with a soft, rustic elegance. It was clear that no detail had been overlooked in the curation of this dreamy retreat. The second bedroom made a handy dressing space for stowing away our luggage too.
The dreamiest setting for our evening supper, we retreated outdoors for an alfresco feast of freshly baked pizzas accompanied by crisp glasses of wine, prepared on Bluebell’s Ooni pizza oven – a wonderful addition to this enchanting space. We watched the skies turn from blue to dusky pink, softly lit by the festoon lighting to add a touch of magic to our romantic retreat.
As night fell, we curled up on the sumptuous sofa to watch a nostalgic rom com, before heading to bed to sleep soundly in blissful comfort.
We woke to a chorus of birdsong and the soft light of the countryside pouring through the windows. After a slow morning with freshly brewed coffees in the comfort of cloud-soft linens, we set off for Riverford Field Kitchen Café — a must-visit, but definitely one to book in advance. Their four-course vegetarian set menu was full of flavour and imagination, served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. We rounded off the visit with a stroll through their abundant garden, filled with edible plants, fragrant herbs, and colourful blooms.
In the afternoon, we explored Mamhead Woods, which offers walking routes to suit all paces — from gentle woodland paths to more adventurous trails. We even glimpsed the River Exe shimmering through the trees, and were greeted by plenty of friendly dogs en route. It’s the perfect spot if you’re bringing a four-legged friend along.
After a leisurely stroll, we visited the elegant Killerton House, once home to the Acland family. An estate now managed by the National Trust, we explored the breathtaking Georgian home, soaking up its beauty, from its wood-panelled walls to the intricate ceiling details above. We loved experiencing Killterton’s current exhibition, Unflappable, which showcased an array of chic and dazzling fashion creations from the 1920s. Outside, the walled garden was in full bloom, and the parkland beyond invited long, leafy wanders.
With the sun still shining, we stopped at The Traveller's Rest pub for a refreshing drink in their sunny beer garden before retreating to Bluebell, our beautiful home for the weekend.
Following an adventure-filled afternoon, we returned to our luxury retreat for an evening of relaxation. We enjoyed a crisp glass of wine at dusk, watching marshmallow clouds paint the pastel-hued skies, before savouring a dip in the hot tub beneath the stars – the perfect end to a beautiful day.
We enjoyed a slow-paced Sunday morning, relishing every moment of our lingering lie in. We prepared fresh, buttery pastries to savour with our first morning brew, before deciding what to do for our last day in paradise.
Wanting to soak up our idyllic surroundings, after breakfast, we wandered down the garden paths to the peaceful meadow, watching lambs running playfully in the field beyond as we enjoyed our stroll.
Later that morning, we gathered some art supplies and set ourselves up on the wooden platform overlooking the valley. Surrounded by nature, we painted, whittled, and let the hours drift by.
We relished every moment of our sun-soaked afternoon, indulging in a slice of Bakewell tart amidst the breathtaking scenery.
We took a gentle stroll into the village, visiting the 12th century church, which boasted the most beautiful panoramic views across the patchwork fields beyond.
Upon our return to Bluebell, we enjoyed a game of tennis on the retreat’s court before heading inside for our final evening of relaxation.
We spent the evening relaxing by the fire, enjoying indulgent treats with a glass of sparkle. As the fire crackled, we reminisced over our favourite moments of the weekend, feeling totally relaxed after our perfect weekend in the blissful Devonshire countryside.
Our super king bed lured us for a dreamlike slumber for one final night, and we embraced the tranquillity of our peaceful surroundings before falling asleep to the sound of an owl hooting in the distance.
After the most magical weekend, we bid farewell to our little piece of paradise, wishing our time at Bluebell could be everlasting. Our weekend escape truly delivered on charm, comfort and calm, where we slowed down, switched off and reconnected with nature.
Feeling inspired? Uncover your own magical memories at Bluebell here.
