A Fairytale Retreat to Apple Blossom House

Unspoilt realms of Arcadian tranquillity drew us towards Apple Blossom House, a wildly romantic country retreat in the heart of mid-Devon. A 17th-century farmhouse ensconced in six hectares of rewilded grounds, this heavenly homestay for six and its adjoining retreat for two, The Gallery, were to welcome us for a glorious long weekend...

Hedgerows garlanded with spring blooms and fields carpeted in canary-yellow buds passed by as we made our way closer to Apple Blossom House in Cheriton Fitzpaine. Our drive was leisurely, and as we arrived, sentinels in the form of ethereal willows and a regal buzzard greeted us in fairytale fashion.

It was early April and lustrous rays of early spring sunshine baked the driveway and gilded the painted cob walls and surrounding trees in golden hour shades. Beautiful in the early evening light was the welcoming façade with its characterful slate roof and gable ends. With origins dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, this darling abode is immersed in history and has an immediately captivating appeal that invited us to be a part of its story.

Stepping inside, the sense of wonder and calm only increased as we took in the luxurious living spaces downstairs. Residing on the ground floor, a sumptuous living area with Loaf sofas and a handcrafted coffee table beckoned with a wood burning stove – laid in a pyramid of kindling and logs ready to cast a cosy glow. Heritage details wove seamlessly into the room’s contemporary curation, including original beams carved and notched by time.

Segueing from the living room, the kitchen painted a picture of quintessential English country cottage romance, infused with French farmhouse aesthetics. At the centre, a large wood table with seating for six proposed delicious repasts and was topped by generous offerings, such as fresh bread, eggs, and a selection of Sandford Orchard ciders. The latter was a particular treat, with some of the apples from Apple Blossom House’s own orchards used to brew these craft beverages.

Upstairs, three gorgeous bedrooms awaited with irresistibly cosy beds topped in the finest linens. In the master suite, a stunning beam still featured the smoothed, rounded head of a nail once used in the building’s original cider press. Completing the picture were the master bedroom’s ensuite bathroom and a beautiful family bathroom in blush tones with a rolltop bath.

Having acquainted ourselves with the retreat and placed our bags in our respective rooms, it was time to explore the grounds accompanied by our canine companions. Situated within an idyllic valley setting, Apple Blossom House enjoys its own pocket of paradise in land organically farmed and naturally preserved for nearly 30 years.

Reached from the doorstep, over a mile of maintained grassy pathways lead pursuers of nature through 15 acres of land. From glassy ponds and wetland to wildflower meadows and verdant coppices, the natural tapestry encourages slow moments in the embrace of wilderness. Sightings of a rich array of flora and fauna promise to captivate, including diverse birdlife from tiny wrens to woodpeckers and birds of prey.

Returning to Apple Blossom House over a fairytale footbridge and crystalline stream, we settled in for a night of homecooked fare and relaxation in front of the fire. Before long, curtains were closed to a canopy of countless stars and sleep came easy between the softest sheets.

With the start of a new day in our rural sanctuary, the call of another walk around the grounds shrugged off sleep and tempted us outside in the bright morning sunshine. Framed like a timeless portrait of English rusticity, the endless vistas of country verdure made for an enchanting backdrop as paths twisted past fruit trees and ancient oaks.

As late morning rolled around, we redirected our footsteps towards Thornes Farm Shop. Just a short walk from the doorstep of Apple Blossom House, this local farm shop and café is an idyllic place to source the freshest fruit and vegetables. In season, you can also enjoy the farm’s ‘pick your own’ opportunities to pluck plump berries, currants and beans, such as strawberries, blackcurrants and tayberries.

Upon arrival, we explored the many shelves and displays of local and artisan produce, from plastic-free refill stations to local meats and cheeses. As appetites piqued, we then took a seat on the sun-soaked terrace outside with our dogs and ordered from the breakfast menu, ready for an alfresco brunch with a side of pastoral panoramas.

Situated in the heart of Devon, Apple Blossom House is perfectly placed for exploring a plethora of West Country gems, from Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks to the historic city of Exeter. Just a few miles away, Crediton is also a pleasure to explore. After our brunch, we took a trip to this historic market town to wander its high street and uncover its selection of boutiques, delis and cafés. This is also the location of Sandford Orchards, where bespoke events as well as regular tours and cider tastings are held.

To later unwind, we gathered a picnic spread and draped blankets across the lawn overlooking a peaceful pond in the grounds of Apple Blossom House. A heaven-sent scene of tangled trees and vibrant carpets of celandines, this was an idyllic spot to savour the afternoon sunshine and listen to the soothing lullaby of the nearby stream and activity of birds in the trees. Making the moment all the more special were a mallard hen and her fluffy chicks gliding between the reeds on the pond.

With the spring equinox gifting longer daylight hours, we chose one more destination for the day to make the most of the soul-soothing sunshine: Raddon Top. The highest point in Shobrooke’s Raddon Hills, this greenery-encompassed summit rewarded us with far-reaching views in all directions, across the Creedy Valley, towards Dartmoor, and beyond.  

Having thoroughly explored the local area, we returned to Apple Blossom House once more, ready to ease into the hot tub. Set in a sequestered spot on a tiered terrace under the trees, this wood-fired hot tub is accompanied by a beautiful wooden cabin with a choice of indoor and outdoor seating and is the most dream-worthy proposal after days of adventure. Having stoked the fire and let the temperatures rise, we relaxed into its toasty welcome, switching between shared anecdotes and contented silence under the open skies.

Later that evening, dinner was a curated feast of produce sourced from the locale. Glasses were generously filled, plates were served, and the rest of the evening slipped away in easy conversation and fireside luxuriation. Even the dogs were tired after their country escapades, dozing in tranquil repose in the warmth of the wood burning stove.

Sunday morning heralded another beautiful day and another walk around the grounds. The dogs particularly enjoyed the paddock where they could run around and embrace the abundant space for energetic zoomies and lots of scent sniffing. This walk was followed by a drawn-out breakfast of coffee and croissants and shortly after, for me, a long soak in The Gallery's rolltop bath.

Settling into a serene rhythm fit for a Sunday morning, I took the opportunity to whisk away to the meadow’s swing. Suspended from the thick branches of a 500-year-old oak tree, this swing is large enough for two but served to accommodate me and a book for an exquisitely restful hour of page-turning amongst manicured wilderness. As well as the characters within the pages, keeping me company were charming pheasants with striking red, green and bronze plumage and wild rabbits seeking refuge amongst the tall grasses.

Soon enough, hunger rose once again, and this time the call for delectable dishes was answered by The Ring of Bells in Cheriton Fitzpaine. This thatched-topped treat is a traditional village pub with character and tipples on tap. For us, an especially appetising attraction was the Sunday roast menu. Having pre-booked our table, we were led to a cosy corner beside the double-sided wood burning stove and selected our culinary choices, with each of us unanimously opting for the roast beef with Yorkshire puddings, carrots, hispi cabbage, and cauliflower cheese.

Food was served in generous helpings with expertly balanced elements and lots of flavour. As we dined, our dogs snoozed at our feet, each with relaxed attention in case a rogue morceau (or carefully selected titbit) made its way towards them. By the time we had finished our mains, we were already too full to consider the desserts, so instead sat back with aromatic blends until we had gathered ourselves to leave.

Before venturing back to Apple Blossom House, we planned a detour via Shobrooke Park for a final stroll of the day. Just 5 minutes from Crediton, this sprawling park features a 15-acre 19th-century garden encompassed by 180 acres of wooded parkland. Amongst the emerald landscapes, formal and informal pleasure gardens, three ponds, listed monuments, and tree-lined avenues propose a peaceful pause far removed from the everyday and a darling destination to walk off Sunday roasts.

With our final evening approaching and the lulling combination of hearty food and fresh country air, the rest of the day was spent in homage to the beautiful Apple Blossom House – sitting outside in the fading sunshine and retreating to the comfort of the living room for moments of fireside magic and hygge-filled ambience.

As the final embers of day waned, we made our respective ways to bed ready for one last night cocooned between marshmallow sheets, listening to the distant hoot of owls take over from the symphony of diurnal birds. Drifting into sweet slumber, memories of a fairytale retreat entwined in dreams of wildflower meadows and sun-kissed streams…

Feeling inspired? Uncover a storybook sojourn at Apple Blossom House or book both retreats for larger gatherings at Apple Blossom Coombe.