Dama Dama

With its elegant French doors leading out to a spacious garden that’s surrounded by pine trees, green fields and woodland views, you’ll feel as though you’re in the heart of the forest at this lodge. In fact, you’ll have 3,500 acres of forest right on your doorstep – it's a real sanctuary of calm. Explore nature by following a trail through the trees to Haldon Forest nearby – an area known for its mountain biking – luckily, there’s a covered storage space for your two-wheelers. Make the most of the sublime outdoor location by firing up the pizza oven to enjoy an alfresco meal on your front deck, playing games on the lawn or sipping bubbly in the hot tub. Inside, warm up by the wood-burning stove with a good book on rainy days, and come together for convivial meals around the sociable wooden table. You’re also just a ten-minute drive from Exeter’s famous cathedral and historic centre, as well as the city’s Tudor-era Ship Inn, said to have been frequented by Sir Francis Drake.

Home truths:
*While there's an American diner nearby, you'll need to jump in a car to visit the nearest supermarket
*There is parking for up to three cars with an electric charging point available
*Children are welcome, but they will require supervision in the unfenced garden, which leads right into the woodland
*The twin beds in the second bedroom can be made up as a double upon request
*At capacity, two guests will sleep on a sofa bed in the communal area
*Up to two dogs are welcome (unfortunately no cats), but a charge of £45 per pet per stay/week will be applicable and required before your stay – your host will arrange this with you after booking confirmation