Woodfired hot tub annexe cottage near Dartmoor and South Devon coast

The Oystercatcher at Mill Cross Retreats- the little place in a big world where we want you to stop, step off and completely relax. We try to think of everything so you don't have to- just pack your bag and come!

The Oystercatcher is perfect for a quiet and relaxed "get away from it all " eco-friendly break, in a beautiful, quiet village. We have 6 acres of land here, keep goats, chickens and ducks and we are just a stone's throw across the fields or lane from one of the oldest and best pubs in Devon with excellent local food and drink- The Rattery Church House Inn, with excellent food and real ale.

Loads to do nearby- beach or moorland walks, visits to National Trust or Dartington Hall Estate, pretty Ashburton or Totnes.

Or just stay local and relax in the woodfired hot tub under the stars. Please contact Emma if you'd like to bring a dog before booking.

There is a charge for dogs and we can't take your booking until the "doggie" rules have been agreed. See more info below.

The space
A lovely, light open plan living area with dining table, well equipped kitchen, comfy sofa & wood burning stove (wood provided), with lovely views over the surrounding fields through the French windows. Small covered terrace outside with table and chairs to sit and enjoy your food, a coffee or something a little stronger...... we can also lend you a firepit or bucket BBQ.

The bathroom has a large shower & seperate bath. The comfy double bed has organic linen, duck & goose down pillows & a Devon wool duvet. Hairdryer, towels and eco friendly toiletries are provided.

A warm welcome with locally produced and organic food and drink awaits you. We supply local, organic milk (or oat milk), organic Grumpy Mule ground coffee, Pukka and Clipper Organic teas, hot chocolate, olive oil, locally made ketchup, herbs and salt and pepper. Homemade biscotti and local, Luscombe elderflower are complimentary on your arrival. We offer a range of bookable extras such as homemade sourdough, cream teas, chilled Prosecco and breakfast packs.

We’re happy to welcome babies under 1 (and can lend you a travel cot). The property is not suitable for older children.

At Mill Cross Retreats we run woodfired cookery and crafting courses and occasional pop up suppers using our woodfired oven- you might choose to join us. Please ask for more info.

We provide a selection of maps & local guide books and Devon Life magazines for you to peruse to see what’s on. We’re also on hand to give advice & tips on where to go & what to do and have an extensive welcome book with lots of info and pointers for you.

The cottage has its own private woodfired hot tub. Unlike electric hot tubs, this uses fresh water and no chemicals-so is a real treat under the stars or on a lazy afternoon. We will light it and bring it up to temperature for you. This requires 24 hours notice and is available most of the time provided we are here! The hot tub is £25 for first use & £15 for a second use, which covers the cost of wood and water & is payable in cash on arrival. It can only be used for two consecutive days before it needs to be drained and cleaned. The hot tub is 1.8m diameter & has a fibreglass liner, steps up and in integral woodburner-a really unique experience. If you book ahead of your visit, you can change your mind at zero cost as long as we have 12 hours notice. Please check the weather immediately prior to your stay and let us know if you’d like to go ahead or not!

Dogs
1 (occasionally 2) well behaved small/medium dog/s (preferably crate trained) welcome strictly by prior arrangement at an additional charge of £45 per stay, payable on arrival. Dogs are not allowed on the sofa or bed. Bookings with dogs cannot be taken unless you contact Emma prior booking. Due to our lovely soft furnishings, we cannot take large/shaggy dogs. Please note, any damage caused by your dog will be charged to you.

We can provide safe bike storage if you would like to take advantage of the cycle routes.

We keep free-range chickens and ducks, non free-range goats and have a Working Cocker spaniel, Juno and a very friendly barn cat, Pickles. You are welcome to explore our space and sit in our meadow and enjoy the views with a glass of wine.

Our minimum stay is 2 nights from October to March (excluding half terms)- book in on Friday, Monday or Wednesday and 3 nights for the rest of the year- check ins are on Friday (til Monday) or Mondays (til Thursday or Friday) or of course, a combination to give you a week or more. Please contact Emma if you need any help.

The Skylark- a detached cottage with its own hot tub is also on our land or if you might be travelling with friends or family and are looking for two spaces near each other. We also have the very lovely Jenny Wren, a unique and romantic shepherds hut with a woodland hot tub. Each of these lovely properties is totally private and not overlooked.

Guest access
The Oystercatcher has it's own driveway and entrance and has a private garden area and terrace. We have six acres of land in total and you can enjoy this space by arrangement.