Horseshoe Shepherd's Lodge

Let loose your imagination, embrace the need we all have to get away from it all and make a list of what you think the essence of a perfect shepherd's lodge in a perfect setting should be. Horseshoe Shepherd's Lodge is sure to match it.

Truly bespoke, literally hand-built, and to the highest (9ft high internally to be exact) most luxurious spec possible, this shepherd's lodge sits at the top of its own private orchard. There are 200 acres of ancient unspoilt woodland - with carpets of bluebells in the spring and wildlife that will open your eyes when you tune into it - just a stroll away down a green track - and on top of that wild swimming in the river at the bottom of the valley.

This is the place.

Then add in the hot tub set into the wide deck, the super-size en suite shower, the king-sized bed, wood-burning stove and beautifully designed kitchen.

This is something else.

The owners have gone out of their way to think of every detail from their guests' point of view. From the absolute need for privacy to the creature comforts that will guarantee a special experience whatever the time of year (they have even provided original Sahara Desert jackets for those chillier evenings and luxury spa robes with slippers so you can relax after the hot tub). There is a private lane and dedicated entrance to the orchard making you feel like this special world is for no-one but you. The double doors of the shepherd's lodge open onto a 7ft wide wrap around deck - your own sundowner terrace - and of course the hot tub for evenings beneath the stars. Delicate outside lighting ensures that the atmosphere is perfect (even on a cloudy English night which we try not to allow).

This is exceptional.

Aside from the shepherd's lodge itself, even the name of the village draws you in - Chittlehamholt. This is a welcoming rural community offering a community shop and a lovely local pub where you will receive a warm welcome.

Chittlehamholt, and its sister village of Chittlehampton, are easy to reach and yet off the beaten track. The nearest market town is South Molton with its twice-weekly (Thursdays and Saturdays) pannier market and quirky independent shops. For a highly recommended blast of sea air, the nearest beach on the north Devon coast is just over half an hour away - miles of golden sand at Instow. Across the estuary, you can use the little seasonal passenger ferry, is the historic fishing village of Appledore. A little further afield the coast becomes truly dramatic with wild cliff paths and rocky coves and fabulous surfing beaches.

If walking is your thing, beautiful Exmoor National Park is just half an hour away by car and dramatic Dartmoor can be easily reached too (around an hour's drive). Or why not cycle the Tarka Trail from Braunton to Meeth near Hatherleigh. For a total change in scenery, the Cathedral City of Exeter is nearby - don't fancy driving? Hop on a train for the 45 minute journey to the city along the beautiful Tarka Line. Closer to home, the Highbullen Hotel is within walking distance of the hut and offers tennis, golf, a spa, gym, bar and a fine dining restaurant.

Outings apart, we think that Horseshoe Shepherd's Lodge is somewhere where you can park up the car and just 'be'. Be there, lounge in the hot tub, picnic in the woods, swim in the river, relax, and restore yourselves in this embracing and welcoming place.