Review: Abelwood Lodge, North Devon with Classic Cottages
Welcome to the cosiest corner of North Devon. Hidden among trees near the village of Woolsery, Abelwood Lodge is a calm lakeside cabin handpicked by Classic Cottages and perfect for anyone seeking a countryside escape with the sea a stone’s throw away. There was nowhere better for a very peaceful escape with my toddler Sylvie, two of my best friends and one new baby arrival to our girl’s gang one crisp autumn weekend.
While you’re not far from the coast at Abelwood Lodge, this cabin feels hidden from the bustle of the beach, perched on the banks of a small fishing lake and surrounded by trees that were turning golden when we stayed here in October. A modern cabin all on one floor, this smart lodge’s timber frame and glass frontage blend beautifully into the surroundings. Step inside to find a huge open-plan living area full of light and decked out with a comfy L-shaped sofa, soft throws, books to borrow and surfboards on the walls. The modern kitchen is kitted out with everything we needed for whipping up shared suppers and lazy breakfasts. I loved the eye-catching red wood-burning stove with a rocking chair ready next to it, perfect for whiling away a few hours while flames flicker. Step out of the sliding patio doors to find wooden decking overlooking the lake – this was where we loved toasting the sunset with wine (well wrapped up against the autumn chill!).
Along the hall are three restful bedrooms dressed with comfy beds, crisp linens and views of the water. Abelwood has an extremely cute bedroom kitted out for kids and complete with bunkbeds. A cosy travel cot had been set up for Sylvie, who was over the moon to see a big library of books for her to flick through and a fluffy otter ready for her to cuddle.
Next door, the primary bedroom has its own wooden decking area. On our last morning, I sat out here just after dawn and watched a deer and her two fawns exploring the lake shore as the sun rose. The ensuite bathroom has a wonderful deep tub below a picture window, so you can even spy on wildlife as you soak.
Stroll to the water’s edge to find a firepit for a crackling blaze and a roasted marshmallow or two. If you’re bringing little ones, seek out Sylvie’s favourite spot – a mini pond hidden by reeds, perfect for wildlife-loving little ones. Abelwood even provide a chest full of games, den making kits and pond dipping nets so you can look more closely at the resident critters – we reckon we found a baby newt during our pond-exploring sessions.
EXPLORING NORTH DEVON FROM ABELWOOD LODGE
You could easily spend a whole weekend just relaxing at Abelwood, but you’re within easy reach of the coast if you feel like some sea air. Nearby Clovelly, a cobbled, car-free fishing village famous for its postward-worthy views, tumbles down to a tiny harbour – there’s a small entry fee to visit this privately owned village’s historic cottages and steep streets, but it’s well worth it to feel like you’ve stepped back in time. My favourite spot along this dramatic slice of Devon’s coast is Buck’s Mill, a charmingly old-fashioned hamlet perched high above the sea. Walk down a steep footpath to find its pebbly beach and pick your way over rocks to seek out a rushing waterfall. This magical spot feels like a quieter Clovelly.
For a wildlife adventure, head to Lundy Island by boat from the town of Bideford for the chance to spot puffins on the cliffs between April and July, or to don a snorkel and swim with seals year-round. Or just stay close to home and wander in the village of Woolfardisworthy (often shortened to the easier to pronounce Woolsery). When we visited, the much-loved local pub, the Farmer’s Arms, had a roaring fire going and local ales on tap for a cosy pint. Next door is a deli-cum-post office, The Collective, which stocks everything you need to make a feast back at the lodge, including great wines to go with fish and chips from the brilliant village chippy across the road. Then you can head home to your lakeside haven, where the only sounds are wind in the leaves and the crackle of the wood burner.
Seven nights at Abelwood Lodge cost from £768, with short breaks also available.
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