Ref: 2732 / Exeter
Shepherd’s Delight
A few miles outside the Roman city of Exeter, a few miles inland from the east Devon Jurassic Coast, and many miles away from the fast pace of everyday life, sits a delightful shepherd's hut – an 'away from it all' bolthole waiting to be discovered.
Situated at the end of its own private track, in four acres of woodland, Shepherd's Delight is in a perfect and tranquil oasis in a hidden valley next to a lily-covered lake (please take care) – complete with a little rowing boat for two and fully stocked for your enjoyment with various types of carp, roach, rudd, tench and bream. There is not a house in sight and with 60 acres of certified organic farmland to explore (taking care of livestock especially if you are bringing your dog to share this experience with you) you will be in another world.
Steps lead from the decking up into this traditionally designed and fully insulated shepherd's hut which has a comfortable double bed at one end and the luxury of an en suite mains water shower with a proper flushing WC and wash-basin at the other. There is room to sit at a little table next to the wood-burner, and a simple kitchen with a fridge and double ring gas hob (a low wattage solar panel powers the electricity for the lights and sockets). With a chiminea, a lakeside jetty, hammock and a choice of places to sit and eat outside in the sun or in the dappled shade beneath the trees, this is the place for al fresco dining! If you can tear yourself away from this scene and the taste of another lifestyle, you can be in the heart of Exeter in ten minutes. Sit on the Cathedral green and watch the world go by, find the remains of the old Roman walls, wander along the quay with its antiques shops and cafes or hire a canoe and paddle lazily to the two renowned canal side pubs, The Double Locks and The Turf Hotel, for a jug of Pimms.
Alternatively you can head to the unspoilt east Devon coast where there are a string of traditional seaside towns such as Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and Beer and of course the stunning Jurassic cliffs. If you prefer to stay locally, bring your bikes and explore the Exe Valley or cycle along the lanes to the National Trust's Killerton House. Shepherd's Delight is truly a get away from it all glamping experience.
Shepherd's Oak is also at Pynes Farm, situated near the main farmhouse, a few fields away. Book both together and enjoy a glamping getaway with friends.
Features
- Dogs welcome (2 small dogs or 1 medium-sized dog only)
- Arrive/Depart Friday
- Short breaks available
- Wood-burner/Open fire
- Private parking for 2 cars
- No WiFi
- No smoking
- Pub 1 mile
- Garden furniture and barbecue
- Logs for wood-burner
- Logs for chiminea pay owner (At cost)
- Unique Hideaways
- Eco Cottage
- Off-grid
- Garden/Outside space
- Private parking
- Dogs welcome
- Open fire/wood-burner
- Linen and towels included
- Near a pub
- Riverside/Lakeside
Availability, reservations and pricing: £66 to £155 per week
Located 2.8 miles NE of Exeter
Customer reviews
Good or bad, we publish all the reviews left by the guests who have stayed at this property.
Mrs Prior
A perfect retreat if your looking for peace, quiet and solitude. A great little fishing retreat! Great outdoor space for your four legged companion. Comfy, clean and well equipped.
Mr Millard
It was exactly what I was expecting from reading the information and reviews. Just absolutely perfect!
Ms Pratten
We had a wonderful stay at the Shepherd’s Delight - it was truly a slice of heaven. The setting was secluded and tranquil and we loved looking out across the pond and listening to the birdsong. The whole stay was so relaxing, even in spite of the torrential rain - we put the log burner on and were so cosy in our little cabin that the rain didn’t matter at all. Perfect.
Ms Reardon
What a perfect retreat. Paul greeted us on arrival and showed us around, then we were left to relax and unwind. We had everything you needed plus more. You have the whole space to yourself, heaven. Close to Exeter and Dawlish a dog friendly beach. A great pub about a mile away . We were able to unwind in this beautiful setting which you had all to yourself. A row in the boat was also lovely. Our dog had an amazing time and could just wander where she wanted. We will definitely book again, thanks again Paul and Barbara x
Miss Dinnis
Perfect peaceful relaxing weekend. Very welcoming host. Location is absolutely stunning. Everything was spotlessly clean. Will definitely return, absolute paradise
Ms Horn
Loved Shepherd's Delight. Very well equipped and Paul was very helpful when we arrived. So peaceful, and the view is fantastic. Fabulous to sit on the platform to watch and listen to the wildlife during the day and with the chiminea burning in the evening.
Mr Chattey
I've never stayed in a Shepherds hut before but this must be hard to beat, the immediate setting is absolutely stunning with the trees sheltering you from the worst of elements touching down to a tranquil pond with giant lily pads, fish swimming underneath the sun glinting through the canopy and a rowing boat allowing you to drift among this whilst a heron and other wildlife may hangout nearby. The two adjacent fields nearby were large and the owner said I could walk my dog here so we did and the views from the fields are also quite stunning looking up out to the Exe and Culm valleys its hard to believe Exeter is only 2 miles away you would never know it if you hadn't looked at a map beforehand. After all that the actual Shepherds hut sort of becomes secondary but everything around it has been well planned, the accommodation was clean and had all the amenities I needed the lack of an oven was a bit of surprise (there is a two ring gas hob) but I used the barbecue outside in the end for any meat which ended up being much more fun and delicious. I could happily stay here again the location is top notch being so secluded and tranquil for relaxing but with all of Exeters amenities and links to the rest of Devon close by if you want to explore further.
Mrs Harris
For anyone looking for total privacy and a dog friendly escape from it all this is the perfect place. Our latest visit (number 4!) was our favourite yet. Surrounded by fields, a lake and stunning views. It’s a hidden gem and so worth a visit
Mr Mitchell
Our stay at Shepards Delight was amazing. Paul the host was great and very easy to chat to. Nothing was too much. Overall I would definitely recommend a stay here. You’re out of the way and don’t see a single soul if that’s what you want. If not, you’re so close to Exeter central and loads of amazing walks and woods nearby.
Miss Taylor
Paul greeted us on arrival and showed us everything we needed. He was available if needed but left us alone to enjoy our peaceful break. I loved the hut and surrounding land. The lake was just gorgeous and the field was secure for our dog to run around and explore - she loved it. The hut had everything we needed. The kitchen is well equipped for cooking and we really loved using the outdoor hot plate and hob for our meals. I would recommend this stay to anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Thanks Paul :)
Miss Nunn
Beautiful venue, you will not be disappointed by the view, the central location or the facilities in and out of the hut!
Mrs Hart
This shepherds hut by a fish filled lake had spectacular views. Lovely reception from the host Paul. The hut itself was perfect-mod con bathroom extended on a traditional hut-so cosy at night and the views were amazing. Bring your wellies just in case (it’s the countryside after all). The lambs hopping in the fields and the sunrise over Devon and Dorset not to be missed. Also only 40 mins to beautiful beach in Exmouth along with local hikes
Mr Nel
Shepherds Delight is a beautiful piece of Paradise hidden away 2 miles from Exeter. The simplicity, stillness and the lovely small lake are wonderful additions to one of the best holidays we have had in a long time. Bed was comfy and the outside grill great for cooking. Our dog loved the place, very dog friendly. Thank you Paul for making this lovely place available to rent.
Mrs Voigt Noble
Perhaps the most beautiful view ever.
Ms Smith
Absolutely stunning and such a fun place to stay. Beautiful and comfortable shepherds hut, remarkably spacious, with a view to die for. Boat provided and fishing nooks with plentiful roach for beginners like us. Completely secluded and in countryside surroundings with lots of wildlife but just a few miles from Exeter. Highly recommend
Mrs Young
Shepherds Delight completely exceeded our expectations. It was so relaxing and in a beautiful location. A stunning Shepherds Hut and the setting with the lake was just perfect for a totally relaxing stay-just what we needed. Despite being off grid all the facilities are there for your comfort. It's hard to believe that it is only a couple of miles from Exeter-it feels so remote. Waking up to birdsong every morning was bliss. Paul the owner was so lovely, laid back and friendly. You felt you could call him at any time if you needed anything (we didn't!). We had everything we needed. We had a row around the lake on the rowing boat which was good fun and fished in the lake. Perfect! We will definitely return to this gorgeous corner of pure relaxation. Thank you Paul ??
Mr Holdsworth
We had a wonderful stay pottering in a beautiful place with no one around and only the sound of nature breaking the quiet. The hut is settled in a little valley between two hills with its own fishing lake. It was awesome to have that whole lake to ourselves for fishing and boating. We felt really isolated which is what we wanted but if we needed provisions there were shops, pub etc just 5 mins drive away. We have reserved our holiday back here again next year. Thank you to Paul for providing such a beautiful soul restoring sanctuary!!
Mrs Harris
Cannot recommend highly enough, this was our 4th visit to the shepherds Hut, we try to go every year. Paul is a great host, makes you very welcome but leaves you around I get on with your stay. The setting is stunning, worth taking a paddle board and fishing rod for that pond. Dog friendly with lots of space for them to run around and secure. If you’re looking to get away from everything and just enjoy the quiet and quiet he stunning views this is the place to do it
Mr Fraser
Had a fantastic stay. Did far less walking than i had intended and stayed on site more as it was so relaxing. Borrowed my brothers fishing tackle to try to rekindle my passion for fishing which it certainly did! Had 11 carp ranging from 3.5 to 5lb as well as many more smaller fish. I'll definately be looking to return again! Probably the most relaxing holiday i've ever had!
Miss Robinson
Absolutely loved our time away at shepherds delight. The weather was amazing so we got to spend most of the time across the pond chilling in the sun. During our 8 day stay we got so relaxed I read 3 books while my partner enjoyed the fishing. He caught up to 5 fish a day biggest been a 8lb Carp. My fur baby absolutely loved the outdoor life and the freedom he had to explore the surroundings. If you enjoy outdoor cooking then the gas Hob and Hot plate are perfect for that. We loved it so much we had only spent 3 days there before we booked to come back in August. Owners lovely and happy to help with anything. See you in August
Mr Rush
If you are looking for total tranquility and peace and quiet,to recharge away from busy life this place is absolutely perfect. The scenery is amazing,the fishing lake made me happy,dog's loved the freedom of the fields near by. The shops are not to far about 10 to 15 minute drive,takeaways and supermarkets. We will definitely return again.
Miss Hargreaves
Was a truly fantastic stay. The tranquility of the site was amazing. Would highly recommend if you like being in a secluded and peaceful spot.
Miss Van Dijk
Wonderful stay!! Thankyou for a lovely little holiday get away. Owners were very lovely and helpful. Will definitely be back and already recommended to family that are coming to stay soon!
Mr West
perfect place to relax in the perfect setting. The lake is excellent fishing & the wildlife is diverse & plenty full.
Mrs Symes
A thoroughly enjoyable stay at the hut. The dogs loved the freedom to roam the surrounding area. We enjoyed the lake and had fun in the rowing boat. The host was friendly and helpful. Cooking outdoors was very enjoyable with great plancha and fridge.
Miss Franklin
We had a great week at Shepherd's Delight. Paul was a very friendly and welcoming host, meeting us on arrival, advising us on the local area, and inviting us to see the Alpacas close to the farm. The hut and surroundings were beautiful. On a (rare) rainy day, the hut was cosy and warm. On sunny days, it was great to relax around the lake. The hut is in a great location for exploring Devon and Cornwall, and we can only hope to return soon!
mr redman
Simply beautiful
Mrs Brockwell
Ideal location and brilliant cooking facilities, very cosy and kept warm by the log burner, excellent place for the dogs to run around.
Mrs Toogood
We were here last week for ten days. Shepherds delight is the perfect place to go for peace and quiet. Paul the owner is very pleasant & doesn’t bother you at all but if any problems deals with it straight away. The hut is cosy,the bed comfortable,the wood burner warms the hut perfectly.the shower is brilliant. The griddle outside is brilliant & together with the outside two rings I even managed to cook a roast! The fridge is in a cupboard outside . The walks around there and in the woods are lovely. The pond is well stocked with Rudd,carp and my husband was really pleased when he managed to catch a Golden koi. We brought groceries with us and then topped up from Sainsbury’s which about 3 miles away & one of the many McColls shops. The chippy on polshoe road is good too. The place is well hidden and you wouldn’t know it was there from the road. Take plenty to do like books and jigsaws and you’ll love your time there doing almost nothing. We took a battery powered radio too. This was our second time here and weve booked it again for next year. Enjoy!
Mrs Cripps
A truly splendid idea well executed as a small barrel roofed shepherds hut set in front of a picturesque lake with boat and jetty for personal use. Anyone needing to escape the daily grind and pressures of life could do a lot worse than leaving their phones and laptops at home to immerse themselves in this most wonderful of natural settings and back to basics living.
Miss McIntyre
We absolutely loved our stay at Shepards Delight! It was perfectly rustic, comfortable, relaxing, peaceful and cosy! We will definitely be back. Thank you!
Mrs Toogood
It exceeded expectations! It was an amazing break away. The owner was pleasant and helpful. Total solitude. Waking up to the sound of the birds and drifting off to sleep listening to owls . The hut itself had everything you’d need. The shower was excellent. The wood burner kept the hut amazingly warm. Only suggestion is to provide a parasol stand to hold the fishing umbrella so fishing can be done more comfortably whilst it rains or some kind of shelter near the decking where the main fishing ‘swim’ is. Can’t wait to go again in April! We only went out to eat once and that was on the way we went to ‘the agricultural inn’ (previously the lazy toad). Very nice but expensive. I’d suggest having eat establishments that are closer and more value for money on the website.
Mr De Magalhaes
We loved our stay at this property and would definitely visit again in the future . The setting was wonderful and peaceful and there’s everything you need to cook meals and relax for a few days .
Mrs Wyatt
Loved our visit, it was just what we both needed. Location and area beautiful . Shepherds delight was lovely with everything you would ever need for a break , Having the lake was an added bonus for my husband who enjoyed the fishing. Would 100% recommend this place. My first and my husbands second holiday , we will definitely going again next year. Thank you from the Wyatts & doggies.
Mr Willmott
Is a little piece of Heaven on Earth. Enchanting and hidden. Is off grid, so expect to be Glamping not luxuriously pampered, although the host is attentively at hand if you call. It is addictive and we have already booked to return.
Mrs Cogswell
We had a lovely stay here! The pictures do not do the location justice, its breathtaking! We wish had booked longer as it was so peaceful and relaxing. We had some lovely evenings around the chimnea, and a nice walk on the farm and visited the alpacas! The hut itself is so cute, with good facilities. The location of the farm is great, only 10 minutes away from Exeter town centre although you feel that you are in the middle of nowhere!
Mrs Ashby
Beautiful place relaxing plenty of time to relax
Mrs Townsend
Had a wonderful stay, the shepherds hut is so cute, with a good shower and little wood burner. Cooking facilities and fridge outside, but that's part of its charm and easy to use. Secluded and peaceful location, over looking lake( that's teaming with fish) and great decked area. Lovely to sit out of an evening around the fire. Mill on the Exe great food and situated on river, in Exeter. Not everywhere open due to Covid, but still managed to find some nice antique centres, tea rooms and pub gardens. Everyone sensible( especially on beaches) and shops etc very hot on sanitizing your hands.
Mrs Swann
A superb get away from it all with everything you need!
Mr West
Faultless
Mrs Stepkowska
This was the most magical and relaxing place, we have ever been. Time passed by on reading, fishing and enjoying the warm of the wood burner! Our dog could live the life for the first time ever! Absolutely stunning location, with the easy access to all necessary amenities.
Ms Hacking
Beautiful, Peaceful, Relaxing.
Mrs Hardwick
Beautiful surroundings, that would be hard to beat. Very cosy in the hut with the wood burner & cute fairy lights & waking up to the view through the doors was lovely. No WiFi & signal patchy, but that’s fine, just something some people may need to know. The dog absolutely loved it, so much freedom, she could run around safely & had a whole field, just next to the hut too, she loved watching us fish in the lake, we caught quite a few carp. An experience that we all enjoyed
Mrs Evans
Classic Cottages were excellent helping us arrange a holiday at very short notice. Ill be using them for future holidays. Shepherds Delight is a wonderfully peaceful place to stay, we loved our stay here.
Mr West
The lake is a magnet for wildlife with excellent pleasure fishing
Miss Duxbury
The cabin was immaculate - the owners had provided everything you could wish for and more, the shower was brilliant and we always had plenty of electricity for our needs despite the cabin being off-grid. There was plenty of firewood for the chimnea and the little log burner kept the cabin toasty warm! The surroundings were wonderful and we were woken every morning to the sound of birdsong. wonderful peace and quiet - we cannot praise this holiday enough - very happy! :) Please could you also add my first comments on the page before to the review page - Thank you x
Miss Goss
Thank you so much for another lovely holiday. Shepard’s delight was a true delight, it’s lovely we could bring our dogs with us too they enjoyed every moment as much as we did. My husband really enjoyed fishing on the lake from the boat, he managed to catch some lovely fish. It was the perfect place to celebrate our first anniversary. Thanks again.
Mrs Swann
A wonderful hidey hole in a secluded, peaceful place. Even when weather was typically '"British" and the terrain got challenging (muddy!), we could still relax, fish, row the lake and climb the hill to see the spectacular views - completely switched off!
Miss Potter
Idyllic location for a complete getaway, the surroundings are beautiful, really helpful landlord highly recommend The Red Lion Pub at Broadclyst for food
Mrs Withers
Fantastic place so peaceful out of the way, with everything we needed for a complete rest. Excellent fishing & exploring for the dog. Just perfect!
Mr Gough
Beautiful and tranquil getaway. Would highly recommend to those looking for a peaceful time away from it all.
Mrs Colegate
Although the location was potentially idyllic the road noise spoilt the advertised " peaceful haven"
Ms Patterson
Shepherd's Delight is a beautiful place to stay. The location is so close to all amenities, yet you are so secluded. Absolute peace and quiet and nothing nicer than to sit outside watching the lake. If you are lucky you will get to see the local deer walking by in the neighbouring field, which is amazing. The hut is incredibly comfortable and the addition of the wood burner makes it so cosy at night. Safe for dogs - with ours loving running around collecting sticks for us at every opportunity and investigating the area! This was a dream mini break and we will definitely return. Perfect location if you want to travel off and visit places such as Dartmoor or the like.
Ms Raunig
The hut was delightful, very clean throughout with lots of homey touches and lots of candles. All of the basics were provided and there was plenty of room for storage of supplies we brought with. We had rain one day but the awning over the front porch made it possible for us to still sit outdoors and enjoy the scenery. Couldn't have been more pleased with the place. The photos on the website make the place look amazing but don't tell all of the story. You must be there to truly appreciate the perfection of the setting...truly amazing, private, and tranquil. It is only about a 15 minute drive to take-away Greek, Chinese, and Indian,and a very well stocked store for supplies. Perfect!
Mr Woods
I spent an idyllic few days at shepherds delight and was so pleased to be able to take my three small dogs with me, a fantastic holiday for all of us.PS. the fishing was great.
Mrs Hill
A wonderfully unique place to stay. Such a relaxing getaway in an amazing, peaceful and secluded setting.
Mr France
Loved our short break here with our dog. Nights around the chiminea drinking wine and listening to the owls and days spent lounging in the hammock and pottering around the lake made for a perfect get-away-from-all holiday.
Mr Reece
An amazing place to stay if you want peace and quiet and the weather is good. If you like to fish then plenty for all.
Mrs Waterfield
Shepherds Delight provide us with a fantastic getaway, we were given a lovely welcome and had a very peaceful and undisturbed stay in a beautiful tranquil setting. The evenings were very cosy with the log burnwr and we had everythi g we needed. Lovely to find somewhere that accommodated our dog too.
Mrs Drage
We had an amazing time at this property and would highly recommend it to anyone.....the most peaceful and relaxing place. We will definitely be returning!
Mrs Hipkiss
Our dog loved the holiday- he didn't want to leave!! One of the most dog friendly places we have ever stayed in.
Miss Bussey
This cottage provided us with the most heavenly of holidays. If a break from it all in the county is what you are looking for then we could not recommend this enough. Perfection
Mrs Mercer
A wonderful experience in The beautiful Devon countryside. We were there for 3 nights and wished we'd booked for longer. The location was superb and we had our own private lake and rowing boat. Best of all it was dog friendly and our cockapoo pup, Dora had a safe and happy first taste of the countryside visiting the heifers, alpacas and farm dogs, Dylan and Gnasher.
Mrs Keniston-Goble
Amazing venue that is hidden away and quiet but still very accessible from Exeter.
Mrs Rusk
A wonderful place. A little slice of heaven in Devon. Truly relaxing, sheer bliss and our dog Charlie loved it!.
Mrs Francis
Our second visit - this time for our honeymoon. A perfect get away from it all location.
Mrs Swain
The most wonderful break celebrating my Husbands birthday, so quiet and relaxing - great freedom for the dog and the owners were very accommodating even brought her fresh eggs - definitely will return
Mr Jonckheer
Quirky hut set in wonderful surroundings. Posh camping with plenty of walks and heritage sites nearby. Paul & Barbara very accommodating. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Thank you.
Mrs Thomson
A real getaway from it all unique location. If you want peace and quiet shepherd's delight is the place to be.
Mrs Francis
Beautiful setting and lovely facilities. Had some success fishing, catching a decent size carp and tench. Stan (our springer spaniel) had a wonderful time
Mr Hutchison
it looked lovely and it was truly lovely despite the adverse weather. The owner David is a great guy; picked us up from exeter in his car, and dropped us off at the train station at the end of our stay. He made the trip even better. Would love to go back and stay (and maybe jam with him!)
Miss Shearcroft
Thank you for a wonderful stay, we will definitely be back for own 1 year wedding anniversary.
Mrs West
Most relaxing enjoyable experience. Totally left to yourself, idyllic. Great for dogs.
Miss Joosten
We loved it...a perfect little corner of peace and tranquility. Highly recommended.
Mrs Riley
book shepards delight you will no be disappointed its the best break we have had in the uk devon is amazing
Miss Chapman
Shepherds Delight is a beautiful place in a gorgeous location... everything you need is to hand and well thought through. I would definitely recommend this to everyone I know!
Dr Hartfield
A wonderful place to stay, away from the crowds. The hut is beautiful, solar powered with a fantastic power shower. Paul, the owner is lovely and made our stay perfect! The location is great, only 2 miles from Exeter but in secluded farmland so you get fresh air and peace and quiet. I would highly recommend people to stay here, it is so peaceful and relaxing :)