Nestled in the rolling countryside of Devon, Devon Heaven Hideaways is a tranquil retreat where guests can slow down, switch off and immerse themselves in the beauty of rural life. At the heart of this peaceful escape are three beautifully crafted shepherd’s huts and a charming Airstream caravan, all offering a cosy and welcoming stay.
We recently visited Elly, who runs Devon Heaven Hideaways with some help from her mum, to learn more about her journey into the world of hosting, the story behind their Blackdown Shepherd Hut, and how she balances running a busy glamping site with family life.
From One Hut to a Thriving Retreat
The story of Devon Heaven Hideaway began in 2016 when Elly’s mum purchased their first shepherd’s hut and fell in love with the glamping lifestyle. Not long after, she added a second hut, this time a Blackdown Shepherd Turnkey Hut, and the hut has now been part of their offering for nearly a decade.
Elly joined the business three years ago, stepping in as her mum Mandy planned to retire. Since then, she has been dedicated to enhancing the experience for guests, adding new outdoor spaces, curating thoughtful amenities, and making the hideaway even more special.
“We absolutely love what we do,” Elly shared. “We’re always looking to improve, do more, and better ourselves. And we just feel so lucky to be in such a lovely part of Devon with such wonderful huts.”
A Delicious Touch: Fresh Baked Treats & Local Produce
One of the highlights of a stay at Devon Heaven Hideaway is the little touches that make it feel extra special. Guests are in for a treat too, as based on the family farm is a bakery which is run by Mandy’s partner.
“It’s very dangerous having a bakery on the farm!” Elly laughed. “Our guests always get a little sample, and we now offer beautiful breakfast hampers filled with goodies from local farm shops too. It’s a fusion of the best local produce.”
These thoughtful and mouthwatering additions create a warm and inviting experience, making each stay memorable and unique.
Balancing Family, Horses and Hosting
Running a successful glamping business while juggling family life and looking after horses is no small feat, but Elly has found a way to make it work seamlessly.
“I have a bit of a menagerie,” she admitted. “So working it all out is interesting, but luckily I have a wonderful son who likes to fit in and likes to help, I love doing what I do because it means I can get a bit of a work-life balance although you are always sort of working. It means I can walk my son to school, take care of the dogs, do changeovers, sort out the horses, and still be here to welcome guests. It’s a busy life, but it’s a wonderful one.”
The Blackdown Hut: A Timeless Investement
The Blackdown Shepherd Hut, named Cherry Blossom, has been a core part of their glamping experience for almost 10 years, standing the test of time both in style and durability. While Elly and Mandy have made a few brilliant changes to the hut over the years, it’s all been beautifully done and all to help the glamping experience.
“It is by far our easiest hut,” Elly told us. “I made a big mistake buying another hut from elsewhere at one point, and I would never go anywhere other than Blackdown again. It has worn so beautifully – we’ve barely had to paint or do any maintenance, and it just gets better with age.”
This long-lasting quality is a testament to the craftsmanship of Blackdown Shepherd Huts, making them a smart and sustainable choice for glamping businesses.
A Peaceful Escape for Wonderful Guests
One of the joys of running a glamping site is welcoming guests who truly appreciate the experience.
“We are so lucky with the people who stay here,” Elly shared. “When you offer something that’s all about peace, quiet, and reconnecting with nature, you naturally attract guests who are looking for that too. They’re always respectful, tidy, and a pleasure to host.”
As we wrapped up our visit, it was clear that Devon Heaven Hideaway is not just a business, but a true labour of love. From the beautifully maintained huts to the warm hospitality, every detail is carefully thought out to create a magical retreat in the heart of Devon.
Thank you, Elly, for sharing your story with us!
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