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A beautifully renovated haybarn with a wood-fired sauna and outdoor baths, wildflowers, walking and wellbeing… surrounded by the Dartmoor National Park and the wild ponies that wander it
This lovingly renovated hay barn is at the heart of a home, that’s also a wellbeing, art and nature retreat. Stretching over 16 acres of wildflower meadows and woodland, Southcombe Barn backs onto the open moor of the Dartmoor National Park, so your experience can extend just as far as the horizon. This is a place for people to relax, disconnect from everyday life – and reconnect with nature and what’s important.
Every element of design puts you at ease and looking around, you’ll feel the craft and nature inspired aesthetic – teak balustrades, reclaimed timber, exposed stone, wood burner with rocking chair, vintage copper sink and the antique French bathtub, all in soothing tones which mirror the moor and the landscape that surrounds you.
Guests who stay here love walks through the wildflower meadows, streamside jaunts, the ‘löyly’ soothing feeling of the beautiful wood-fired sauna after a dip in the cool waters of the natural swimming pond, or the simple pleasure of an outdoor bath, staring up at the stars above. There's also the notable feature of an outdoor four poster bed, crafted from a fallen tree, where floating in a sea of wildflowers you can take an incredible afternoon nap.
Guests find themselves both surprised, and unsurprised to learn the owners behind this place are none other than our Canopy & Stars co-founder Tom, and his partner Vashti. What’s most important about this place is that it isn’t just a place to stay, it’s an experience. And whilst you could happily lose yourself in the wildness of it, you might just find yourself there too.
Read more
Essentials
The important stuff
Check in: 4 PM
Check out: 11 AM
All Southcombe Barn guests have access to the complimentary Wild Spa sauna and the wood-fired bath tubs which is £50 per session. There is one private slot available for guests to book in advance on either Tues, Thurs or Sat around dusk
Please note that the baths are spring fed and wood-fired, therefore its availability is weather dependent and may take some time to heat up
Please bring wellies/walking boots, wet weather gear, torches, and flip flops to wear on your way to the sauna
One parking space is available for guests, 30m from the Piggery
The Hay Barn is a gable end of the converted barn (with a private entrance) that the hosts live in, it is 20m from another space, Southcombe Piggery
Communal areas include the gallery, yoga barn, sauna, and the grounds surrounding the site
Unlimited firewood is provided
Wifi is only available around the gallery
No mobile signal
Guests have access to a private outdoor bed camp and a campfire, 200 metres away. Use of the bed camp is weather dependent and not suitable for overnight sleeping
There is a wildlife pond for guests to enjoy and watch the butterflies and dragon flies. The water conditions change and is not always open for swimming. Please contact your host upon booking for more information.
Sleeping arrangements
One king-size bed
Extra space available
Space
for 1 baby
no charge.
Cooking
Kitchen equipped with a four-ring ceramic hob, oven, kettle and an undercounter fridge with a freezer compartment
Cooking utensils, crockery and glassware provided
Firepit and BBQ
Washing
Private bathroom with bath, shower, sink and flushing toilet
Organic shampoo and shower gel provided
Hot water is available in bathroom, shower and kitchen
Hot water powered by Air Source Heat Pump and renewable energy
Heating, lighting & bedding
Ethically sourced natural linen provided
Ethically sourced natural towels provided
Underfloor heating powered by Air Source Heat Pump and renewable energy
Electric radiator in bathroom
Wood burner
Electric lighting including an interesting chandelier and light made from pulley
Plug sockets
Entertainment
Sauna and outdoor baths
Art gallery
Plenty of walks
Yoga studio open in Spring/Summer
1-2-1 creative sessions such as flower garland making
What3Words: ///strumming.exhales.vines - What3Words is a new more accurate version of a postcode. This will take you directly to the entrance of the estate where you can follow the signposts to your cabin. We recommend using this in your Sat Nav, but always remember to look at the owners’ directions too!
By public transport
The nearest train station is Newton Abbot and Totnes, only a 30-minute drive.
Arrive by train in to Newton Abbot, and your host have agreed a fee of £30 each way with a local taxi firm so please arrange with your hosts prior to visiting so they can ensure a taxi is waiting for you.
By car
Sat nav and postcode will work in getting you to right direction to Widecombe from A38 or across moor if coming from North Devon. The postcode will get you close to the house.
It's about a 15-minute drive from the A38 and Ashburton. Ashburton is a nice town to pick up a few provisions en route.
As you enter Widecombe-in-the-Moor village, drive through and there will be a school on your right. Continue for about 100 metres and then take the first right after the school signposted ‘Southcombe’. Drive about another 250 metres up the steep hill, ignore the first drive on your left. Another 30 metres on and it's the L shaped barn, behind the house on the left. Park up just past the gate with Southcombe Barn sign.
EV Charging - there is a podpoint at Haytor and 20 fast chargers at Buckfastleigh Strawberry fields Farm shop.
Read more
Food & Drink
At Southcombe
You will find tea, local ethical coffee, olive oil, salt and pepper is provided.
There's an option of a night-time luxury bedtime hamper including ice cream, chocolate, hot chocolate and marshmallows. Monday night is ‘curry night’ - delicious locally made Sri Lankan and Goan curries - delivered to you in a tiffin. Please order any hot food in advance as it may not be possible to provide at short notice on day of stay. All food is subject to availability.
Local shops
Ashburton has some brilliant places for buying provisions, including a great bakery, fishmongers, butcher, fruit and veg shop and a deli, as well as two small supermarkets. There’s also a local farm shop with very good butcher near Hay Tor.
Pubs & restaurants
The Rugglestone Inn (10-minute walk) - a gem of a pub with a lovely beer garden full of chickens! A real traditional/unfussy friendly pub, with great local ales and characters and homemade pub grub.
Cafe on the Green (i10-minute walk) - offers excellent breakfasts, lunches and cakes. This is a great place to go locally but is not open in the evening.
Osteria Emila (6.7 miles) – services a variety of creative Italian inspired food.
The Bull Inn (18 miles) – great food and atmosphere in Totnes.
Rafikis (6.7 miles) - serving amazing vegetarian food, lunches, coffees, cakes and Friday night dinners. Creative, friendly, colourful, informal and delicious.
Café Latino (6.6 miles) – The best place in Dartmoor, for South American vibes (there’s a strict Latino music policy), strong coffee, Columbian snacks and friendly service.
Creamos (6.8 miles) - creates small batch, handcrafted, ice cream, sorbets and sweet treats. Unique flavours inspired by seasonal curiosity. Your hosts consider this their favourite ice cream!
Read more
Activities
At Southcombe
Below the house is a 5 acre National Garden Scheme wildflower garden where beautiful flowers, butterflies, birds and bees are your neighbours. Just hanging out here is a good way to spend an afternoon. There's also a further 5 acres of woodland and 6 of wildflower meadow and pasture too, which guests are free to explore.
The two moors way can be accessed straight off back of the land and the nearest tor with 360 degree views is about a 15-minute walk.
Your hosts can arrange for E-bikes to be delivered for £40 a day. Please contact the owners upon booking for more information.
Southcombe Gallery
There's a new contemporary art gallery up at the main house with constantly rotating works by hugely talented artists. There’s also an exciting new artist residency programme launching next year in partnership with Arts University Plymouth.
Places to visit
Widecombe (10-minute walk) - a very pretty village with a few shops but just sitting on the green, sometimes with wild ponies, is part of the Widecombe experience.
Ashburton (7 miles) - a charming town that seamlessly blends historical allure with contemporary vibrancy. Surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Dartmoor, this quaint town beckons visitors with its quaint streets, independent shops, and a warm community ambiance.
House of Marbles (7.8 miles) - uncovering hidden gems in their quirky museums, or watch skilled artisans at work in the glassworks studio, there’s always something new to discover.
Totnes (14 miles) - a beautiful historical town which combines stunning countryside with independent shopping, local food & drink and interesting attractions.
Outdoor & active
Dartmoor - high recommended for a visit. There are some classic Dartmoor landmarks all within walking distance of Soutcombe Barn, or a 5-minute drive, these include the famous Hay Tor. Climbers will love Bonehill - which you can walk to and as is very popular for bouldering.
Burgh Island (28 miles) - made famous by Agatha Christie and the incredible Burgh Island Hotel. If on more of a budget, then the pub on the island is great for a pint.
The nearest beaches are about 40-minutes away but Vashti and Tom recommend you probably go a bit further as 50-minutes away you'll find Mothecombe and Bantham, and Bigbury
Please check current opening times and services at the above places before visiting.
Courses & classes
Vashti offers sound baths in the meadow or events barn. Please order in advance and advise on preferred times.
Private yoga is possible to arrange in advance.
Forest bathing and foraging is also available at Southcombe Barn.
Creative workshops are also possible, including painting and woodworking.
Guests are asked to arrange any practitioner session in advance of their stay to avoid any disappointment. Please contact Vashti to arrange or for other ideas of things to do.
Read more
Meet your hosts
Meet Vashti and Tom
Tom is co-founder of Canopy & Stars and so even their daughters have probably already had what most people would consider a lifetime of stays in cabins and treehouses. Vashti is a curator and runs Southcombe Arts as a community arts space and artist residency venue.
In 2019, the family left Bristol and moved to Devon, with the aim of setting up a wellbeing retreat. Having sold their house in Bristol and not having found the right patch of land to create a new home, they lived on an ex Canopy & Stars bus in a friends field for a few months. They then found a house and started creating their retreat at Southcombe Barn.
Wildlife & environment
They have deer living on the land, and also an owl, but there's some much biodiversity throughout with an interesting mix of fauna and flora. The wildflower garden is a haven for bees, birds and butterflies. The ancient woodland is where you'll most likely see the deer (if you're lucky). On the pasture it's highly likely during your stay (but not always) that you'll see pedigree Dartmoor ponies.
This lovingly renovated hay barn is at the heart of a home, that’s also a wellbeing, art and nature retreat. Stretching over 16 acres of wildflower meadows and woodland, Southcombe Barn backs onto the open moor of the Dartmoor National Park, so your experience can extend just as far as the horizon. This is a place for people to relax, disconnect from everyday life – and reconnect with nature and what’s important.
Every element of design puts you at ease and looking around, you’ll feel the craft and nature inspired aesthetic – teak balustrades, reclaimed timber, exposed stone, wood burner with rocking chair, vintage copper sink and the antique French bathtub, all in soothing tones which mirror the moor and the landscape that surrounds you.
Guests who stay here love walks through the wildflower meadows, streamside jaunts, the ‘löyly’ soothing feeling of the beautiful wood-fired sauna after a dip in the cool waters of the natural swimming pond, or the simple pleasure of an outdoor bath, staring up at the stars above. There's also the notable feature of an outdoor four poster bed, crafted from a fallen tree, where floating in a sea of wildflowers you can take an incredible afternoon nap.
Guests find themselves both surprised, and unsurprised to learn the owners behind this place are none other than our Canopy & Stars co-founder Tom, and his partner Vashti. What’s most important about this place is that it isn’t just a place to stay, it’s an experience. And whilst you could happily lose yourself in the wildness of it, you might just find yourself there too.
All Southcombe Barn guests have access to the complimentary Wild Spa sauna and the wood-fired bath tubs which is £50 per session. There is one private slot available for guests to book in advance on either Tues, Thurs or Sat around dusk
Please note that the baths are spring fed and wood-fired, therefore its availability is weather dependent and may take some time to heat up
Please bring wellies/walking boots, wet weather gear, torches, and flip flops to wear on your way to the sauna
One parking space is available for guests, 30m from the Piggery
The Hay Barn is a gable end of the converted barn (with a private entrance) that the hosts live in, it is 20m from another space, Southcombe Piggery
Communal areas include the gallery, yoga barn, sauna, and the grounds surrounding the site
Unlimited firewood is provided
Wifi is only available around the gallery
No mobile signal
Guests have access to a private outdoor bed camp and a campfire, 200 metres away. Use of the bed camp is weather dependent and not suitable for overnight sleeping
There is a wildlife pond for guests to enjoy and watch the butterflies and dragon flies. The water conditions change and is not always open for swimming. Please contact your host upon booking for more information.
Sleeping arrangements
One king-size bed
Extra space available
Space
for 1 baby
no charge.
Cooking
Kitchen equipped with a four-ring ceramic hob, oven, kettle and an undercounter fridge with a freezer compartment
Cooking utensils, crockery and glassware provided
Firepit and BBQ
Washing
Private bathroom with bath, shower, sink and flushing toilet
Organic shampoo and shower gel provided
Hot water is available in bathroom, shower and kitchen
Hot water powered by Air Source Heat Pump and renewable energy
Heating, lighting & bedding
Ethically sourced natural linen provided
Ethically sourced natural towels provided
Underfloor heating powered by Air Source Heat Pump and renewable energy
Electric radiator in bathroom
Wood burner
Electric lighting including an interesting chandelier and light made from pulley
Plug sockets
Entertainment
Sauna and outdoor baths
Art gallery
Plenty of walks
Yoga studio open in Spring/Summer
1-2-1 creative sessions such as flower garland making
What3Words: ///strumming.exhales.vines - What3Words is a new more accurate version of a postcode. This will take you directly to the entrance of the estate where you can follow the signposts to your cabin. We recommend using this in your Sat Nav, but always remember to look at the owners’ directions too!
By public transport
The nearest train station is Newton Abbot and Totnes, only a 30-minute drive.
Arrive by train in to Newton Abbot, and your host have agreed a fee of £30 each way with a local taxi firm so please arrange with your hosts prior to visiting so they can ensure a taxi is waiting for you.
By car
Sat nav and postcode will work in getting you to right direction to Widecombe from A38 or across moor if coming from North Devon. The postcode will get you close to the house.
It's about a 15-minute drive from the A38 and Ashburton. Ashburton is a nice town to pick up a few provisions en route.
As you enter Widecombe-in-the-Moor village, drive through and there will be a school on your right. Continue for about 100 metres and then take the first right after the school signposted ‘Southcombe’. Drive about another 250 metres up the steep hill, ignore the first drive on your left. Another 30 metres on and it's the L shaped barn, behind the house on the left. Park up just past the gate with Southcombe Barn sign.
EV Charging - there is a podpoint at Haytor and 20 fast chargers at Buckfastleigh Strawberry fields Farm shop.
You will find tea, local ethical coffee, olive oil, salt and pepper is provided.
There's an option of a night-time luxury bedtime hamper including ice cream, chocolate, hot chocolate and marshmallows. Monday night is ‘curry night’ - delicious locally made Sri Lankan and Goan curries - delivered to you in a tiffin. Please order any hot food in advance as it may not be possible to provide at short notice on day of stay. All food is subject to availability.
Local shops
Ashburton has some brilliant places for buying provisions, including a great bakery, fishmongers, butcher, fruit and veg shop and a deli, as well as two small supermarkets. There’s also a local farm shop with very good butcher near Hay Tor.
Pubs & restaurants
The Rugglestone Inn (10-minute walk) - a gem of a pub with a lovely beer garden full of chickens! A real traditional/unfussy friendly pub, with great local ales and characters and homemade pub grub.
Cafe on the Green (i10-minute walk) - offers excellent breakfasts, lunches and cakes. This is a great place to go locally but is not open in the evening.
Osteria Emila (6.7 miles) – services a variety of creative Italian inspired food.
The Bull Inn (18 miles) – great food and atmosphere in Totnes.
Rafikis (6.7 miles) - serving amazing vegetarian food, lunches, coffees, cakes and Friday night dinners. Creative, friendly, colourful, informal and delicious.
Café Latino (6.6 miles) – The best place in Dartmoor, for South American vibes (there’s a strict Latino music policy), strong coffee, Columbian snacks and friendly service.
Creamos (6.8 miles) - creates small batch, handcrafted, ice cream, sorbets and sweet treats. Unique flavours inspired by seasonal curiosity. Your hosts consider this their favourite ice cream!
Below the house is a 5 acre National Garden Scheme wildflower garden where beautiful flowers, butterflies, birds and bees are your neighbours. Just hanging out here is a good way to spend an afternoon. There's also a further 5 acres of woodland and 6 of wildflower meadow and pasture too, which guests are free to explore.
The two moors way can be accessed straight off back of the land and the nearest tor with 360 degree views is about a 15-minute walk.
Your hosts can arrange for E-bikes to be delivered for £40 a day. Please contact the owners upon booking for more information.
Southcombe Gallery
There's a new contemporary art gallery up at the main house with constantly rotating works by hugely talented artists. There’s also an exciting new artist residency programme launching next year in partnership with Arts University Plymouth.
Places to visit
Widecombe (10-minute walk) - a very pretty village with a few shops but just sitting on the green, sometimes with wild ponies, is part of the Widecombe experience.
Ashburton (7 miles) - a charming town that seamlessly blends historical allure with contemporary vibrancy. Surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Dartmoor, this quaint town beckons visitors with its quaint streets, independent shops, and a warm community ambiance.
House of Marbles (7.8 miles) - uncovering hidden gems in their quirky museums, or watch skilled artisans at work in the glassworks studio, there’s always something new to discover.
Totnes (14 miles) - a beautiful historical town which combines stunning countryside with independent shopping, local food & drink and interesting attractions.
Outdoor & active
Dartmoor - high recommended for a visit. There are some classic Dartmoor landmarks all within walking distance of Soutcombe Barn, or a 5-minute drive, these include the famous Hay Tor. Climbers will love Bonehill - which you can walk to and as is very popular for bouldering.
Burgh Island (28 miles) - made famous by Agatha Christie and the incredible Burgh Island Hotel. If on more of a budget, then the pub on the island is great for a pint.
The nearest beaches are about 40-minutes away but Vashti and Tom recommend you probably go a bit further as 50-minutes away you'll find Mothecombe and Bantham, and Bigbury
Please check current opening times and services at the above places before visiting.
Courses & classes
Vashti offers sound baths in the meadow or events barn. Please order in advance and advise on preferred times.
Private yoga is possible to arrange in advance.
Forest bathing and foraging is also available at Southcombe Barn.
Creative workshops are also possible, including painting and woodworking.
Guests are asked to arrange any practitioner session in advance of their stay to avoid any disappointment. Please contact Vashti to arrange or for other ideas of things to do.
Tom is co-founder of Canopy & Stars and so even their daughters have probably already had what most people would consider a lifetime of stays in cabins and treehouses. Vashti is a curator and runs Southcombe Arts as a community arts space and artist residency venue.
In 2019, the family left Bristol and moved to Devon, with the aim of setting up a wellbeing retreat. Having sold their house in Bristol and not having found the right patch of land to create a new home, they lived on an ex Canopy & Stars bus in a friends field for a few months. They then found a house and started creating their retreat at Southcombe Barn.
Wildlife & environment
They have deer living on the land, and also an owl, but there's some much biodiversity throughout with an interesting mix of fauna and flora. The wildflower garden is a haven for bees, birds and butterflies. The ancient woodland is where you'll most likely see the deer (if you're lucky). On the pasture it's highly likely during your stay (but not always) that you'll see pedigree Dartmoor ponies.
Such a beautiful stay the hosts were welcoming and the facilities were beyond our expectations!
28/02/2025
Paddy
My parter and I stayed here for his birthday weekend. The area is absolutely stunning and the accommodation is set in a lovely little village with two great pubs/cafes and beautiful walks on your doorstep. The owners were very welcoming and communicated well with us both prior and during our stay. We had a lovely evening in the bath tubs with a bottle of champagne then the following day made use of their wood fired sauna with some wild water swimming inbetween! What a lovely, memorable stay, thank you!
31/01/2025
Rowena
We had a lovely stay at the Hay Barn despite the weather! Accommodation was beautiful.
29/11/2024
Hannah
We had a fantastic time at the Hay Barn. Just perfect quiet barn was Beautiful. 2 lively pubs near by and a lovely cafe. Walks are beautiful and we had a clear sky for star watching.
Sauna was a bonus perfect thank you
27/11/2024
Georgina
We stayed here for three days of our honeymoon and we can't have wished for somewhere better to unwind. When we arrived the host Vashti showed us around the beautiful grounds, including the amazing apothecary garden. We particularly enjoyed the stunning walks, wild swimming and The Rugglestone Inn - all brilliantly recommended by Tom and Vashti. The accommodation was spacious, clean and beautifully put together. We really enjoyed not having WIFI in the space, forcing us to slow down! Thank you.
18/09/2024
Kate
We had such a lovely time at Hay Barn hosted by Tom and Vashti who couldn't have been more welcoming. The barn was in beautiful condition, everything worked perfectly and our hosts had thought of everything. Loved the apothecary, outdoor bed and electric lantern
06/09/2024
James
We stayed at the hay barn for our honeymoon! The location and atmosphere were everything we wanted - peaceful, off grid, natural, relaxing… the hay barn was beautifully decorated and the grounds around it were stunning: we spent afternoons lying in the herb and flower garden, cooked on a fire pit in the woods, lounged in the outdoor baths and swam in the spring fed wild pond. Vashti and Tom were so welcoming and went out of their way to make our honeymoon hugely special.
12/08/2024
Isobel
We enjoyed our stay at the Hay Barn immensely. It was a beautiful, relaxing and rejuvenating place to escape to; and we couldn't recommend it more highly.
27/05/2024
Oliver
We had 4 days of utter relaxation in the Hay Barn. Tom and Vashti were so friendly and helpful and made us feel at home on Southcombe farm. The combination of comfortable accommodation and breathtaking nature meant that we truly relaxed and recharged. This trip fed our souls :-)
20/05/2024
Anna
We loved our stay at the Hay Barn - it's calming, beautiful and the sauna with a view and lake is a real treat
05/04/2024
Verity
We didn’t want to leave. Single hand idly the most beautifully remote getaway we have ever been on. From the accommodation to the surroundings. Vashti and Tom were perfect. They are very lucky people to live in such an area and home. Will defo be returning.
24/02/2024
Ollie
Such a perfect stay! We loved everything about it. Tom and Vashti are wonderful people, the place was beautiful, incredible walks nearby. We felt so much better after our stay.
02/02/2024
Rachel
It was really relaxing and great place to switch off but still have the comforts of home around you.
26/01/2024
Kate
We had the most amazing stay - the owners went above and beyond showing us around and letting us use the sauna two days on the trot. I never thought I'd be swimming in a pond in January so that was invigorating. The place was cosy with a lovely log fire, it had an amazing deep bath and the carpentry finish was really good.
05/01/2024
Bethany
We stayed in Southcombe Hay Barn. We only had two days free as both of us are really busy at the moment. It was a really welcome morsel of respite and we loved that we could put our phones away, there was no tv or other distractions, just us and the quiet. Loved all the decor and natural materials.
11/12/2023
Gillian
Fantastic stay and great hosts
08/12/2023
Anthony
Absolutely loved the Hay Barn! Vashti & Tom were fantastic hosts and the whole experience was quite magical!
17/11/2023
Hannah
The most tranquil and relaxing stay imaginable. The wood fired sauna on arrival was a particular highlight but the whole experience of staying in Tom and Vashti’s beautiful hay barn has left us feeling rejuvenated, rested and closer to nature than ever before.
01/11/2023
Juliet
We arrived at Hay Barn and Tom was there to welcome us and show us around the grounds. The barn was well equipped with everything we needed. The grounds around Hay barn were idillic and Dartmoor is simply stunning!
The bath in the barn was my favourite part of the barn so large and deep just perfect for a relaxing dip.
The ‘wild’ spa was absolutely amazing and so lovely to sit out in a bath tub that gets hotter not colder. I braved the pond and had a swim between the sauna so freezing but exhilarating !
04/10/2023
Felicity
We stayed at the Hay Barn for a "mini" honey-moon after getting married. It was serene and wonderful. The location is amazing and hosts made up feel so welcome and relaxed.
05/06/2023
Toby
We had an absolutely fantastic stay at the Hay Barn! Such an incredible spot with everything you could wish for onsite - wood-fired sauna with incredible views over the valley, outdoor baths, space to roam around wild flower meadows and a relaxing outdoor bed. The actual barn is also beautiful and a relaxing and very comfortable place to sleep. We loved wandering straight out on the moors and finding spots to wild swim or take our paddleboard. Thanks Tom and Vashti for your generous hospitality - we would love to come back again!
31/05/2023
Zoe
Amazing place and lovely hosts. The location was great and whether you want to just stay in the house and use the lovely facilities or adventure on a walk, there’s plenty to do.
19/05/2023
Adriana
The barn was attractive, warm and very comfortable and in a beautiful location; the hosts friendly and welcoming. We enjoyed a sound bath and a sauna with the most beautiful view over the valley. It is conveniently situated a short walk from the lovely village of Widecombe, with wonderful walks over the surrounding moors.
19/04/2023
Deborah
Fantastic stay at Hay Barn at Southcombe Farm. My girlfriend and I visited over the Easter weekend for a relaxing pre-baby break. Beautiful location, great facilities and a wonderful base to explore Dartmoor. Tom and Vashti were very welcoming and put in lots of effort to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. Would highly recommend
07/04/2023
William
This was planned as an early spring getaway - we chose the Hay Barn as it captures all the things we love, including hiking, wild swimming, sauna, local pubs, beautiful spaces and it did not disappoint. I only wish we could have stayed for a few days more!
24/03/2023
Neha
Excellent!
We especially enjoyed the sauna, wild swimming pond and the beautiful location.
10/02/2023
Sarah
Hay Barn was a beautiful, welcoming stay. The barn is absolutely beautifully done, a beautiful log burner, great kitchen facilities, stunning bathroom. We could not have enjoyed our stay more. The barn is in a perfect location to explore Dartmoor, but just on the edge of a great village - the Rugglestone Inn is definitely worth a visit. Vashti & Tom were so welcoming and did everything they could to ensure we had a fab stay - they went above and beyond in hosting us, and couldn't have been more accommodating and welcoming. It was lovely! The sauna is such a bonus, it is beautiful and was a highlight of our trip - overall, we couldn't have asked for a better stay and completely recommend!
13/01/2023
Eloise
We arrived on Monday 2nd Jan to Southcombe Barn at 4:30pm. Tom was there to show us around and get us settled in and Vashti provided us with a delicious curry for our first dinner there. We had a wonderful 4 night stay which included 2 evenings in their state of the art sauna and we also had a sound bath from Vashti. We felt fully accommodated and the barn was exactly what we needed to escape from the city for the first week of the year. A perfect place to recharge the batteries.
02/01/2023
Matt
We stayed here for New Years and we had such a relaxing break. The weather wasn't on our side but we made the most of it and snuggled up in this lovely cabin playing games and sitting by the beautiful wood burner.
The sauna was a great treat and it is so close to lots of walks in the tors. Ashburton is also well worth a visit with all of its little antique shops. There is also a little convenience shop and a couple of pubs within walking distance.
We had a delicious curry delivered in a tiffin on our first night, highly recommended!
The decor and finish in the barn is stunning and there are lots of thoughtful touches. The bed is really comfy and the bathroom is fab!
Vashti and Tom are really lovely, accommodating and kind hosts. Vashti provided a sound bath in hammocks which was a great experience.
We look forward to returning in better weather to appreciate the lake, wild flowers and scenery!
30/12/2022
Ela
This felt like a proper retreat weekend, and me and my partner felt really rejuvenated after the stay at Hay Barn. The place is incredible, it is very tranquil , you are surrounded by beautiful nature , wildlife , it is a feast for your senses . We loved the barn , the place was stunning , cosy and we loved evenings by the fire . The bathroom was great, with a massive bath tub to jump into after a day of walking around Dartmoor. There was so many little details , lovely essential oils and natural care products adding to the wholesome experience. Vashti and Tom are such a lovely , accommodating, kind hosts. We loved spending time in the studio in the hammock and sound bath provided by Vashti was such an rejuvenating and deeply relaxing experience.
14/10/2022
Marta
What a beautifully crafted place, with so much unique thought and care. We loved the creative touches which adorn the space, full of old treasures found and revived.
We put on our boots and stomped over the Moors – excellent location in the heart of Dartmoor, but with the coast close enough to visit too! We loved walking down to the Rugglestone Inn, feasting on proper pub grub and Dartmoor Ales and returning to cosy-up by the fire. And of course, the moonlit sauna…. Something else…truly magical. The perfect escape for a wet winter’s weekend.
13/10/2022
Tessa, Canopy & Stars
We stayed at Hay Barn for a couple of nights while in the area. It’s was such a perfect turn off from normal life as there is no phone signal. Nights by the fire, playing games and a lovely big bath is how we spent our time when not exploring the local area. Lovely food at the pub down the road. The hosts were very accommodating as well, the cinnamon buns were a lovely touch as well! Thank you for having us
12/10/2022
Megan
This place is brand new to our collection but the reviews for Southcombe Piggery will give you a feel for the experience. Book a stay and be the first to write a glowing review!
27/09/2022
Canopy & Stars
Reviews
Such a beautiful stay the hosts were welcoming and the facilities were beyond our expectations!
28/02/2025
Paddy
My parter and I stayed here for his birthday weekend. The area is absolutely stunning and the accommodation is set in a lovely little village with two great pubs/cafes and beautiful walks on your doorstep. The owners were very welcoming and communicated well with us both prior and during our stay. We had a lovely evening in the bath tubs with a bottle of champagne then the following day made use of their wood fired sauna with some wild water swimming inbetween! What a lovely, memorable stay, thank you!
31/01/2025
Rowena
We had a lovely stay at the Hay Barn despite the weather! Accommodation was beautiful.
29/11/2024
Hannah
We had a fantastic time at the Hay Barn. Just perfect quiet barn was Beautiful. 2 lively pubs near by and a lovely cafe. Walks are beautiful and we had a clear sky for star watching.
Sauna was a bonus perfect thank you
27/11/2024
Georgina
We stayed here for three days of our honeymoon and we can't have wished for somewhere better to unwind. When we arrived the host Vashti showed us around the beautiful grounds, including the amazing apothecary garden. We particularly enjoyed the stunning walks, wild swimming and The Rugglestone Inn - all brilliantly recommended by Tom and Vashti. The accommodation was spacious, clean and beautifully put together. We really enjoyed not having WIFI in the space, forcing us to slow down! Thank you.
18/09/2024
Kate
We had such a lovely time at Hay Barn hosted by Tom and Vashti who couldn't have been more welcoming. The barn was in beautiful condition, everything worked perfectly and our hosts had thought of everything. Loved the apothecary, outdoor bed and electric lantern
06/09/2024
James
We stayed at the hay barn for our honeymoon! The location and atmosphere were everything we wanted - peaceful, off grid, natural, relaxing… the hay barn was beautifully decorated and the grounds around it were stunning: we spent afternoons lying in the herb and flower garden, cooked on a fire pit in the woods, lounged in the outdoor baths and swam in the spring fed wild pond. Vashti and Tom were so welcoming and went out of their way to make our honeymoon hugely special.
12/08/2024
Isobel
We enjoyed our stay at the Hay Barn immensely. It was a beautiful, relaxing and rejuvenating place to escape to; and we couldn't recommend it more highly.
27/05/2024
Oliver
We had 4 days of utter relaxation in the Hay Barn. Tom and Vashti were so friendly and helpful and made us feel at home on Southcombe farm. The combination of comfortable accommodation and breathtaking nature meant that we truly relaxed and recharged. This trip fed our souls :-)
20/05/2024
Anna
We loved our stay at the Hay Barn - it's calming, beautiful and the sauna with a view and lake is a real treat
05/04/2024
Verity
We didn’t want to leave. Single hand idly the most beautifully remote getaway we have ever been on. From the accommodation to the surroundings. Vashti and Tom were perfect. They are very lucky people to live in such an area and home. Will defo be returning.
24/02/2024
Ollie
Such a perfect stay! We loved everything about it. Tom and Vashti are wonderful people, the place was beautiful, incredible walks nearby. We felt so much better after our stay.
02/02/2024
Rachel
It was really relaxing and great place to switch off but still have the comforts of home around you.
26/01/2024
Kate
We had the most amazing stay - the owners went above and beyond showing us around and letting us use the sauna two days on the trot. I never thought I'd be swimming in a pond in January so that was invigorating. The place was cosy with a lovely log fire, it had an amazing deep bath and the carpentry finish was really good.
05/01/2024
Bethany
We stayed in Southcombe Hay Barn. We only had two days free as both of us are really busy at the moment. It was a really welcome morsel of respite and we loved that we could put our phones away, there was no tv or other distractions, just us and the quiet. Loved all the decor and natural materials.
11/12/2023
Gillian
Fantastic stay and great hosts
08/12/2023
Anthony
Absolutely loved the Hay Barn! Vashti & Tom were fantastic hosts and the whole experience was quite magical!
17/11/2023
Hannah
The most tranquil and relaxing stay imaginable. The wood fired sauna on arrival was a particular highlight but the whole experience of staying in Tom and Vashti’s beautiful hay barn has left us feeling rejuvenated, rested and closer to nature than ever before.
01/11/2023
Juliet
We arrived at Hay Barn and Tom was there to welcome us and show us around the grounds. The barn was well equipped with everything we needed. The grounds around Hay barn were idillic and Dartmoor is simply stunning!
The bath in the barn was my favourite part of the barn so large and deep just perfect for a relaxing dip.
The ‘wild’ spa was absolutely amazing and so lovely to sit out in a bath tub that gets hotter not colder. I braved the pond and had a swim between the sauna so freezing but exhilarating !
04/10/2023
Felicity
We stayed at the Hay Barn for a "mini" honey-moon after getting married. It was serene and wonderful. The location is amazing and hosts made up feel so welcome and relaxed.
05/06/2023
Toby
We had an absolutely fantastic stay at the Hay Barn! Such an incredible spot with everything you could wish for onsite - wood-fired sauna with incredible views over the valley, outdoor baths, space to roam around wild flower meadows and a relaxing outdoor bed. The actual barn is also beautiful and a relaxing and very comfortable place to sleep. We loved wandering straight out on the moors and finding spots to wild swim or take our paddleboard. Thanks Tom and Vashti for your generous hospitality - we would love to come back again!
31/05/2023
Zoe
Amazing place and lovely hosts. The location was great and whether you want to just stay in the house and use the lovely facilities or adventure on a walk, there’s plenty to do.
19/05/2023
Adriana
The barn was attractive, warm and very comfortable and in a beautiful location; the hosts friendly and welcoming. We enjoyed a sound bath and a sauna with the most beautiful view over the valley. It is conveniently situated a short walk from the lovely village of Widecombe, with wonderful walks over the surrounding moors.
19/04/2023
Deborah
Fantastic stay at Hay Barn at Southcombe Farm. My girlfriend and I visited over the Easter weekend for a relaxing pre-baby break. Beautiful location, great facilities and a wonderful base to explore Dartmoor. Tom and Vashti were very welcoming and put in lots of effort to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. Would highly recommend
07/04/2023
William
This was planned as an early spring getaway - we chose the Hay Barn as it captures all the things we love, including hiking, wild swimming, sauna, local pubs, beautiful spaces and it did not disappoint. I only wish we could have stayed for a few days more!
24/03/2023
Neha
Excellent!
We especially enjoyed the sauna, wild swimming pond and the beautiful location.
10/02/2023
Sarah
Hay Barn was a beautiful, welcoming stay. The barn is absolutely beautifully done, a beautiful log burner, great kitchen facilities, stunning bathroom. We could not have enjoyed our stay more. The barn is in a perfect location to explore Dartmoor, but just on the edge of a great village - the Rugglestone Inn is definitely worth a visit. Vashti & Tom were so welcoming and did everything they could to ensure we had a fab stay - they went above and beyond in hosting us, and couldn't have been more accommodating and welcoming. It was lovely! The sauna is such a bonus, it is beautiful and was a highlight of our trip - overall, we couldn't have asked for a better stay and completely recommend!
13/01/2023
Eloise
We arrived on Monday 2nd Jan to Southcombe Barn at 4:30pm. Tom was there to show us around and get us settled in and Vashti provided us with a delicious curry for our first dinner there. We had a wonderful 4 night stay which included 2 evenings in their state of the art sauna and we also had a sound bath from Vashti. We felt fully accommodated and the barn was exactly what we needed to escape from the city for the first week of the year. A perfect place to recharge the batteries.
02/01/2023
Matt
We stayed here for New Years and we had such a relaxing break. The weather wasn't on our side but we made the most of it and snuggled up in this lovely cabin playing games and sitting by the beautiful wood burner.
The sauna was a great treat and it is so close to lots of walks in the tors. Ashburton is also well worth a visit with all of its little antique shops. There is also a little convenience shop and a couple of pubs within walking distance.
We had a delicious curry delivered in a tiffin on our first night, highly recommended!
The decor and finish in the barn is stunning and there are lots of thoughtful touches. The bed is really comfy and the bathroom is fab!
Vashti and Tom are really lovely, accommodating and kind hosts. Vashti provided a sound bath in hammocks which was a great experience.
We look forward to returning in better weather to appreciate the lake, wild flowers and scenery!
30/12/2022
Ela
This felt like a proper retreat weekend, and me and my partner felt really rejuvenated after the stay at Hay Barn. The place is incredible, it is very tranquil , you are surrounded by beautiful nature , wildlife , it is a feast for your senses . We loved the barn , the place was stunning , cosy and we loved evenings by the fire . The bathroom was great, with a massive bath tub to jump into after a day of walking around Dartmoor. There was so many little details , lovely essential oils and natural care products adding to the wholesome experience. Vashti and Tom are such a lovely , accommodating, kind hosts. We loved spending time in the studio in the hammock and sound bath provided by Vashti was such an rejuvenating and deeply relaxing experience.
14/10/2022
Marta
What a beautifully crafted place, with so much unique thought and care. We loved the creative touches which adorn the space, full of old treasures found and revived.
We put on our boots and stomped over the Moors – excellent location in the heart of Dartmoor, but with the coast close enough to visit too! We loved walking down to the Rugglestone Inn, feasting on proper pub grub and Dartmoor Ales and returning to cosy-up by the fire. And of course, the moonlit sauna…. Something else…truly magical. The perfect escape for a wet winter’s weekend.
13/10/2022
Tessa, Canopy & Stars
We stayed at Hay Barn for a couple of nights while in the area. It’s was such a perfect turn off from normal life as there is no phone signal. Nights by the fire, playing games and a lovely big bath is how we spent our time when not exploring the local area. Lovely food at the pub down the road. The hosts were very accommodating as well, the cinnamon buns were a lovely touch as well! Thank you for having us
12/10/2022
Megan
This place is brand new to our collection but the reviews for Southcombe Piggery will give you a feel for the experience. Book a stay and be the first to write a glowing review!
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Book with us in confidence knowing you won’t find that place cheaper elsewhere. All of the prices we display are set and matched by our Owners. (In this world of foreign currency, we do have to say 'subject to exchange rates' for some of our European places.)
What does ‘from price’ mean?
Our ‘from price’ is based on a four night stay in low season and designed to help you to compare different prices across our collection. Some of our Owners vary their nightly rates and check in days throughout the year, so it may differ from the rate quoted below the calendar. It is quite common (although by no means universal) for places to charge a little more in peak season or for shorter stays, to cover changeover costs. Consider booking longer stays during the cooler months if you’re looking for the lowest nightly rates.
Agency Terms & Conditions
Except where otherwise specified, we Sawday’s Canopy & Stars Ltd (Company No 09088366) of Merchants House, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RW act only as an Agent in respect of all bookings we take and/or make on your behalf. As an Agent we act as an intermediary between you and the owner (‘’Owner’’) of the holiday accommodation (‘’Property’’) you will be staying in. We help to arrange reservations and bookings between you and the Owner and take payments from you on behalf of the Owner.
We are only arranging a contract between you and the Owner for hire of the Property and for any other services or arrangement you purchase from the Owner (the “Booking”). This means the legal contract for the Booking is between you and the Owner despite the fact that a payment for the Booking has been made to the Agent. Your contract for the Booking is not with Sawday’s Canopy & Stars Ltd (Canopy & Stars).
Canopy & Stars is part of the Sawday’s family of companies, a majority employee owned business, 24% owned by a charitable trust and a B Corp. We accept no liability in relation to any contract you enter into in relation to Bookings or for the acts or omissions of any supplier(s) or other person(s) or party(ies) connected with any Booking.
When making your Booking we will arrange for you to enter into a contract with the Owner, as detailed in clause 1.2 below. Your Booking is subject to these Agency Terms & Conditions and any other specific booking conditions of the relevant Owner(s) you contract with. The Owner’s booking conditions may limit and/or exclude the Owner’s liability to you.
You may decide to make more than one Booking at the same time. The price charged in total for more than one Booking will always equal the prices charged separately for each individual Booking. All Bookings are available to be purchased separately at the same price as they are when more than one Booking is made. This means that any multiple Bookings do not constitute a package as defined in the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992.
By making a booking, you agree that:
- You have read these Agency Terms & Conditions and agree to be bound by them;
- The lead name on the Booking will be the person responsible for the Booking and shall be responsible for paying the deposit and the full price, for making any amendment and cancellation requests and for the payment of any additional charges. The lead name accepts these Terms & Conditions on behalf of all persons in the Booking;
- You consent to our use of your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy;
- You are over 18 years of age and where there may be age restrictions in place, you declare that you and all members of your party are of the appropriate age
The Canopy & Stars online booking system enables Guests to make Bookings 24 hours a day. To confirm your booking, you must pay a 25% deposit (or full payment if booking within 10 weeks of your check in date) and the entire Booking will be subject to the cancellation policy as outlined in clause 2 below. The Canopy & Stars telephone booking line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm. When using the online enquiry form, for those Properties without online booking, please allow 24 working hours for us to contact you by telephone to confirm the Booking. If we are unable to reach you by phone, we will attempt to contact you by email. We will contact you during Canopy & Stars working hours (Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm). Online or email enquiries will be dealt with in the order they are received, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee reservation of your selected dates until the receipt of suitable payment. Therefore, if possible, we do recommend that you book on the Canopy & Stars website using the online booking system.
1. Booking and payments
1.1 In order to confirm your chosen Booking, you must pay a 25% non-refundable deposit as required (or full payment if booking within 10 weeks of the date of your check-in). The deposit is non-refundable as it covers costs incurred and services provided to enable your Booking. These include, but are not limited to, marketing and PR, property inspection fees, Owner management, booking management, credit card fees and customer service.
1.2 Your Booking is confirmed and a contract between you and the Owner will exist when we receive payment of the deposit and send you a booking confirmation on the Owner’s behalf. This Booking confirmation email will be sent within 24 hours and will contain the details of your Booking and of payments made and due. If you have not received your Booking confirmation email within the specified time, please notify us as soon as possible by email (bookings@canopyandstars.co.uk). Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to us immediately. As we act only as booking Agent, we have no responsibility for any errors in any documentation except where an error is made by us.
1.3 Once the 25% deposit has been paid, the full balance payment will be due 10 weeks in advance of your check in. A reminder to pay your balance will be sent to you one week prior to this 10 week date, where applicable, by email. We automatically take the balance payment using the same card as used to make the deposit payment. It is your responsibility to advise us if we should use a different card and to contact us by telephone (0117 204 7830) to arrange for alternative payment method. If the automated balance payment does not successfully go through as there is a problem with your card, such as it is expiring, then we will contact you to try and take alternative payment. If you do not make any payment due to Canopy & Stars by the due date for payment and at the latest within 5 days of this date, then with regret, we will notify the Owner who will cancel your Booking and terminate their contract with you. In these circumstances, your rights to a refund are set out in clause 2.3 and 2.4 below. Please note that if you have paid in a currency that is different to the original pricing, we will not be able to guarantee the same conversion rate that was used to convert the deposit payment.
1.4 Except where otherwise advised or stated in the booking conditions of the Owner concerned, all monies you pay to us for a Booking will be held on behalf of the Owner(s) concerned.
1.5 Credit Card payments are processed via Elavon who provide merchants services facilities to Sawday’s Canopy & Stars Ltd.
2. Cancellation by You
2.1 If you have to, or want to cancel or amend your Booking, this request must be sent to us by email (bookings@canopyandstars.co.uk) and will be considered and responded to within two working days of receipt. Please ensure that you have received written confirmation of any changes to your Booking prior to travel. Whilst we will always try to help, we cannot guarantee that such requests will be met.
2.2 Cancellation by you at any time will result in your 25% deposit being forfeited. The deposit is always non-refundable as it covers costs incurred and services provided to enable your Booking.
2.3 All bookings are non-amendable and non-refundable within 10 weeks of your check in date. If you need to cancel your booking within 10 weeks, the total cost of the accommodation including the deposit will be forfeited. Cancellation should always be in writing to bookings@canopyandstars.co.uk.
2.4 If you need to cancel your booking at a date 10 weeks or more in advance of your check in date, the 25% deposit will be forfeited. If the booking has been paid in full the balance will be returned to you, minus the 25% deposit. Refunds will be issued in the same form and ratio as the original payment was made. Therefore, if a Gift Voucher was used to book your stay, the refund will be back onto a new Gift Voucher at the same amount as originally used. Alternatively, if you paid in cash, your refund will be processed in the currency of the booking. Where this is different to the currency of the payment card, this will be converted at the current exchange rate on the day of the refund.
2.5 Cancellations made by you, at any time, may incur a £50 administration fee in addition to us retaining the non-refundable deposit. This represents the administration costs incurred by us on behalf of the Owner to deal with such requests.
2.6 If extreme weather prevents you from reaching your holiday, taking, or finishing your holiday, you are still subject to these cancellation terms as outlined in clause 2.3 above. We strongly recommend that you take out a travel insurance policy which covers this eventuality. In the event of the property becoming unavailable (such as due to fire or flooding), Canopy & Stars will endeavour to provide the Guest with suitable alternative accommodation, starting with any other accommodation that may be available with the same Owner of your Booking, or will refund all monies paid, or a proportion in the case of curtailment. The Agency cannot, however, pay any compensation or expenses as a consequence of such an event.
2.7 Cancellation insurance is available to purchase from many providers, but will be a third-party arrangement and not involve Canopy & Stars or the Owner in any way. You are strongly recommended to take out personal travel insurance for all members of your party for UK holidays and you must take out personal travel insurance for international holidays, including for illness and cancellation due to Covid-19. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover is adequate for your needs, including cancellation and curtailment.
2.8 If you fail to check-in on your date of arrival your Booking will be cancelled and no refund will be due.
3. Amendments to your booking, requested by you
3.1 Amendments to your Booking can only be made more than 10 weeks prior to the check in date, after which time amendments may be treated as cancellation and our refund policy as detailed in clause 2.3 above may apply. All amendments are subject to availability and may incur a £50 admin fee detailed in clause 2.5 above.
3.2 If we can fulfil your request to amend your booking, any differences in price as a result of the amendment, will be paid by you in the case of an increase and refunded to you in the case of a decrease in price, e.g. amending your booking from low season to high season.
3.3 In the event that a date swap is offered, this will normally be agreed with a set timeframe to rebook and sometimes a credit against a future stay will be offered. The credit can only apply to a stay at the same space as originally booked.
3.3.1 If a date swap is offered, then the Agency Booking Terms and Conditions applied at the time of your original booking will still apply. Therefore, if your date was swapped within 10 weeks of the original check in date, the 10 week cancellation policy set out in clause 2.3 applies to your new stay, even if the new check in date is beyond 10 weeks.
4. Refunds
If a refund is issued it will be in the same form and ratio as the original payment was made. Therefore, if a Gift Voucher was used to purchase the original stay, the refund will be back onto a new Gift Voucher at the same amount as originally used.
5. Insurance
You are strongly recommended to take out personal travel insurance for all members of your party for your holiday, including holidays in the UK. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover is adequate for your needs, including cancellation and curtailment for any reason. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday.
6. Changes and Cancellations by the Owner
We will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if the Owner needs to make a significant change to your confirmed Booking or to cancel your Booking. We will also liaise between you and the Owner to try and organise an alternative Booking offered by the Owner, or a refund but we will have no further liability to you.
7. Cancellations due to events outside of Owner’s control
An Owner may have to cancel a booking due to events outside of their reasonable control (see clause 22). In such circumstances, we will liaise between you and the Owner to try and organise an any alternative Booking offered by the Owner, or a refund but we will have no further liability to you.
8. Complaints & Procedure
We always aim to provide the best possible holiday experience, however, if you have any complaint or problems during your stay, please immediately notify the Owner during the stay itself, so that the Owner has the opportunity to resolve the problem at the time. If you do not follow this procedure, there will be less opportunity for the Owner to investigate and resolve your complaint and to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Delays may also mean that the amount of compensation you may be entitled to, may be reduced or negated.
Whether or not your complaint is dealt with satisfactorily, please also let us know of the problem as soon as possible by emailing info@canopyandstars.co.uk. We will aim to respond within 1 working day to acknowledge your email. We will then review your feedback and investigate the complaint. This may involve discussing your concerns with the owner, revising the website listing for inaccuracies, and reviewing previous guest feedback and internal inspection notes. This process can take time to complete, so please allow approx. 7 working days for a final response.
We also welcome you to fill in our feedback survey which will be sent to you via email the day after you check out. It is important for us to gather as much information as possible about the experiences our guests are having. This is what helps us support our Owner in fulfilling their potential and identifying if anything could be improved.
9. Our Responsibility for your Booking
Your contract is with the Owner and its booking conditions apply. As Agent, we accept no responsibility for the actual provision of the Booking. Our responsibilities are limited to making the Booking in accordance with your instructions and acting properly in accordance with our legal duties as an Agent. We accept no responsibility for any information about the Booking that we pass on to you in good faith. However, in the event that we are found liable to you on any basis whatsoever, our maximum liability to you is limited to twice the cost of your Booking (or the appropriate proportion of this if not everyone on the Booking is affected). We do not exclude or limit any liability for death or personal injury that arises as a result of our negligence or that of any of our employees whilst acting in the course of their employment.
10. Your Responsibilities
10.1 Please note that you have a contract with the Owner of the property. As such you are under a responsibility to behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner whilst staying at the property with due respect to the Owner, the Property and other guests and their Property.
10.2 You are responsible for informing the Owner of any losses or damage to the property as soon as possible. Please note that you will be liable to pay the Owner for any losses or damage to the property caused by you or a member of your party (except reasonable wear and tear). Some Owners may also require a damage deposit. If so, this information will be provided on the website place page under ‘essentials’.
10.3 You must also leave the property by the check-out time specified on your Booking. If any guest behaves inappropriately or improperly (of which the Owner will be the final judge on their Property), or illegally, the Owner reserves the right to ask the guest and their party (at their discretion) to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period and/or refuse any future bookings from you. Please note that this would be without the right to any refund.
11. Pets
11.1 Not all properties accept pets. If you wish to take your pet on holiday, please advise us before booking and we can check whether pets are accepted at the property. You must obtain the prior consent of the Owner before taking any pets to the property. If you take a pet to a place that doesn’t allow pets, or you exceed the number of pets allowed at a place, the Owner has the right to refuse you to stay at the Property, and/or they may ask you to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period. Please note that this would be without the right to any refund.
11.2 A nightly charge may be made by the Owner for each pet and additional terms may apply, you will be notified of this at point of Booking. Please check these terms carefully before booking and arriving.
11.3 Please do not leave your pets alone or unsupervised in the property at any time during your stay. For the safety and comfort of your pet we request that Owners exercise due diligence at all times, especially where the property is located near a road/livestock. Canopy & Stars nor the Owner can accept responsibility for the safety of your pet.
11.4 If any guest has an allergy to pets, please be aware that Owners (and we) cannot guarantee that a pet has not stayed in a particular Property. We and Owners cannot accept responsibility for any suffering which may occur as a result of such animals having been present in a property.
11.5 We ask that all owners of pets keep their pet under control at all times and to be responsible for ensuring that they do not damage the Property, livestock or vegetation during the stay. You will be liable for any damage caused by your pet. Any damage is to be reported to the Owner immediately. Any additional cleaning required, that may incur an additional charge, will be at the Owner's discretion.
12. Special requests
If you have any special requests (for example dietary requirements, allergy, cots or room location), please let us know at the time of booking. We will pass on all such requests to the Owner, but unfortunately, we can't guarantee that they will be met and we will have no liability to you if they are not.
13. Maximum Numbers
Please note that except by prior arrangement confirmed in writing, only the number of persons specified on a booking confirmation may occupy a property. Most owners reserve the right to refuse admittance or revoke a Booking if this condition is not observed and you are unlikely to receive any refund.
13.1 The Owner reserves the right to sue the guest for any loss, damage or injury caused to the Owner, the Property or to other guests and/or their property. As Agent, we will have no liability to you in these circumstances.
13.2 The Owner only supplies the Property for domestic and private use. You agree not to use the Property for any commercial, business or re-sale purpose, and the Owner has no liability to you for any loss of profit, loss of business, business interruption, or loss of business opportunity. If you do wish to use the Property for a commercial purpose, you must contact Canopy & Stars prior to confirming your booking.
14. Group Bookings
Not all Owners accept Bookings for a single sex group (for example, a stag or hen party). Guests wanting to make such a Booking should check with us beforehand to enable us to check whether the Owner is prepared to accept the Booking. We will then advise you accordingly. In event that an Owner does not accept this type of Booking then it is with regret, that the Booking may be cancelled, and cancellation fees may apply. It is the Guest’s responsibility to enquire with Canopy & Stars and/or check on our website beforehand to make sure that this type of Booking is permitted.
15. Pricing
15.1 Canopy & Stars reserve the right to amend advertised prices at any time on behalf of the Owner. We also reserve the right to correct errors in both advertised and confirmed prices. Special note: changes and errors sometimes occur.
15.2 Rates are set per place in the currency specified by the Owner. Where this has been converted into the currency of your preference, until the payment stage this will be an estimation only, based on a recent exchange rate. The original rate will be displayed before you confirm your payment and you will be given the option of paying in your own currency at our guaranteed rate, or paying in your own currency and leaving the conversion and any associated fees to your card provider.
16. Information & Accuracy
The information and prices shown on this website are varied from time to time and may change between the time you first view a property and make a Booking. You should check that all the details are as you expect prior to making a Booking. It is always possible that, despite our best efforts, some of the properties (including the features and extras available) may be incorrectly described and/or priced. If we discover this is the case after you have made a Booking, we reserve the right to contact you with details of the correct information and/or pricing and will give you the option to:
(1) proceed with the Booking based on the correct information and/or pricing, which may require the payment of an additional amount by you
OR
(2) subject to availability, change your booking dates to dates when the pricing can be honoured and so no additional charge to you. In the event that a lower price can be offered for alternative dates then the difference would be refunded
OR
(3) cancel the Booking. If we do not receive your instructions within 5 days of contacting you, we reserve the right to cancel your Booking without liability to you.
17. VAT
Many of the Owners of properties in the Canopy & Stars portfolio are not registered for VAT in which case no tax is payable. Where VAT is payable, the tax is included in the advertised holiday rental price. If the rate of VAT changes between the date of the Booking and the date of the stay, Canopy & Stars may adjust the rate of VAT that you pay, unless you have already paid for the Booking in full before the change in the rate of VAT takes effect.
18. Visa, passport and health requirements
Unless you tell us otherwise, we assume that all members of your party are British citizens who hold or will hold full British passports valid for the entire duration of the international Booking. Information on visa, passport and health requirements, where given and applicable, is so given on this basis. Requirements may change and you are therefore strongly recommended to check the up to date position with the Owner of the Booking, Passport Office, appropriate embassy or consulate or your doctor as applicable in good time before the commencement of your holiday. Prior to international travel it is your responsibility to check whether it is safe to travel by visiting the FCO website www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
19. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These terms and conditions have been drafted in accordance with and are governed by English law and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any and all disputes arising out of these Agency Terms & Conditions.
20. Discrepancies
In case of a discrepancy between these Agency Terms & Conditions and any other Canopy & Stars literature, these Agency Terms & Conditions shall prevail.
21. Validity clause
In the event that a court finds that a condition in these Agency Terms & Conditions is illegal or void, the illegal or void provision will be severed from the remainder of the Agency Terms & Conditions, which will continue to be valid and have full force and effect.
22. Events beyond an Owner or Agency’s control
If an Owner or Canopy & Stars is prevented or delayed from complying with any of their respective obligations under these Agency Terms & Conditions or a contract for a Booking due to events or circumstances beyond their reasonable control, the inability or delay in performing those obligations will not be treated as a breach of these Agency Terms & Conditions or a contract for a Booking. Examples of such events or circumstances include fire, flood and other acts of God, strikes, trade disputes, lock outs, restrictions of imports or exports, riot, accident, disruption to energy supplies, civil commotion, acts of terrorism or war, pandemic (including Covid-19), any national/local/regional government restrictions.
Thank you for wading through all the very boring, but very important stuff above.
Now the outdoors is calling, so go and get wild in nature!
Such a beautiful stay the hosts were welcoming and the facilities were beyond our expectations!
28/02/2025