Ensconced in a cleave, 10 miles north of Barnstaple, surrounded by luscious looking greenery, Harta retreat is exactly the kind of small, thoughtfully designed space that allows the days to unfold slowly.
Just minutes from the sea, and close to the South West Coast Path, the setting is idyllic, comprising 46-acres of stunning wildflower meadows and ancient woodland – a postcard-worthy backdrop to four luxury tipis and converted holiday barn, providing guests the rare chance to press pause and embrace a slower, more intentional way of living.
It’s a peaceful and private setting, though just a short drive from some of the region’s most beautiful beaches and charming villages – striking the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility, allowing you to truly unwind whilst enjoying the best of North Devon if you choose to explore the wider area.
Founders of Harta, Miranda and Aaron Cousins moved to Devon in 2020 in pursuit of a different lifestyle – purposefully seeking a slower pace, they wanted to create something far removed from the hustle and bustle of corporate life, which brought them closer to nature. Drawn to the exotic, yet deeply grounding experiences of their extensive travels, the duo wanted to bring that same feeling to Devon, and by design, Harta is a retreat for people to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the natural world.
The 46-acre site feels wonderfully remote, greeting us with a welcoming stillness. Surrounded by verdant rolling hills and tall, whispering trees, four luxury tipis provide space to breathe out and recharge our over-stimulated brains.
In our fast-paced world, Harta has been shaped as a place to unplug – spending time in nature, savouring simple and meaningful moments, inspiring a closer connection to the land. Ultimately it’s a retreat from the outside world for those seeking to rest the mind and feed the soul – a rustic, yet luxurious, remote and small community-like experience where you can either relax and lean into nature or join a festival-like atmosphere with bonfires, wild swimming, barbeques and music.
Stays are offered year-round, providing diverse experiences in two types of tipi – Distinguished or Superior –and a converted barn. Within the Distinguished Collection, conjoined tipis comprise of a master bedroom with log burner and underfloor heating – powered from an air-source heat pump – an en suite with roll top bath, outdoor shower, sheltered outdoor kitchen and lounging area, complete with fire pit, alongside a sizeable porch and a private al fresco walk-in shower.
All four tipis have their own character – from the bright uplifting energy of Crazy Bear to the dreamy soft hues of Moon Dance – they share a thoughtful mix of organic textures, calming palettes and handcrafted details.
The barn is an 18th-century stone building that has been restored to combine rustic architecture with contemporary comfort – think exposed beams and original stonework, alongside a curated collection of furniture and artefacts from Harta Living, creating a space that feels warm, distinctive, and deeply personal. There’s also an open plan living-dining-kitchen with a ground floor master bedroom and a mezzanine bedroom. As with the tipis, the barn also benefits from underfloor heating throughout, along with a log burner.
On site, you will also find a tennis court, wellness cabin and an event tent with lounge and bar, suitable for wedding parties and occasion celebrations. The cabin, complete with cold plunge, sauna and treatment room, is accessed via a small bridge, just a short walk, down through the tipi meadow. Perfectly positioned with dreamy views across a pond, it has been designed to support the experience all year round.
Harta offers the chance to step away from the everyday and lean into a slower, calmer rhythm with a new appreciation for nature. The entire site greets you with a unique sense of time and space, without distractions. After just 48 hours, I have slowed down, and genuinely feel lighter, with a renewed sense of creative energy. It’s been just the digital detox I’ve needed – a gentle reminder that life offline is worth exploring. .
harta-retreat.co.uk
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