Somewhere quiet, green, and unhurried.
When my partner and I set off for a three-night weekend stay at Rose Cottage in North Devon, it was everything we’d hoped for and more.
An 18th-century thatched gem welcomes weary city dwellers to stillness(Image: Holly Brencher)
Just over a four-hour drive from central London, we arrived at the idyllic little village of High Bickington.
From the moment we pulled up outside the 18th-century thatched cottage, I felt my shoulders drop.
The air was clean, the sky wider, and the only sounds were birdsong and the occasional distant tractor, pure bliss compared to the city’s constant hum.
Rose Cottage itself is beyond magical.
Every inch feels lovingly cared for, full of original charm but with all the modern comforts you could wish for.
Downstairs, the open-plan living and dining area feels straight out of a storybook, with slate floors, exposed beams, and thick stone walls that hold centuries of character.
The owners, Kate and Bob, have clearly poured their hearts into it, right down to the thoughtful little touches like fresh flowers, soft throws, and a welcoming, homely feel that instantly puts you at ease.
The kitchen has everything needed for a self-catering stay, but most of our time indoors was spent curled up on the sofa, fire flickering, music streaming softly from the built-in sound system.
Outside, the Mediterranean-style garden hides the most luxurious surprise, a beachcomber hot tub tucked under a gazebo.
We spent our first night there, watching the stars while the bubbles worked their magic.
Upstairs, the two bedrooms are equally stunning.
The super king master suite is a dream, all soft linens, warm lighting, and a separate dressing area with a copper bath for two that honestly feels like something out of a movie.
There’s also a cosy double room that would be perfect for friends or small families, but for us, it was all about the romance and peace.
High Bickington itself is a tiny, friendly village, the kind where everyone smiles and says hello as you pass.
There’s a lovely community shop just a short walk away which stocks all the essentials, and the locals could not have been more welcoming.
Sadly, the local pubs have all now closed, which Kate mentioned with genuine regret, but it didn’t dampen our stay.
We were more than happy to venture a little further afield.
On Saturday night, we headed into Bideford, a riverside town filled with independent shops, cheerful pubs, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
The following day, we explored Westward Ho!
and Appledore, both quiet seaside spots perfect for slow walks, sea air, and the occasional ice cream stop.
What struck me most about the whole weekend was the stillness.
No sirens, no stress, just long mornings with coffee in the garden, countryside walks, and an overwhelming sense of calm.
For Londoners craving a reset, Rose Cottage is the perfect antidote, a place where time slows down and you remember what proper rest feels like.
It’s easy to see why so many couples choose it as their honeymoon stay after marrying at the nearby Millbrook Estate.
The setting is impossibly romantic, from the nature trails and private lakes (one for wild swimming, one for fishing) to the alpacas and BBQ house hidden on the estate’s grounds.
But it’s not just for newlyweds.
As two young Londoners looking for a short escape, my partner and I found it just as enchanting.
A week’s stay in Rose Cottage (www.rosecottagedevon.co.uk, 01769 629069) for up to four people starts from £1274 and a three-night stay from £644.
We left on Monday morning feeling completely recharged, already plotting our return.
The only downside?
Having to swap the peaceful Devon hills for London’s gridlocked streets.
But for three blissful days, we’d found a little pocket of paradise.
A huge thank you to Kate and Bob for creating such a magical haven.
Rose Cottage isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a reminder of how beautiful life can be when you pause long enough to breathe it in.
