Swifts Return - Bolthole with hot tub, pool and sa
Entire rental unit in Lower Ashton, United Kingdom
Like the Swift, you’ll want to return. This first-floor apartment, nestled in a woody glen between the South Devon coast and Dartmoor, provides a chic, relaxing bolthole for two people and a pet. Curl up in front of the woodburner after a long hike and take advantage of clear nights to stargaze from your private self maintained wood-fired hot tub. You also have access to shared wooded grounds, an indoor pool and sauna and also a new Tesla Starlink Broadband Service
The Space
The space
Like the Swift, you’ll want to return. This first-floor apartment, nestled in a woody glen between the South Devon coast and Dartmoor, provides a chic, relaxing bolthole for two people and a pet. Curl up in front of the woodburner after a long hike and take advantage of clear nights to stargaze from your private self maintained wood-fired hot tub. You also have access to shared wooded grounds, an indoor pool and sauna and also a new Tesla Starlink Broadband Service
The Space
If you dream of escaping to south Devon’s wide open spaces, the heather and gorse of the moors and shining coastal waters, head to Swifts Return for an unforgettable trip to treasure. This newly refurbished little hideaway is the perfect cosy retreat for two to relax and rejuvenate. Hidden deep in the Teign Valley at the foot of the majestic Dartmoor National Park, it’s within easy reach of the golden sandy beaches of Torbay and the hustle and bustle of Exeter. Go out and have an adventure – whether it’s walking, cycling, pony trekking or simply wandering around pretty little market towns and villages – before returning to your sanctuary. Chill out in the morning sun with your coffee on your private patio and treat yourself to a twilight aperitif in the wood-fired hot tub or a long leisurely swim and sauna in the beautiful shared pool. Whatever you do, this Devon holiday homestay will immerse you in nature, with all your home comforts and more.
Open the stable door of Swifts Return and step into a homely haven that’s been styled to bring you joy. A contemporary cottage interior offers an embrace of a comfortable sofa and chairs and smart Tv and Dvd player. Wifi throughout means you can maintain connection to the outside world, should you wish to! If you’re visiting in the winter months, curl up in front of the wood burner with a glass of red to thaw out after a long ramble on Dartmoor – we’ll provide your first basket of logs. Rustle up a delicious meal from local delicacies in the bright kitchen-diner and relax with the papers at the breakfast bar while you get ready for your day out. Everything you need for self-catering is here, including an oven, hob, microwave and fridge with an ice compartment. Fall into a well-deserved sleep in the light and airy, prettily furnished bedroom, which boasts a sumptuous king-size bed and its own Tv – treat yourself to a leisurely lie-in. The en suite bathroom has a shower-over-bath and Wc.
Outside, enjoy the fresh air and peaceful surroundings on your private patio. This is the perfect suntrap for a barbecue or even one of Devon’s famous cream teas. After your meal, wander the shared expansive lawns and woods – there’s even a babbling brook running past. You don’t have to go far for adventure – head to the gorgeous vaulted pool for a energising swim and relax afterwards in the traditional wooden sauna. Comfy chairs and huge doors that open out into the fresh air make the pool a great place to enjoy a book and even an aperitif – try the local gin – before drifting back to Swifts Return for dinner.
Please note: Guests are required to fill the hot tub themselves, and to prepare the burner to heat the water. We recommend starting this procedure soon after you arrive as this can take 2-3 hours.
Guest Access
Swifts Return is approached by a number of external steps, so is sadly not mobility-friendly.
The Neighbourhood
You can be as active or relaxed as you like at Swifts Return. If adventure is your priority, the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park and its miles of scenic walks lie to the west of the property. You can also cycle, pony trek and climb its famous granite tors. Less energetic but equally as beautiful is wandering the pretty local villages and towns – Chagford in particular is famous for its olde worlde vibe and lovely shops and cafes.
You’re just a short distance from Stover Country Park, a 114 acre nature reserve where wildlife and nature abound. Follow the 90-metre aerial walkway and explore the Ted Hughes Poetry Trail, which features some of the late poet laureate’s best-loved nature poems, with illustrations by Raymond Briggs. Lose yourself among the ancient woodland, waterfalls and lakes of Canonteign Falls or try Kennick, Trenchford and Tottiford reservoirs for easy and relaxing walking.
Stunning coastal views can be found on the English Riviera. For a relaxed sightseeing tour, take the Riviera Line, the coastal railway route running between Exeter and Paignton, which stops at many of the region’s most interesting and beautiful towns along the way, including Dawlish and Torquay. If you fancy a beach day, it’s a 40-minute drive to Torbay, where there are loads of hidden sandy coves and pretty harbour villages to explore. Twelve miles and 25 minutes' drive to the south is the pretty seaside town of Dawlish, famous for its sandy beachfront, colourful huts and black swans. The bright lights, eateries and entertainment of Exmouth or Exeter can all be reached within 40 minutes.
If you’re a foodie, there’s lots of options, from super-posh Gidleigh Park near Chagford and the high-end Manor Inn at Lower Ashton to the Teign House Inn up the valley near Christow. Other authentic Dartmoor boozers to try are the Bridford Inn at Bridford for a real country atmosphere and good food, the Artichoke at Christow for traditional pub grub and the Cridford Inn at Trusham, one of the oldest pubs in Devon.
Getting Around
You will need a car and there is ample off-road parking available.
Other Things to Note
Please note: Guests are required to fill the hot tub themselves, and to prepare the burner to heat the water. We recommend starting this procedure soon after you arrive as this can take 2-3 hours.
Please enjoy your own patio, garden and the bottom lawn – the rest of the grounds are private property.
Please pick up after your pet and do not leave them unattended. We encourage dogs to be walked down the lane.
Please bag all rubbish in black bin liners before placing in the bins otherwise the bin men will not take them.
For the safety of guests and the security of the property, the pool and sauna areas are monitored via Cctv.
Guest access
Swifts Return is approached by a number of external steps, and so is sadly not mobility friendly.Other things to note
Included services- Swimming pool
- Parking
- Baby high chair
- Cot/Crib
- Heated Pool
- Towels
- Heating
- Internet Access
- Bed linen
Select dates to see prices
Managed by


James G.
Bedrooms
Bedroom
1 queen bed
Amenities
- Pool view
- Bath
- Hair dryer
- Hot water
- Washing machine
- Free dryer – In unit
- Essentials
- Garden view
- River view
- Wifi
- Kitchen
- Free parking on premises
4.55 · 49 Reviews
3 days ago
For what you get, this place is absolutely perfect. Free range to use hot tub, sauna and swimming pool. Had use of these amenities to ourselves. Very private. Beautiful grounds and the place we stayed was lovely. Just perfect! The dogs loved running around in the guest garden and by the stream. Hosts were friendly and helpful. Didn’t want to leave so we payed for an extra night. Would definitely recommend. And would definitely pay this place a visit again in the future. Thank you for a lovely stay.
1 week ago
Property as described, perfect for two. Check-in was easy, property looked as pictured with a working kitchen and all required crockery and pans. Hot tub was not as expected, instead of the 2-3 hours as described, this took 4 hours to fill and a further 4 hours to heat, so if you were staying for just one day this would not be possible to use. Generally peaceful other than one evening where the owners dog kept us up until midnight with it’s barking. Is a good central Devon location if you wanted to travel to beaches and the national park. Thanks for the stay.
1 month ago
Lovely place, beautiful surroundings & helpful hosts. Private patio with hot tub & almost exclusive use of the pool and sauna. Local to plenty of lovely walks. We had a couple of issues with the power (something kept tripping the sockets) but the owner came over to chat to us about it, very responsive.
Location
Neighbourhood highlights
House Rules
- Check-in: 16:00 – 00:00
- Checkout before 10:00
- Self check-in with lockbox
- 2 guests maximum
- Pets allowed
- No smoking
-
Additional rules
1. To guarantee compliance with current regulations on public safety, this establishment requires online check-in through its own channel, which may ask tourists for the image of their identity card and/or selfie. 2. Check-in schedule: From 01/01 to 31/12: Everyday from 16:00h to 00:00h 3. Check-out schedule: 10:00. 4. Dangerous breed dogs are not allowed. 5. This accommodation does not accept groups of young people. - Gather used towels
- Throw rubbish away
- Turn things off
- Return keys
- Lock up
Safety & Property
- Carbon monoxide alarm installed
- Smoke alarm installed
Property Manager Terms
- For a full refund of the nightly rate, the guest must cancel within 48 hours of booking and at least 14 full days prior to listing’s local check-in time (shown in the confirmation email).
- For a 50% refund of the nightly rate, the guest must cancel 7 full days before the listing's local check-in time (shown in the confirmation email), otherwise no refund will be given. If only 50% of the reservation has been paid, no refund will be issued and the remaining 50% will simply not be charged.
- If the guest cancels less than 7 days in advance or decides to leave early after check-in, the nights not spent are not refunded.
- Cleaning fees are always refunded if the reservation is cancelled before check-in.
- Accommodation fees (the total nightly rate you’re charged) are refundable in certain circumstances as outlined below.
- A reservation is officially cancelled when the guest clicks the cancellation button on the cancellation confirmation page, which they can find in Dashboard > Your Trips > Change or Cancel.