Into the woods

Ever wanted to wake up in a tree, just half a mile from the ocean?

Here at Pickwell Manor, our wonderful main house is very often the star of the show with its beautiful apartments and high, soaring ceilings.

But we love the acres of grounds too, including the gorgeous, sprawling woods that sit either side of the main house. Whether it’s the blanket of April bluebells or the falling leaves in Autumn, the woods here are always changing, always magical, always alive.  Best of all is the view you get when you’re standing amongst the trees, looking west to the Atlantic Ocean and the breathtaking views of the coastline just half a mile away. If you’re really lucky you can sometimes hear the sound of the ocean whooshing through the trees as it comes up from the beach below.

The treehouses

We’ve always wanted to make it as easy as possible for everyone who stays with us to enjoy the woods and feel connected to the landscape as much as possible. It’s why we created the family nature trail, a firepit and tyre swings for children.

Then one day we thought, wouldn’t it be brilliant if you could live outside too? If you could come and play in the woods for a few days in your very own stylish, boutique treehouse, hidden away from the world?

That’s why we have introduced three bespoke, handmade treehouses into the woods here at Pickwell Manor, The Hideaway and The Loft, designed for couples who want the ultimate romantic treetop retreat and The Den, as a family retreat.

The construction

Designed and built in the UK by the award-winning Simon Parfett and his Somerset company Bower House, The Loft tree house is in the West Woods and The Hideaway tree house is found in the East Woods, either side of the manor house. The Den was built by Round house designs of Bristol and fitted out by local craftsmen.

The treehouses are built with a combination of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, for a mix of down-to-earth simplicity with enough extravagances to make you feel pampered.

In keeping with our ethos here, they’re completely sustainable too. All their heat and light comes from our own solar panels and the water is from our own natural spring.

Your escape starts here

Your getaway starts the moment you arrive at Pickwell. You’ll get your own parking spot with a wooden hut that contains a wheelbarrow to transport your luggage (if you need it) and a lantern to help light your way at night in the woods.

Follow the trail into the woods and discover your treehouse waiting for you, its lights twinkling through the trees. There is a winding wooden staircase up to an entrance deck and your front door. Inside you’ll find everything you need for a couple of days of recharging your body and mind.

A heavenly haven for you and your partner/friend awaits inside, small enough to be intimate but large enough to feel luxurious. The open plan interiors are handcrafted from larch and oak, all using sustainable trees indigenous to this country.

There’s a King Size bed from which you can see the surrounding woodland from your pillow. We want you to stretch out and feel at home, so there’s a full-length wardrobe plus a proper kitchen and a living area with your very own woodburner, where you can also enjoy dinner for two. There’s also an en suite shower room and loo. The Den has two full size bunk beds as well.

All treehouses open out onto large, seated balconies, and each one has its own hot tub to soak away your cares. You can sit out under the North Devon sky and enjoy simple pleasures like the sounds of the ocean waves down on the beach below, and the sight of the dark night sky full of stars, far away from city lights.

Come and play in the woods

Our treehouses have proved to be incredibly popular so be sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Follow us on social media for last minute availability on our Treehouses and apartments.