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Johns Retreat

Kings Heanton, near Barnstaple, Devon
Sleeps 2
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 1
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Romantic
Internet access
Working farm
Hot Tub
Enclosed garden / patio
Downstairs bedroom
Downstairs bathroom
9 more

At a glance

 

  • Single-storey barn conversion for two on a working farm
  • Relax in the bubbling hot tub or keep warm beside the fire pit under the stars
  • Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and countryside views from inside and out
Property code: OC-91387

This one-bedroom, North Devon retreat is utterly delightful in every way. Situated on a working farm, and surrounded by countryside it’s a wonderfully relaxing place and perfect spot for a romantic getaway or for restoring energy.

This simple retreat has everything you need for a comfortable stay from a hot tub to TV and super-king-size bed. Inside, the open-plan living area is effortlessly neat with brilliant white walls and stylish furnishings. After a day of exploring, prepare a delicious meal in the well-equipped kitchen and dine at the elegant kitchen bar. Afterwards, cosy up on the sofa with a film on the TV. But on balmy evenings, you’ll want to throw some fresh fish on the BBQ and dine al fresco at the garden table. When the light starts to fade, end the day with a soak in the hot tub, or gather round the fire pit and idle under the stars. It’s a serene, calm location and come slumber time, you’ll be sure of a good night’s sleep in the super-king-size bed.

Enjoy countryside walks straight from your door or swim in the sea at Woolacombe Beach (10 miles). Alternatively, head to Saunton Sands (7 miles) and try your hand at surfing or enjoy a round of golf at the 36-hole golf course. Keen cyclists can also pick up the Tarka Trail in Barnstaple (3 miles) while nature lovers can explore the moors at Exmoor National Park (10 miles) with its Exmoor ponies and red deer.

  • 1 super-king-size zip-and-link bedroom (can be made into a twin on request)
  • 1 shower room with walk-in shower and WC
  • Electric oven and hob, slimline dishwasher, fridge/freezer, microwave, Tassimo coffee machine
  • Smart TV
  • Enclosed garden with outdoor furniture, fire pit and charcoal BBQ
  • Private hot tub Private parking for 1 car
  • Pub 1.5 miles, shop 4 miles, beach 8 miles
  • Please note, this cottage is situated on a working farm
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 1 dog allowed. Additional charges may apply

Hannah Chapman

This property is personally managed by Hannah.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 24 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 stars4.7
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 stars4.6
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 stars4.8
Overall location
Overall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 stars4.7

Reviewed by Quinton 25th February 2026

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Cottage is lovely. Hot tub amazing. Host friendly and helpful.

Reviewed by Sarah 23rd January 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Fabulous little place, a really cozy retreat for two! The standard of cleanliness, decoration and fittings were good and it looks newly built. Lovely double shower in the bathroom and kitchen with everything you need. It is located in the farmyard between the farmhouse and barn but thought has really gone into making it feel private, there are privRead moreacy blinds and frosted glass and dog secure fencing all of the way around with a very secure gate. Lovely little bit of outside space and hot tub. Hide

Reviewed by Jayne 16th January 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Jayne 7th November 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Great relaxing weekend. Johns retreat is a lovely place very clean and comfortable and warm and cosy bed was so comfortable and hot tub amazing everything you need for a relaxing stay booked again for January

Reviewed by James 11th October 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had a fantastic stay. Very relaxing, a comfy stay and the hot tub was great in the morning and evening. Totally recommend. Thank you.

Reviewed by Fiona 8th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely cottage. Lovely location! Loved having the hot tub to use in the evening after a day out but also on overcast mornings , then could go out in the afternoon when weather improved. Bed comfy. Had everything we needed for a lovely relaxing week. Didnt want to leave

Reviewed by Lucinda 4th July 2025

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

We had a lovely long weekend, perfect location for exploring the area. Very cosy property where we were able to unwind and relax. Hot tub was wonderful to take in the surrounding countryside.

Reviewed by Lynne 27th June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Johns retreat is such an iconic place to stay. A working farm in such beautiful surroundings. The sunsets are a thing to behold and the relaxing sounds from the sheep add to the amazing atmosphere. The accommodation is comfy, well equipped and an amazing place to stay to get away from it all. Yet just a short drive away are stunning beaches, placesRead more to visit and jaw dropping beauty spots. Another visit is definitely on the cards oh, and that hot tub just lifts it above and beyond spectacular. Hide

Reviewed by Emma 20th June 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Lovely break away in a quiet location just what you need to relax and unwind, most places to visit were around a 20 minute drive so pretty central to most places. Stay was lovely with milk in the fridge a bottle of prosecco added to the finishing touches. The only complaint I have is no wardrobe and nowhere to dry wet clothes after been in the hot Read moretub, other than that it was lovely thank you x Hide

Reviewed by Rachael 9th May 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

My boyfriend and I had a lovely weekend for his birthday. The location is great, 15 minutes or so from shops and a few pubs are close by. The hot tub and fire pit are positioned well so that there is privacy from the main house. It's so peaceful, and its lovely to have the sheep in the land surrounding. We saw two lambs being born one evening too wRead morehich was nice. David and Anna were really helpful and just a text away if we needed anything. David was also kind enough to give us a tour Hide

Reviewed by Suzanne 25th April 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

If you're happy with lots of single track roads this is a lovely location. It's not far from Barnstaple as the main townand Saunton beach for relaxation. The cottage is well equipped and very comfortable. The jacuzzi is an added bonus and great for the end of a busy day. We had a great week here

Reviewed by Lucy 16th March 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This quaint little barn conversion has everything needed for a fab escape to the country, not only close to the beach for a lovely sandy stroll, but so nice to return and sink into the amazing hot tub, and finally fall asleep in the comfiest bed ever. All in all a fab holiday vacation

Reviewed by Lynne 8th March 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The accommodation is just so wonderful and I feel that I could enjoy both a short mini break to a much longer vacation in Johns Retreat. From the calming sound of the sheep to the relaxing bubbles of the hot tub, everything was just perfect at slowing down and getting out of the fast lane. There are so many places to visit and things to see, both nRead moreear and far, that this is a great base from which to explore the delights of North Devon. Clean, tidy and perfectly formed. Hide

Reviewed by Ian 16th November 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Samantha 12th November 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Nice and clean very relaxing well equipped with everything we needed, only thing we would recommend is a sign on the entrance gate for future visitors

Reviewed by Rebecca 8th November 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

A lovely cottage for a weekend trip to Devon. With our dog and baby it was cosy, but the bed is lovely and big and very comfortable. The hot tub made the evenings very special once little one was asleep and the enclosed garden meant that we could be fully relaxed with the dog mooching about. We had some lovely days out as suggested in the welcome bRead moreook and fully enjoyed the welcome pack supplied by the owners. Thanks again! Hide

Reviewed by Kirsty 11th October 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

We really enjoyed our stay at Johns Retreat! Very peaceful and had everything we needed

Reviewed by Gail 27th September 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Excellent bolthole in the countryside. Cottage has everything you need and very peaceful. Really clean and comfortable bed. Hot tub a bonus and used most days after long walks. Easy access to lovely beached and walks. Recommend Heaton Court for food and drinks.

Reviewed by Amanda 13th September 2024

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Loved the location. The owner was so lovely and approachable. Beautiful setting and will probably return.

Reviewed by Claire 19th August 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

We had a pleasant stay at John's Retreat. The property was clean and had everything we needed for our stay. It was great that it's fully enclosed as this meant we could relax knowing our dog could have a wonder around without escaping. The hot tub was lovely to sit in after being out exploring all day. The views of the countryside are only visable Read morethrough the kitchen window or if sitting in the garden as the property is situated next to a house but we weren't disturbed by this during our stay. Hide

Reviewed by Pearl 26th July 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Dawn 5th July 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Peaceful, cozy and clean. Lovely location with everything you need to relax and unwind. We stayed here as it was within 30-45mins drive of lots of different beaches and coastal walks in North Devon and it was a lovely base to come back to. The hot tub was really warm, clean and great for the muscles after those long walks. We would stay here again

Reviewed by Jonathan 14th June 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The cottage is a small but perfectly formed ideal stay, on a working farm but no distractions and well secluded, owners were very helpful and friendly, Hot Tub was perfect, remained the right temperature for the duration of our stay, fire pit was a bonus, bed was extremely comfortable, TV a good size and can be adjusted to watch at the breakfast baRead morer or in bed, compound is very secure and perfect for dogs to run around freely, Location was one of the best in Central North Devon Hide

Reviewed by Deborah 9th June 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A lovely place to stay so quiet and relaxing .small but perfect .very thing you need . Very clean , comfortable bed and the hot tub was a n added bonus . We had lovely chats with the owners We will definitely be back one day .

22 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Marsdens Devon Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.