Sea Thrift Shepherd's Hut, Blackpool Sands

Positioned near the stunning Blackpool Sands, South Devon, our shepherd's hut 'Sea Thrift' is a charming and cosy place to stay for 2 people. It is an ideal location for exploring beaches, beautiful coastal walks and the nearby town of Dartmouth. Sea Thrift is completely off grid and is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty by Blackpool Sands, on the South West Coast Path. It lies on the edge of the village of Stoke Fleming. Sea Thrift will be set up in 2 different locations over the Spring and Summer. The first site for Sea Thrift, from the middle of April, is a beautiful private orchard with views of the beach. It is a 10 minute walk downhill to the beach, down a footpath and over a footbridge. The site has a wood on one side, perfect for nature lovers with plenty of wildlife. The orchard is particularly beautiful in the spring with bluebells, apple blossom and wild garlic in the woods. Parking is available on site. As Sea Thrift is located in the orchard please wear appropriate footwear. The loo and shower are situated a short walk from the hut, so we advise bringing a torch. The second site for Sea Thrift is in a wonderful position right next to Blackpool Sands. It is a lovely spot surrounded by trees with glimpses of the beach which is just metres away. Perfect for enjoying days on the beach and returning to a peaceful, private area. Parking is available on site. This is a rare opportunity to stay at the beach. The shepherd's hut is a warm, comfortable, cosy and snug place to stay. It has a double bed, woodburning stove, gas hob, mini fridge and basic kitchen equipment. As the mini fridge is compact we also include a cool box and freezer blocks will be provided daily. The bespoke double bed is slightly shorter than a standard bed so for anyone over 6ft it might not be suitable. There is a USB socket for charging items. It is completely off grid and has solar panel lighting. The hut has been recently refurbished by an artist and shipwright and you can see these touches all around you. The 12' hut has been made using traditional craftsmanship and is based on a traditional Victorian design. It is insulated with Thermafleece Sheepswool and made with English Oak. Logs and kindling will be provided for your first night and can be purchased from us for longer stays. Breakfast will be included for your stay. We have our own free range bantams so fresh eggs, cereal, fresh bread and milk will be provided. Outside there is an awning with seating, a table and fire pit with barbecue, perfect for those balmy Summer evenings. There is a compost loo and an outdoor shower. Blackpool Sands is an extemely popular shingly beach in a bay near to Dartmouth. There are plenty of facilities at the beach with outdoor showers, toilets, cafe with wifi and watersport hire. Events over the summer include Open Air Beach Cinema. Details can be found on the Blackpool Sands website. Blackpool Gardens are situated opposite the beach and tickets can be bought from the carpark hut. Stoke Fleming is situated 3 miles from Dartmouth. It has a village pub, The Green Dragon, a village shop and a local restaurant, Radius 7, which also does takeaway. These are all situated within a 20 minute walk from the beach. It is a pretty walk uphill through pine trees to get there. Dartmouth is a beautiful historic town with shops, bars and restaurants. You can go on boat trips or take the paddle steamer to Totnes, and also get the Steam train to Torquay. Dartmouth hosts some very popular festivals throughout the year includingThe Dartmouth Food Festival, Dartmouth Music Festival and the Dartmouth Royal Regatta. Details can be found on the Visit Dartmouth website. Blackpool Sands is signposted from Dartmouth (approx. 3 miles) and situated on the A379 coastal road between Stoke Fleming and Strete. There is a bus stop opposite the beach taking you to Dartmouth or Kingsbridge (Bus no.3). It runs every hour Mon-Sat from 06.30 - 20.00 and less frequently on a Sunday. The nearest train station is 12 miles away in Totnes. Taxis are available.