Weeke Barton

Weeke Barton? Monthe Barton more like, as anyone looking for a truly relaxing getaway to unwind from the stresses of modern life will, surely, want to stay longer than just a few days. In fact that's what Jo and Sam did. This urbane couple from London, one a former restaurant manager and the other a designer, moved away from fast moving Hackney to open up this wonderful escape in lovely Devon.

Their tasteful creative sensibilities are there for all to see, as they have combined the history and architecture of a 500 year old house, which takes in five superbly decorated bedrooms, with a modern stylish sophistication that’s not out of place in the city they originally come from. So old walls, beamed roofs, cozy fireplaces and crevices go hand in hand with ultra-modern interiors and pieces to provide the best of both worlds.

All this in the most tranquil and magical of settings that replenishes the soul. Hence our original assertion that a “weeke” (excuse the pun) may not be enough. Especially when you consider the extras it has to offer, whether it is the wonderful communal breakfast and homemade cooking, the laid back hospitality or the possibilities of things to do outside. After all, this is the perfect base to explore the moors, the rolling hills of Devon and even take in the beach, as the English Riviera is only some 30 km away.

Being a secluded place does mean anyone looking for strong wifi-signals and telephone connections will be disappointed. But the point of any stay here is to recharge the batteries and slow down to the beat of nature. The Weeke Barton is just the most perfect place to leave those modern gadgets behind.