Perched in the sturdy arms of a 250-year-old oak, Treetops Treehouse isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a bit of a fairytale made real. The kind with moss underfoot, the smell of woodsmoke in the air, and a sense that, for once, time might just slow down a little. It’s tucked away behind the Fox & Hounds Country Hotel in North Devon, but don’t be fooled — this place has its own rhythm, and it’s wonderfully out of step with the world.
Getting there feels like part of the story. You wind through country lanes, past fields that may or may not have sheep in them (depending on the day), until you reach the hotel. From there, a meandering path leads to a spiral staircase that’s somehow both whimsical and mildly intimidating — especially if you're hauling an overpacked weekend bag. But the moment you step inside the treehouse? Worth it. Totally worth it.
It’s warm in that way good cabins are — cozy, not cramped. The little wood stove crackles away like it’s auditioning for a movie role, and French doors open to a deck scattered with beanbags. Real ones. Perfect for collapsing into after a long morning of, well, doing nothing. You’ll hear birds. You might spot deer. Someone said they saw an otter once, but who knows — it might’ve been a particularly adventurous squirrel.
The bedroom? A total dream. King-size bed, views through branches, and that lovely filtered light that makes you want to lie still forever. There’s also a children’s room — all bunks and hidey-holes — that feels straight out of a childhood adventure book. Oh, and the copper bathtub? Enormous. It looks slightly too big until you’re in it, then you realize it’s exactly the right size to soak away whatever nonsense you’ve brought with you.
You can self-cater easily (the kitchen’s well-equipped), or just make toast and call it rustic. There’s also a barbecue out on the deck for summer evenings. If you’re feeling sociable (or hungry), the hotel’s restaurant is only a few steps away and honestly serves the kind of food that makes you glad you didn’t pack a meal plan.
This place works in every season. Underfloor heating keeps things cozy when it’s cold, and in summer, you’ve got walking trails, fishing spots, and wild bits of nature all around. It’s not pristine — the tree creaks, the stairs are a workout, and you’ll probably forget something important in the car. But that’s sort of the point.
At around €220 a night, it’s not the cheapest sleep you’ll ever have — but for a few nights of treetop magic, it’s worth every slightly awkward step up that spiral staircase. Because once you’re up there, wrapped in blankets and birdsong, the rest of the world really can wait.
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