North Devon is well known for being one of the best areas in the UK for families seeking an adventure, with its idyllic countryside, dramatic coastline and world-class beaches for surfing.
It’s also surprisingly atmospheric in winter, when many families visit for the cosiness, empty beaches, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and when star gazing is at its best.
At Sleepy Owl, it’s our aim to give every guest the chance to switch off, reconnect and enjoy a magical stay in one of Devon’s most beautiful counties.
Tucked away in a hidden valley in Hartland, North Devon, our Nest Treehouse, Hideout Treehouse and Cosy Cowshed offer more than a standard self-catering holiday. We bring together luxury accommodation, one of a kind features in the stunning surroundings with family-friendly features and memorable experiences.
A Leading Choice for Luxury Family Breaks
When it comes to family attractions, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy. However, North Devon is also a great place to switch off and help your family escape the busy schedule.
At Sleepy Owl, we provide families with a base that feels adventurous, cosy and indulgent all at once.
Our retreats have been carefully designed for guests of all ages. Each treehouse has a separate children’s bedroom, making our stays ideal for family holidays with kids in Devon.
Inside, you will find all sorts of thoughtful details, including a telescope, binoculars for curious little explorers, books and games. Outside, there are 20 acres of private woodland and meadows, with winding paths near the river to enjoy. Children can get close to nature, while you can relax in complete comfort.
We know that family time is precious. That is why our luxury treehouses and cabin are designed to help you spend quality time together and make memories that last long after your stay has ended.
Cosy Stays During the Winter Season
Although summer in North Devon is beautiful, winter brings its own kind of magic. As the evenings draw in, Sleepy Owl becomes a cosy hideaway in the countryside where families, couples and dog owners can enjoy cosy, atmospheric stays surrounded by nature.
Winter is the perfect season for curling up by the wood burner after exploring the coast, relaxing in one of our private wood-fired hot tubs, watching a film on the cinema screen or soaking in a luxury bath while the world outside feels wonderfully still.
It’s the perfect time to grab a book and have a chill day on the sofa in a dressing gown, or to take time to cook delicious dinner, have long conversations and play a board game.
View the Stars at their Most Magnificent
One of the highlights of a winter stay at Sleepy Owl is stargazing. We are situated in a Dark Skies area, which means clear winter nights can offer incredible views of the stars and even the Milky Way.
Each luxury retreat includes a telescope, and stargazing app on the ipad so families can step out onto the terrace, wrap up warm and enjoy the night sky together. For children, this can feel like a real adventure. For adults, it is a chance to pause, breathe and take in the beauty of North Devon at its most peaceful.
Perfect for Paw-tastic Holidays in Devon
At Sleepy Owl, we are not just dog-friendly: we genuinely love dogs. We know that your pooch is a true part of the family, which is why we have made sure they feel just as welcome as our human guests.
You can bring up to two dogs to each retreat, making us a fantastic choice for pet-friendly holidays in Devon.
Your four-legged friends will love exploring the winding paths on site, splashing in the river, exploring the grounds and relaxing after a busy day of countryside adventures. We also provide thoughtful dog-friendly extras, including a welcome treat, toy, bed, towels, blanket, shampoo, collars and more.
After a day out walking along the Hartland Peninsula, exploring the countryside or visiting nearby beaches, dogs can settle down by the wood burner while you enjoy a glass of something lovely or soak in the hot tub.
Each retreat has a dedicated spa bath with a warm shower, shampoo, towel and treats.
News additions for summer 2026, which we are super excited about include a dedicated dog playground with a small agility course – we hope it will be well used and enjoyed by our four legged guests.
Enjoy Both the Coast and Countryside
Our location gives guests the best of both worlds. Sleepy Owl is hidden in a secluded valley in a beautiful countryside, yet we are within walking distance of Hartland village and Hartland coast.
The Hartland Peninsula is known for its dramatic scenery, peaceful walking routes and breath-taking coastal views, making it ideal for families after fresh air, open space and memorable days out.
From our retreats, you can enjoy strolls through woodland and meadow, follow twisting paths, listen to the river and take in the beauty of the North Devon landscape. Nearby, you will find beaches with some of the popular ones Sandymouth, Bude, Westward Ho!, coastal paths, family attractions like Milky Way, the Big Sheep and North Devon Wake Park and plenty of places to enjoy food, local produce and Devon hospitality in villages such Instow, Clovelly, and Appledore.
Celebrate Special Occasion in North Devon
Many guests choose Sleepy Owl for milestone moments, and it is easy to see why. Our luxury treehouses and the cowshed are ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, proposals and romantic getaways.
Imagine arriving at a beautifully designed retreat, surrounded by woodland, with champagne ready to pour, mood lighting, music playing and a private hot tub waiting outside. Whether you're planning on proposing or have an anniversary coming up, we can help.
Award-Winning Treehouses and Cabin
Sleepy Owl is proud to be an award-winning collection of boutique stays in North Devon. Our retreats have been recognised regionally and nationally, including the best self catering award in the country, plus boutique stays, ethical and responsible tourism, and dog-friendly hospitality.
From bespoke interiors and locally sourced craftsmanship to luxury baths, cinema screens, wood-fired hot tubs and sustainable design, we have thought about every detail.
We want our guests to enjoy the comfort of a luxury retreat while feeling connected to the land, wildlife and local community around them.
Sustainable Stays with Local Character
Sustainability has always been central to Sleepy Owl. From the beginning, our aim was to create a special place where guests could relax in harmony with the environment.
We are proud to support local makers, local trades and independent businesses, with details throughout our retreats reflecting the craftsmanship and character of the area.
Our welcome cakes are made locally, our dinner sets have been commissioned from Calf Street Pottery in Hartland, and our retreats showcase a careful blend of design, comfort and natural beauty. As Biosphere Business Partners, we are committed to supporting ecology, biodiversity and the wider landscape that makes Devon so special.
Choosing Sleepy Owl means choosing a luxury stay that feels thoughtful, personal and connected to its surroundings.
For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.
