Higher Mapstone - A private sanctuary on Dartmoor

The ultimate luxury getaway for a family gathering, celebration or reunion of friends, this four-bedroom home sleeps eight and brings together glorious countryside, astounding interiors and a chic, contemporary vibe for the last word in entertaining. Perched up high on a Dartmoor hill, Higher Mapstone overlooks a velvety valley, like a beautiful patchwork quilt thrown out before you. No hen or stag parties please. Enjoy a Devon cream tea in the picture-postcard village of Lustleigh, explore sienna-hued Devon moorland or soak up the seclusion as you gaze out over four acres of private greenery with a glass of something chilled on the terrace.

New to the scene is a brand new pool table and table tennis table located in our outbuilding so all the family can play to your hearts content..

Wend your way up the gravel drive to catch your first glimpse of Higher Mapstone. Recently extended and with an exceptional finish throughout, this unique self-catering home provides luxurious comfort in every detail, from the unique circular oak parquet floor in the kitchen to the open-plan living spaces, designed with entertaining in mind.

You know you’ve come home as soon as you enter the front door. Kick off your shoes and pad through the welcoming entrance hall to the sitting room, where sumptuous velvet sofas beg you to snuggle up in front of the wood-burning stove with a mug of steaming hot cocoa. The kitchen-dining room is a delight: hand-built in oak and stainless steel, including the dining table, the light and airy space include two distinct sitting areas, from which bi-fold and French doors provide seamless access to the terraces and views. The elegant drawing room, with its fabulous wallpaper adorned with birds and foliage, is the perfect place to retire after a delicious, locally sourced meal, if the elements mean it’s cosier to stay inside.

And so to bed. The beautifully decorated sleeping quarters at Higher Mapstone are sure to impress, with plush linens, cloud-soft pillows and stunning views to encourage long lie-ins and breakfasts in bed. On the ground floor, a sweet, dusky-pink twin room with two single beds and access to a family shower room is ideal for children or any guests with mobility issues. If you’re lucky enough to bag the master suite with its four-poster and elegant ensuite bathroom, don’t forget to fling open the bi-fold doors, let the air billow in and take in the views over the grounds and beyond. Upstairs, there are two further individually decorated king bedrooms, one with a walk-through dressing area and shower room, and the other with an en-suite bathroom.

Outside, peace and quiet beckons. Head to the annex and find a tranquil space made for practicing yoga, or simply wander around the four acres of private grounds to get your fix of stillness and calm. Back at the house, fire up the pizza oven or barbecue on the lower terrace for a feast around the massive granite table and enjoy the beautiful views down the valley. Later, as the sun slips away, see who can spot the first stars emerging across the sky as you watch darkness fall. Enjoy the balmy night air in summer months but come winter, the comfort of the sofa will be too much to resist as the woodburner crackles away. Fresh Escapes will provide access details to the property exactly 48 hours before your check-in time. Higher Mapstone’s house, grounds and land is for your exclusive use. The only neighbourhoud is rolling hills, a beautiful river, stream and lake that guests have full access to roam. The local pub called the Cleave in Lustleigh serves the best Sunday roast in Devon, is super friendly and full of local Devon people.

The is also the Primrose Tea Cafe which in Lustleigh which is only about 1 mile from the property. There is ample parking with a double garage, car port and parking areas. You will need a car to get around. Higher Mapstone is on its own private estate and you are free to roam the countryside and grounds at will. However, please ensure any Dogs are politely controlled and do not chase the local deer. No hen or stag parties please.