Myself (David), Sarah and Pru have spent the past five years renovating and developing Luckett Farm into a collection of luxury countryside properties. Sarah and I are tailors by trade—practical, hands-on, and never shy of hard work. What began as weekend trips to renovate Enfield House gradually grew into something far bigger. We fell in love with Devon and, in 2019, made the decision to relocate permanently—lock, stock and barrel—to Luckett Farm in North Devon.

Luckett Farm is a 16th-century farmhouse and manor house that we were fortunate to purchase in late 2019. Sadly, it had fallen into a serious state of disrepair. Our first winter (a particularly wet one) was spent battling the elements, with tarpaulins on the thatched roof, uninvited wildlife in the loft, and no heating to speak of. By the summer of 2021, a brand-new thatched roof was in place and all unwanted residents had finally been evicted.

2020 – Hawkings Hideaway

Hawkings Hideaway was purchased as a basic shell from some lovely people who live on what was once my grandparents’ farm—a place where I spent many school holidays. My grandparents were Dorothy and Frank Hawkings, so naming the hut after them felt entirely fitting.

We began by preparing the site and, to make the most of the incredible views, built a 40-foot decking area complete with a wood-burning hot tub, fire pit and seating. The hut was then carefully transported to site—without breaking it, thankfully. Once in place, Sarah and I designed, built, fitted and decorated the interior ourselves. In October 2020, we added a covered outdoor extension, creating a sheltered space for guests to enjoy whatever the weather.

2021 – Keepers Lodge

Keepers Lodge is a self-contained extension of the main 16th-century farmhouse. The original extension had been knocked down in 2010, with work barely started. By the time we resumed the project in 2021, trees, vegetation and more unwanted inhabitants had taken over the site. By the end of January 2021, a new roof was installed, with windows fitted shortly after. The project was fully completed by August 2021.

2022 - Water and Land

During 2022, we installed a new borehole pump and constructed a dedicated building to house the pumping system and water storage tank. We also began clearing and reclaiming areas of land, starting the long process of “un-wilding” the farm.

2023 – Tumbledown Barn

What was once a cow shed has now been transformed into a stunning holiday property. Tumbledown Barn offers three double bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, along with an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. Outside, it has its own private courtyard with a wood-fired hot tub and outdoor dining space—perfect for relaxing and soaking up the spectacular views.

2025 – The Lost Cabin & Sauna

The Lost Cabin was installed in late 2024 and sits within a peaceful five-acre field, bordering ancient woodland. This charming retreat offers a true escape from everyday life, allowing guests to unwind and reconnect with nature. With breathtaking views over rolling hills, it provides a beautiful and tranquil setting for rest and relaxation.

Over the years, we have been fully hands-on with every project, supported by some wonderful friends—particularly Dottie and Wayne—and an exceptional team of builders and thatchers. A special thank you goes to Rob, Russ, Ray, Alan, Amy, Robert and John, all of whom consistently went above and beyond.

Next Project – 2026: The Land

The 15.5 acres surrounding the farm have not been properly managed for many years and remain largely wild, overgrown and in need of attention, with much of the fencing in poor condition. We are gradually clearing and reclaiming fields, with plans to introduce a small number of farm animals over the next year—very much as hobby farmers rather than professionals. While I never imagined myself as a gardener, we now have a large vegetable garden and hope to grow produce for both ourselves and our guests.

Our Aim

Our aim is simple: to create special places where guests can relax, unwind and enjoy everything this beautiful part of Devon has to offer. The countryside here is genuinely magical, and if you love peace, space and nature, you will feel right at home. Each property has its own character and has been thoughtfully designed to feel welcoming and comfortable.

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Exmoor Ponies

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Sauna in the woods!