Looking for a more eco-friendly holiday?
If you want to relax and enjoy on your next holiday, knowing that you’ve helped the environment out, then you’ve come to the right place.
Eco-friendly stays can be great escapes that offer sustainable living practices.
And you won’t have to compromise on a bit of luxury at some of these places either.
So here’s six eco-friendly stays in Devon.
Mazzard Farm
Mazzard Farm has six cottages that sleep between two and six people.
Their heating and hot water is generated through a Biomass Heating Boiler and most of their electricity is powered through solar PV panels. Plus any log burners use wood from the farm’s very own forest.
They also have full recycling facilities available on site and they offer a wide selection of local foods to reduce food miles. The soaps that are provided in all six cottages are also made on site.
You can even bring your electric car! Mazzard Farm, offers EV charging that’s also connected to solar panels which is even more eco-friendly. There’s even an ECO setting which only uses surplus power.
These eco-friendly cottages and Mazzard Farm have been recognised by their respectable Energy Performance ‘B’ rating Certificate.
The cottages are based on 17 acres of land, full of gardens, an orchard, play areas, woodland and horse paddocks.
Carswell Holidays
Carswell Holiday’s cottages are located on a working organic farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just a few minutes from the South Devon coastline.
Offering self=catering holiday accommodation, the cottages at Carswell are surrounded by never ending countryside and gorgeous sea views.
And whether you’re looking to get away with the kids, want a mini break away with your friends, or just a quiet retreat for two, there’s a cottage to suit everyone’s needs.
Their holiday cottages use cleaning products that meet stringent environmental criteria. They even provide aqua balls which allow guests to do their laundry without using detergents. There are tumble dryers available for use, but they do encourage that you dry your washing naturally if you can.
Heating is provided by a biomass broiler and electricity comes from their solar panels.
At Carswell, they also farm responsibly by using an environmentally-friendly method that doesn’t use artificial nitrogen or pesticides. They have 40 acres of land reserved for maintaining wildlife habitats and they work closely with the RSPB to ensure the local birdlife is protected.
Carswell Holidays are certainly passionate about conservation and protecting the environment.
Little Dunley Cottages
Set in a stunning location, Little Dunley Cottages are right on the edge of Dartmoor and are also a short drive from the coast.
So if you fancy a day at the beach at some point, you’ll have plenty of choice. Or if you want to enjoy some walking, you’ll be in the perfect area to access some of the loveliest hikes.
All of their cottages use solar power and they have a biomass energy system installed on site, providing a renewable and efficient source of energy.
The water provided comes from boreholes which collect naturally occurring water from underground, through wells. They also have a waste water treatment system which collects, treats and redistributes waste water.
Plus, Little Dunley Cottages know that being good to the environment doesn’t mean you can’t still have a bit of luxury. Their Acorn, Hazel, Holly, Maple and Willow cottages have their own private hot tubs that are ready to use in just an hour. And they’re filled with hot water from their biomass boilers.
Moorland View Cottage
Moorland View Cottage has been ranked as one of the best boutique holiday cottages, and the best part about it? It’s carbon-neutral and eco-friendly.
Set in the pretty village of North Bovey, there’s thatched cottages clustered all around a church and pub. There’s a copper bath, a log burner, a pop-up home cinema, a romantic walled rose garden, and the décor is SO stylish,
100% of their energy comes from renewable sources, mostly from the Dartmouth energy plant. The rose garden is bee-friendly so it feeds the local bees. They don’t like using single-use plastics and use a refill shop for toiletries, kitchen condiments and household cleaners.
The firewood comes from fallen trees that have been gathered from local estates. Plus any food or drink that’s provided is made locally to ensure low food miles.
You also get a hamper packed full of locally-sourced, organic goodies and a ready-made log fire when you arrive which is a lovely touch.
So all in all, if you’re looking for a guilt-free trip but still want a bit of luxury, the Moorland Cottage is the ideal stay for you.
Wheatland Farm
Wheatland Farm consists of four eco lodges and a cottage, situated on 21 acres of land managed as a nature reserve. So if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, you’ll definitely find that here.
There are hot tubs at two of the lodges and some boats on the biggest pond.
You can even go fishing, play on the outdoor chess table, or play badminton on the lawn. You can also borrow bikes, and there’s loads of room for the kids to run around and get rid of their energy.
Sounds like a lovely holiday, but what makes Wheatland Farm green you’re wondering?
The eco lodges are well insulated, so they’re incredibly cosy all year round.
All accommodation have solar hot water. And all the farm’s appliances are powered by renewable energy which they generate themselves through an 11kW Gaia wind turbine and solar panels. And when there’s no wind or sun, the farmhouse has a biomass boiler which uses logs from the farm.
They even have an upcycling ethos so each accommodation is unique and filled with style.
There’s an EV charge point on site which you pay to use through the PodPoint app. But if you’re keen to not bring a car at all and use public transport instead, then Wheatland Farm can collect you from a nearby station or bus stop and lend you bikes to help you have a car-free holiday.
Bulworthy Project – Luxury Eco Cabin
Originally a badly managed woodland, the Bulworthy Project has transformed a private nature reserve and made it a home to a wooden Luxury Eco Cabin that’s completely off-grid.
Electricity is provided by solar energy and water is heated by a wood burning stove. There’s no 240v sockets but the cabin is equipped with WIFI, an electric cool box and USB sockets for phone charging.
Inside the cabin, you get a big bed, a log burner, an ensuite, a shower and a kitchenette. So you do have everything that you need. It’s also adults only, so it’s perfect for a romantic break away. And because the area is unpopulated, it’s the ideal spot for star gazing!
The woodland that it’s located on has been described as “a mosaic of habitats” by the Devon Wildlife Trust and you’re welcome to explore its entirety. They do offer a guided walk which takes about an hour and is free. But there’s chickens and pigs to meet, as well as beautiful displays of wildflowers.
Plus for every night that the cabin is booked, they plant a tree. How lovely is that?
