Devon Today

I really don’t know if I should be telling you this. After all, when you find somewhere as quiet and secluded as Downe Cottages in Hartland, the last thing you want to do is shout about it, lest readers start turning up in droves to shatter your peace. It’s the sort of thing best kept to yourself.

But since I’m the generous sort, I’ll let you in on the secret. If you are in need of a spot of pampering away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, then this converted North Devon farm could be just the ticket. Downe Cottages offer a haven of peace and pampering, with luxurious accommodation and spa facilities amid stunning North Devon coastal scenery, just minutes away from Hartland Quay.

Jeremy and Lynda Roe took on the 15th century Downe House and its five listed Victorian buildings some years ago, when it was in a state of dilapidation. Downe Cottages are now unrecognisable, having been lovingly restored and transformed into comfortable self-catering accommodation. Each has stunning sea views, north towards Lundy Island and west over the Atlantic.

In addition to accommodation packages, Jeremy and Lynda now offer Pamper Days, which combine beautiful surroundings with indulgent beauty treatments. These are ideal for celebrating special events like a birthday or pre-wedding get-together, or just to wind down and treat yourself.

The day includes lunch and ends with an indulgent Devon cream tea (perfect for replacing all those lost calories!). This sounded like a great idea to me, and who better to treat than your mum? So my mother, Chris, and I packed our swimming costumes and sports kits and set off in eager anticipation.

There are a number of options on offer, and prices vary depending in the number of treatments you have: choose from reflexology, aromatherapy massage, Indian head massage, facials, pedicures and manicures, plus more besides. My mother and I chose an aromatherapy facial and a reflexology session.Upon arrival we enjoyed a soothing cup of tea in the main relaxation area. Lynda gave us a guided tour of the premises. The spa includes an octagonal spa bath with whirlpool jets, a sauna and a steam room, with panoramic views across a spring-fed lily pond down to the coast.

The gym, on the other hand, faces north towards Lundy Island, and contains everything necessary for a full aerobic or cardiovascular workout. Equipment is either Life Fitness or Concept 1, and includes a cycle, stair climber, treadmill, rower, free weights and an exercise mat. A large television in the raised seating area has stereo sound with speakers placed around the gym, so you can work out to your favourite radio station.

But first we enjoyed our aromatherapy facials. Having failed to leave my mobile at home, I had endured a fraught morning, and my therapist could tell that I needed some major stress-busting treatment. The facial included pressure point stimulation, and huge waves of relief washed visibly over me throughout the session.

This was followed by lunch, an event in itself. I had chosen carrot and coriander soup, and was rewarded with an enormous tureen brimming with steaming home-made nectar, full of delicious chunks of vegetable and herb. All the same, I eyed Mum’s platter with envy. Her Hawaiian salad turned out to be a colourful selection of tropical fruits – succulent mangos, kiwis and strawberries with a yoghurt dip. What Mum couldn’t finish, I claimed as dessert – delicious. And so the photographer found us, nicely relaxed, well-fed and up for a bit of posing.

In the afternoon, we enjoyed a reflexology treatment, with our therapists working on my feet and Mum’s hands. It was my first experience of reflexology, and I found interesting the concept of healing your entire body purely by working the soles of your feet. My therapist showed me a colourful map, which showed me which part of the sole, was connected to different parts of my body. As she went through the process, I could feel definite physical results – not least a desperate need to pee after she had massaged my bladder! Proof that it works…

While one of us was enjoying beauty therapies, the other was working the gym equipment or, more likely, lounging in luxury in the spa. Then it was time for the cream tea in front of the huge television, just in time with Mum to catch up on Home and Away.

Jeremy and Lynda came to Devon to escape from a hectic life in London. Jeremy had been Group Director of Quality for a Footsie company, while Lynda was a full-time mother. It was her own love of health spas that gave her an invaluable insight into running her own. ‘I feel like it has all found its purpose,” she laughed. “I love being pampered myself, which is why I enjoy running Downe so much. We never rush people out – you can take your time here. After all, it’s your day and we’re here to meet your needs.”

Jeremy showed us around the cottages, which are homes from homes. Set in farmland which slopes gently towards the coast, the nearest neighbours are half a mile away, as is the coast path. There are eight cottages in total – one three-bedroom, two two-bedroom and five one-bedroom. Each has, among other features, central heating plus log burner or cast iron stove; modern fitted kitchen with dishwasher; 21” colour television and garage parking.