DREAM HOME DREAM DEVON HOME

The carved teak Asian A Secret Retreat shutters date from the early 20th century. Accessible via an unmetalled lane, The Secret Holt is located near Haytor Vale on , just off the Templer Granite Tramway. Owner Gemma Roberts has transformed this two-bedroom wooden chalet into an alpine-style retreat for guests – a perfect bolt-hole from which to explore the magnificent surroundings. J R R Tolkien's family lived at the main house nearby.

A theme of the interior's design is circles. The architect of the house, Thomas Lyon, used circles in a lot of his work, particularly in windows, and there is a round window in The Secret Holt. Elsewhere circles are found in the temple pillar top used for the mantelpiece the cast- iron, 8ft mirrored doors, and the carvings on the four-poster bed and front door.

The shelves are edged with local lace, the crockery is from the Pottery.

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The four poster-bed was bought in an auction in North Devon, having been shipped over from Indonesia 25 years ago. It arrived in about 60 pieces with no instructions!

Curtains are made of vintage Sanderson fabric, in heavy velvets with faux fur and cashmere blends.

For further information visit: uniquehomestays.com. To book a stay contact: 01637 881183

At almost 1,500 feet above sea level, on a clear day you can see farmland, woodland, moorland and the sea in nine different locations

Known in the local interior shops of Ashburton and as the ‘Heart Lady’, Gemma’s personal trademark is definitely the heart shape. Wooden mirrors, ornaments, cast-iron hooks and candlesticks are all heart shaped, and there are also hearts woven into curtain fabric and on lampshades.

Gemma has had a lifelong dream to renovate a derelict barn in the French mountains and turn it into a romantic bolt-hole, decorated with hearts, gingham and reindeer skins. So her wooden Dartmoor retreat has become this make-believe chalet. Images © Unique Home Stays

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