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Summerhill Farm

93%
·
· Exeter, Devon, England
90 acres hosted by Ben M.
3 glamping pitches
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Private sites
100% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
Luxury camping on an idyllic, organic Devonshire farm

Passion. It either burns within you, or it doesn’t. Enthusiasm can be faked, but a true passion for something can’t. And Ben has passion. For the animals on the farm he rents from the Soil Association, for organic agriculture, and for sharing his beautiful surroundings with those in need of an escape to the countryside. He currently tends the 90-acre organic farm alone, when his wife Alice is in work; lovingly rearing his 500 hens, 200 geese, flock of sheep, and herd of pure-bred Red Ruby cows. So when folk come to stay in one of the three yurts or the bell tent recently set up on the farm, he’s only too happy to stop for a chat and ask if they’re enjoying their stay. The answer is a resounding 'Yes!'.

Not only are the views down the valley from each tent stunning, but every possible care has gone into furnishing them too. Each comes stocked with tea, coffee, sugar, milk, bread, butter, and eggs (courtesy of Ben’s Hens) to make settling in a breeze after your journey down to Devon. Charcoal and kindling are also provided for the fire pits, stove, and chimenea free of charge; as are candles, a torth, bedding, and towels.

 You don’t even need to go food shopping; it’s all here – in the converted barn next to the comfy campers’ lounge with wood-burning stove, games, pool table, and info is a huge kitchen with an honesty fridge and larder. All the food on offer has a price sticker and you leave the cash in a box. If you’re lucky there’ll be a bowl of delicious, free home-grown veg that needs eating up. Each abode has its own large fridge in the kitchen so you can fill it with organic goodies to your heart’s content. Or even pre-order one of the Hampers for Campers on offer here, stocked with as much produce as the farm can provide, and other food and drink produced from the local area.

 Each of the three yurts sits atop insulating wooden decking and looks down the valley and across to the hills opposite. Two are large Mongolian yurts that sleep up to six and the other is a smaller structure sleeping four or five. The bell tent has its own private corner in a separate field with vistas out to Exmoor, behind. It’s smaller than the yurts and has fewer furnishings, but still comes with a bed and futon mattresses for comfort.

 Campers are welcome to help out on the farm if they wish –collecting eggs from the hens, picking vegetables from the polytunnel and colourful beds, or learning about the animals. This is Soil Association land and various eco-friendly measures have been implemented as a salute to the beautiful surrounding scenery. Not only is the farming here of the sustainable variety, but Summerhill’s hot water is produced through solar thermal energy collected from panels on the barn’s roof; and electricity is powered through a photovoltaic system (more panels), which cuts CO2 emissions and often provides surplus electricity that’s put on to the national grid. Impressive stuff.

 For a start-up site and means of diversification for an organic farmer, Summerhill Farm strikes the perfect balance between working farm, campsite, environmental caretaker, and lovely holiday. And if some of Ben’s passion hasn’t rubbed off on you by the time you leave, you’ll definitely need to come again.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Paddling
Surfing
Natural features
Beach
River, stream, or creek
Field
Farm
93%
15 Ratings · 17 reviews
Avatar
Adam H.
August 31, 2024
Hawkham Yurt
Honest review
We had a lovely stay but I think there's a few things that would make for a better experience, I'd rather be honest as it's purely constructive. The Yurt and patio it sits on looks pretty tired and definitely in need of some TLC and levelling out the flooring, having stayed in yurts previously, it does look very well used and in need of a Spring clean. Probably some new pillows and some mattress toppers on the beds, they where pretty flat and firm. Compost toilet near the yurt would have been a little better, 3 out of 4 of us slipped going up/down the steps to the toilet. However, don't let it out you off staying. I stayed with the wife, 2 kids and a dog, we had a blast and the location was great for the days out we had planned, had the space to yourself, sun sets and sunrise are amazing as are the dark skies afterwards. It's on a working farm so expect the early wake up from the geese, but get yourself up, get a camp fire going, get a brew on and enjoy the view's. Kitchen/chill area are clean, but are in a barn, so don't expect 5* accommodation, as are the showers/toilets are next door. All functional and hot with a pool table, dart board and foosball table to keep the kids happy. If you're just staying there and using as a hub it's absolutely ideal. 45 mins to Torquay, 1 hour to Lyme Regis and 1 hour to Bude. Ben was a great host, have a chat with him, always interesting to know what goes into farming. You wouldn't know there was anybody else on the farm. Thanks Ben
Avatar
Nicholas S.recommends
August 28, 2024
Broad Down Yurt
A Little Peace Of Heaven
Relaxed setting on a small farm with 3 Yurts well spread out Yurts well equipped with comfortable beds and a warm stove The barn containing the kitchen and a relaxing lounge area kept the kids occupied in safety Ben a pleasure to talk to and I can recommend his band Easy to find but secluded so the only noise was the geese, cows, and sheep
Avatar
Heather R.recommends
August 22, 2024
Broad Down Yurt
Mid-Devon Yurts - Summerhill Farm
We hit the jackpot with this fabulous farm with secluded yurts. Lovely peaceful location on top of a hill with fabulous views. Facilities excellent with lots of extras we were not expecting (or forgot about 🙂) - games room, full living room/TV/large outdoor seating area with separate log seating with fire pit. Secluded enough for our little dog to roam safely. Geese onsite which is weirdly satisfying to listen to them all! We would definitely book again and highly recommended. Thank you Ben and family for your hospitality!
Avatar
C M.recommends
August 20, 2024
Hawkham Yurt
Fab yurt
We had a fab time camping here. The yurt was comfortable and warm and having bedding provided was much appreciated. There was a log burner and a little stove for making tea/coffee in the yurt and the kitchen in the barn was very well equipped. The children loved the games room and pottering around the farm, accompanied by Molly the farm dog. There's a good, hot shower, so everything you need is catered for. The yurts are well spaced with plenty of privacy, and the views are beautiful.
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Hayley R.recommends
July 28, 2024
Oak Yurt
The Yurt was so lovely, one of the nicest i have seen. Facilities- kitchen, shower and games room were nice and clean with everything you could need. It was nice to be on a working farm, the peace and pace of rural life was a real tonic. Would recommend and visit again.
Avatar
James L.recommends
May 28, 2024
Hawkham Yurt
Very helpful hosts, a relaxed stay with a great kitchen and games area and of course, wonderful countryside!
Location
Exeter, Devon, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Ben M.

Joined in January 2017
From the host
Summerhill Farm lies in the heart of the beautiful mid Devon countryside, 2 miles from the village of Yeoford, on the Two Moors Way near Crediton. As the name suggests the farm is perched on a hillside below which the river Yeo flows through the farm's species-rich meadows and woodland. A lively, working organic farm with Red Ruby cattle, Black Welsh Mountain sheep, a flock of geese and waddling ducks. At the centre of the farm three spacious Mongolian yurts provide comfortable accommodation, all of which are furnished to a mid-range specification. Sleeping up to 6 people, they are perfect for families, but are equally suitable for couples or groups of friends. Relax and enjoy our quiet and peaceful slice of Devon countryside in our special, tucked away location with stunning views of the rolling hills by day and the starry night sky after dark.
Nearby attractions

The vast and sandy beach at Bude (check the tide times) is a 40-minute drive away. Test yourself on the waves courtesy of Bude Surfing Experience (07779117746) at nearby Summerleaze beach. All ages and abilities are welcome and other activities such as caving, climbing, kayaking and mountain biking can be arranged). Closer to home there’s the riverside walk at Fingle Bridge; and for a spot of history head to Castle Drogo (01647 433306) in Drewsteignton.

Food and drink

You’re on an organic farm so take advantage of the delicious home-grown produce and that of the local area by pre-ordering one of the Hampers for Campers. The ‘honesty’ larder and fridge in the kitchen is stocked with organic fruit bags and veg boxes, meat, eggs, and local juices and ciders. If you want to eat out, The Mulberry (01647 24227) lies 4 miles away in Cheriton Bishop and serves excellent if pricey meals.

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