FOWLESCOMBE FARM || Where Luxury Meets the Gentle Art of Slow Living in Dartmoor

In the gentle foothills of Dartmoor, Fowlescombe Farm invites visitors to pause and reconnect, offering a sanctuary where luxury harmonizes effortlessly with the natural rhythms of farm life.
A beacon for slow living, this intimate retreat is more than a mere countryside escape—it's a transformative experience thoughtfully curated for those yearning to find beauty in the quiet moments of life.
Historic charm meets refined luxury at Fowlescombe Farm. Photo by Jon Tonks.
A getaway at this bespoke luxury farm stay be just what you need to reconnect with nature and yourself.
Sprawled across historic grounds dating back to 1537, Fowlescombe Farm has evolved into a luxurious haven through the inspired vision of Caitlin Owens and creative director Paul Glade. Their thoughtful stewardship embraces regenerative practices and celebrates Devon's vibrant heritage. Together with Swiss architect Studio Gugger and a careful selection of local artisans, they've elegantly repurposed historic farm structures, blending refined aesthetics with pastoral authenticity.
Contemporary design highlights local artisans within the retreat's interiors. Bristol-based joiner Konk supplies custom-designed solid oak furniture throughout the suites and locally crafted oak windows ensures a connection to the surrounding landscape. Photo by Jon Tonks.
The interiors, designed by Paul in collaboration with interior designer Sophia Gomm, emphasize a thoughtful approach to materiality. Photo by Jon Tonks.
The ten exquisite suites, generously sized at over 40 square metres, immerse guests in tranquility. High ceilings and dramatic windows frame Dartmoor’s ancient woodlands and lush meadows. Handcrafted wool curtains, sustainably sourced oak furnishings by Bristol-based Konk, and plush mattresses handmade from wool sourced from the farm's own flock underline the retreat’s genuine connection to the landscape. Here, every detail—from hand-carved Somerset stone to the artful displays curated by Claudia Kennaugh—whispers serenity and intentionality.
Warmth and serenity define the retreat's luxury suites. Super king mattresses in the luxurious suites are handmade by Devon supplier Natural Mat, using wool from Fowlescombe’s own flock of Manx Loaghtan sheep.
Days at Fowlescombe unfold slowly. Morning begins gently, with breakfasts showcasing pastries and preserves crafted onsite, eggs collected fresh from hens roaming freely nearby. Guests can wander into flourishing gardens and orchards, guided by chefs who share their passion for seasonal ingredients during hands-on harvesting sessions.
The Refectory, the retreat’s heart and culinary hub, serves vibrant, hyper-seasonal meals, including specialties like Manx Loaghtan Hogget and Salcombe Crab Linguine, enhancing guests’ connection to the land.
With sustainability always at the forefront, the team have created a low-waste, daily menu available throughout the day which includes small and larger plates, such as Garden Vegetable Soup with Yesterday’s Bread Croutons, Rare & Pasture Charcuterie, made at the farm’s production site just five minutes up the road, Farm Pickles, and No-Waste Croquettes with Smoked Garlic Mayo.
Lush gardens cultivate ingredients for daily menus. Photo above and below left and right by Matt Hague.
Local charcuterie enriches dining experiences. With sustainability always at the forefront, the team have created a low-waste, daily menu available throughout the day which includes small and larger plates. Photo by Matt Hague.
The four-course, daily changing dinner menu uses locally sourced produce and ingredients from the farm. Snacks and starters include Sharpham Cremet Gougères and Garden Radish with Smoked Cod’s Roe. The main course features Salcombe Crab Linguine or Manx Loaghtan Hogget, and to finish, Caramelized Milk Tart with Farm Strawberries.
In addition to dining in the Refectory, guests can order dinner in their suites for delivery or meal kits with instructions ready to enjoy an evening of in-suite cooking. The Greenhouse also offers additional space to dine throughout the spring, summer, and autumn, and it will also be used for events, such as supper clubs, long table lunches and dinners.
An intimate dining setting, where meals become mindful rituals. The Refectory is an all-day, resident-only dining space, offering an open kitchen with a communal table and dining area where guests can watch chefs at work, explore the gardens with them, and even select their own ingredients.
The spirit of mindful living permeates every curated activity. Visitors might find themselves learning the art of floristry, perfecting rustic bread-making, or exploring wildlife trails rich with biodiversity. Those seeking adventure can kayak along serene waterways, forage by the sea, or cycle through Dartmoor’s evocative terrain, each experience deeply rooted in place and guided by local experts.
The potting shed, where guests immerse in floristry workshops. The onsite activities, included in the room rate, involve wildlife walks, history tours, bread-making workshops, floristry and preserving sessions.
Paddleboarding adventures offer gentle explorations along Dartmoor’s waterways.
Evenings encourage quiet reflection, perhaps sipping craft cocktails infused with garden-grown botanicals or enjoying the meticulously selected wines, with particular strength in the Alto-Adige region of Northern Italy and the Duoro Valley, in the cozy warmth of the Farmhouse lounge bar. Other options on the menu include Fowlescombe’s very own cider from the onsite orchard. This gentle cadence cultivates a profound sense of presence, encouraging guests to truly engage with the surroundings and each other.
The retreat’s carefully curated wine selection complements its farm-to-table philosophy.
At Fowlescombe Farm, slow living isn't merely a concept—it's a daily practice, thoughtfully woven into every moment of the stay. It’s a destination designed to nurture transformation, guiding visitors gently back to themselves through meaningful connections to nature, nourishment, and restful contemplation. Fowlescombe beckons guests to rediscover the profound luxury of slowing down, offering an exquisite retreat from the world's persistent rush.
Fowlescombe Farm is now open. Bookings can be made directly through Fowlescombe Farm’s website here or by calling 01752 426570. The room rate starts from £410 per night, inclusive of breakfast, lunch, snacks throughout the day and dinner, as well as a daily programme of on-site activities.
