About The Sheep Shack

The Sheep Shack is situated at the bottom of the valley on Meadow Barn Farm, your closest neighbours are our sheep, pigs and chickens. Surrounded by trees, hedgerows and wildlife, sit on the veranda and read your book in complete peace, light a fire, let your children play in the meadow or the shallow brook. Alternatively head to the beach for the day in the knowledge you have somewhere incredible to come back to. This is a truly special place to come and enjoy.

The farm is on the coastal plateau so is perfectly situated to walk down to the secluded creeks of the harbour, the dramatic channel coast line and beaches, or Salcombe estuary. The shack was built by John with the guidance and assistance of local carpenters using local wood and as many reclaimed items as possible. The doors and floor came from a house in East Portlemouth, and the wood all came from Holden Forest near Exeter.

Where is The Sheep Shack?

• The shack is at the bottom of a field called ‘The Meadow’ about 300 metres from Meadow Barn Farm. Your nearest neighbours will likely be our rare breed pigs, sheep or some wandering chickens that have strayed rather far from their usual field!

• The Meadow is next to Hassey Field which is the sight of a Scheduled Ancient Monument. At some point (2500 years ago ish…) there was a settlement here and this can be vaguely seen from the sky. So we know even the ancients loved the spot. I speculated that they liked it hear as it is close to the sea but they could also see Dartmoor (their other home).

• The post code for Meadow Barn Farm is TQ88PN. Meadow barn is about 15 mins walk from East Portlemouth Village.

• What most people want to know is ‘How far are the beaches / walks and where can I get a coffee / beer? So……. You can get lots of coffee and beer in Salcombe. There is a ferry that runs from East Portlemouth and is about 25 mins walk from us. Gara Rock Hotel and beach is about 15 mins walk which is open to the public and serves cold beer and hot coffee. All the beaches are close by and you can walk, cycle or drive to them. They are all nice but if pushed we would recommend Mill Bay for Families or Gara Beach (Seacombe Sands) for couples. There are endless coastal, creek, and country side walks.

• Meadow Barn Farm has a Salcombe address but is on the other side of the water from Salcombe. Please be aware of this. Getting to Salcombe is easy during the day but more tricky at night. Please call us for more info if you need it with regards to getting to and from Salcombe.

• Meadow barn farm is about 20 minutes’ drive from Kingsbridge, 50 minutes’ drive from Totnes and 30 minutes’ drive from Dartmouth.

• If you know the area – we are on the East Prawle to East Portlemouth road near the Gara Rock Turning. We are closer to East Portlemouth than East Prawle. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to East Prawle from us or 5 minutes to drive.

Details of the Accommodation

• The shack is off grid and has Solar / battery lighting.

• It is suitable for couples or families. As a family group the shack will sleep a maximum of 5 people including 2 adults and 3 children. There is a standard double on the mezzanine, a small double bed below and we can arrange roll away single mattresses for the floor. Please be aware this will be ‘cabin/shack style living’ and you will all be in close quarters in the same room together.

• There is a fridge in the shack.

• There is a waterless loo and a large hot shower cubicle and a sink in the bathroom. The cabin has its own boiler so there is hot running water.

• The shack has two gas hob rings. All the basic kitchen / cooking equipment is provided.

• There is fresh drinking water from the taps.

• There is a Hobbit wood burning stove for chilly nights. The shack is insulated with sheep’s wool.

• There is a covered veranda area on which to sit and relax

• All linen and towels are provided.

• Duvets, 2 pillows and blankets are provided.

• There is a ladder to the mezzanine bed.

• The sash windows will keep you cool in the summer.

• There is a fire area and you are welcome to bring a BBQ.

• There is parking for one car, approx. 300m away.

• There are a variety of free-range sheep and chickens wandering around. There is also some pigs in an enclosure. They are friendly but remain farm animals. If you are staying, we will make sure the sheep are not in the same field as you are. The chickens we cannot vouch for……

• We often have our own bacon, sausages and eggs available to buy.

• We are a few hundred yards from the High Nature Centre who run amazing eco and wellness focused events and courses during the summer season. You can view their website here: www.high-nature.co.uk

Around and about

• Once at the shack you can get supplies by going to Salcombe on the ferry where there are shops, there is also an honesty stall at Village Farm, a 10 min walk away. Make sure you bring some supplies for your first night.

• There is a small shop in East Prawle opposite the Pigs Nose Pub in that is open during the season.

• The last shops on the way here if you are traveling by car are either in Kingsbridge or there is a Spar at East Charleton Garage. This is also the nearest fuel stop

• Meadow Barn Farm is a great place to walk from. You can walk to Gara Rock Hotel (www.gararaock.com) by the South West Coastal Path or to the Millbrook Pub in South Pool or to The Pigs Nose Inn in Prawle. If you are planning on walking at night bring a torch.

• The Beaches of East Portlemouth are beautiful, harbour coves and are about 25 minutes’ walk away.

• There are endless creeks and coastal or inland walks to explore.

• There is a café by the ferry during the season on the East Portlemouth side of the Estuary.

• The nearest towns are Salcombe and Kingsbridge. The nearest Garage is in West Charleton.

• There are plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes in the locality but expect to walk, cycle or drive.

• Gara Rock Hotel is really close by and is a fantastic place to look out across the channel, have a beer or a coffee.

Getting to and from The Sheep Shack

• Head to Meadow Barn Farm (TQ88PN) and we will can show the shack when you arrive.

• Buses will take you to Kingsbridge or Salcombe and we can pick you up by prior arrangement.

• The nearest train station is in Totnes from where there are trains to Bristol and London.

• There is lots of opportunity to cycle down here so bring a bike if you like. The hills can be steep though, and the roads narrow. However, as we are on top of the hill, we are at the same height above sea level as East Prawle so cycling there is really easy. We also have e-Bike hire which makes all cycling near and far an absolute dream! Book at www.bearland.co.uk

• Taxis are easy to get from Totnes or Kingsbridge. If you are going to an event locally it can be harder to secure a taxi for short local distances as we are so remote.

If you have any specific questions feel free to email us at hello@meadowbarnfarm.com or call 01548844157 / 07983855099 or 07834163954