With a background in environmental consultancy and a long-lasting dream of farming their own land, Sophia and Stewart decided four years ago to take the plunge and combine their skills and dreams together, creating a sustainable farm that's a haven for wildlife, as well as the newer species they've introduced: Campers.
Set on the couple's small, peaceful farm just west of the Blackdown Hills, the site covers 12 acres of tranquil Devonshire countryside, with views of Culmstock Beacon. Campers can choose from two large grass pitches, each big enough for around three tents at a time, while glampers can pick from a pre-pitched bell tent with a king-sized bed, or a more luxurious en-suite shepherd's hut, named MooBells by Stewart and Sophia's children and fitted out with a double bed and shower room and with its very own hot tub outside.
Whether you pluck for the en-suite luxury or good old fashioned camping with compost loos, you'll have the same easy access across the meadow to the riverside footpath. Follow the banks of the Culm for half an hour and you end up in the village of Culmstock, where there's a pub with a riverside beer garden and, at the north end of the village, a footpath that leads up to the Beacon's top.
Not every camper needs to walk on foot. Keen equestrians are welcome to bring their horse on holiday to Brookshill Farm too, with room for two in the fenced paddock right next to your accommodation. One of the main draws to this location is the miles of bridleways on your doorstep – the Blackdown Hills boast some of the finest riding routes in the UK, all populated with pubs to keep you going along the way. Sophia and Stewart can help you plan your route and even collect you and your four-legged friends with their horsebox should you wish.