Lilypod – Floating Glamping Retreats on a Private Lake in Devon

Three luxury retreats drifting on a private lake, offering the ultimate off-grid romantic escape in the Devon countryside.

Hidden away on Alder Farm in Lewdown, near Okehampton, Lilypod is a collection of three luxurious floating glamping retreats – each designed for two adults and set on its own private stretch of water. Resting gently on the surface of a secluded lake, these hand-built timber pods offer an experience that’s part wilderness retreat, part boutique hideaway.

What makes Lilypod truly special is its setting. The lake, formed in an old lime quarry, is now a serene wildlife haven fed by a gentle waterfall and surrounded by wildflowers, woodland and birdsong. Each pod has been carefully positioned for privacy, with natural screening and uninterrupted views across the water.

This is an adults-only retreat designed for those who want to pause, celebrate and savour the moment – whether it’s a romantic anniversary, a honeymoon, or a peaceful babymoon before new adventures begin. Mornings start with coffee on the deck as the mist lifts from the lake; and evenings end beside the firepit, the stars mirrored in the water below. Off-grid yet deeply comfortable, Lilypod invites you to slow down, switch off and enjoy the rare pleasure of true seclusion.

(Please note: to protect the resident family of wild beavers, Lilypod does not permit dogs in any of the glamping pods)

The Lilypods

Each of the three pods – Kingfisher, Heron and Lapwing – has been beautifully designed to blend comfort with craftsmanship. Built by hand from locally sourced Devonian timber, they offer a serene, self-contained hideaway that feels cosy, contemporary and wonderfully private.

Inside, every pod features:

• A king-size bed dressed in soft bamboo bedding, perfectly positioned to take in the lake views
• A wood-burning stove for warmth on cooler evenings, plus books, games and a Bluetooth speaker for slow, relaxed days
• A well-equipped kitchenette with gas hob, fridge, kettle, cafetière and cooking essentials
• A separate shower room with a power shower, fluffy towels and luxury toiletries

Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, creating an intimate space that balances rustic charm with quiet luxury.

Outdoor Living by the Water

Step outside your pod onto your own private floating deck, where the only sounds are birdsong, rustling reeds and the soft ripple of water. Each deck features a firepit and BBQ, a table and chairs for relaxed alfresco dining, and a generous supply of logs, kindling and firelighters to keep things glowing long into the evening.

For a touch of adventure, each retreat includes a Canadian canoe and water hammock for your exclusive use – perfect for drifting across the lake or simply lying back to watch the clouds move overhead. A ladder leads straight into the water, inviting you to take a refreshing wild swim before drying off by the fire with a glass of something chilled.

Imagine unwinding beneath the stars or floating quietly across the lake, outdoor living doesn’t get more peaceful than this.

Sustainability at the Heart

Sustainability sits at the heart of Lilypod’s philosophy. Each pod has been hand-built from locally sourced timber and designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, leaving the lightest possible footprint on the land.

These are low-carbon, off-grid hideaways powered by solar energy and warmed by wood-burning stoves – offering all the comfort you’d expect, while keeping things simple and environmentally conscious. The pods have been positioned to protect the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem, allowing the wildflowers, dragonflies and resident beavers to thrive undisturbed.

Discover this Hidden Corner of the Devon Countryside

Set within the peaceful Devon countryside near Lewdown, Lilypod sits on Alder Farm, a tranquil rural retreat surrounded by rolling fields, forest and open moorland. The lake itself lies within an old lime quarry, now transformed into a private oasis fed by a natural waterfall and gentle stream.

This idyllic spot is just a short drive from Okehampton and within easy reach of both Dartmoor National Park and the North Devon coast, where you can explore sandy beaches and historic villages like Clovelly and Tintagel.

Next door, you’ll find Alder Vineyard, a family-run business producing award-winning wines – perfect for a tasting session or to pick up a bottle for your evening by the lake. There’s also a cafe with wifi should you wish to reconnect with the world at any time.

Nearby country pubs and restaurants also serve up a true taste of Devon, with menus focused on local and seasonal produce.

Getting Here

Tucked away in the heart of rural Devon, Lilypod feels wonderfully remote — yet it’s surprisingly easy to reach.

You’ll find it just outside the village of Lewdown, around 20 minutes from Okehampton, with straightforward access via the A30 and A386. Despite the peaceful setting, travel connections are excellent:

• By Car: Set your satnav to Lilypod, Lewdown, EX20 4PJ. Private parking is available on site.
• By Train: The nearest station is Okehampton, offering regular services to Exeter and London.
• By Air: Exeter Airport is just over an hour away, with routes from across the UK and Europe.

Local Attractions

Whether you’re here to explore Devon’s wild landscapes  and beaches, or simply to enjoy the peaceful setting, there’s plenty to discover nearby:

• Meldon Reservoir & Dartmoor National Park – Just 20 minutes from your door. Wild, unspoiled landscapes of the iconic Dartmoor National park.

• Brat Tor & Widgery Cross – A rewarding Dartmoor walk with sweeping views.

• Okehampton Castle – 10 minutes away. A striking medieval ruin surrounded by woodland — history, heritage, and tranquillity intertwined.

• Buckfast Abbey – Around 40 minutes. A peaceful Benedictine monastery set in manicured gardens on the edge of Dartmoor.

• Castle Drogo – A striking National Trust property perched above the Teign Gorge.
• Lydford Gorge – England’s deepest gorge, with waterfalls and woodland trails.
• Clovelly – A timeless fishing village with cobbled streets that tumble down to the sea.
• Tintagel Castle – A legendary clifftop ruin said to be King Arthur’s birthplace.

• Saunton Sands – Around 45 minutes’ drive. A vast, golden beach framed by the UNESCO-listed Braunton Burrows dunes

• Croyde Bay – Approximately 50 minutes away. A much-loved Devon surf spot with a relaxed village atmosphere, great pubs, ocean-view walks, and a handful of excellent beach cafés.

• Westward Ho! beach – About 40 minutes by car. An easy-to-reach beach  — ideal for a spontaneous day by the coast.

From spending your days walking and exploring historic to sampling local wine, there’s plenty to fall in love with in this beautiful corner of Devon.

Plan Your Perfect Lakeside Stay

Lilypod is more than a glamping retreat – it’s a place to celebrate stillness, connection and romance. From the moment you arrive, life slows to a gentler rhythm: mornings begin with coffee on the deck as the water shimmers around you, afternoons drift by paddling across the lake or reading by the fire, and evenings end under a canopy of stars.

With hand-built, solar-powered pods, wild swimming straight from your deck, and the soothing sounds of the Devon countryside all around, it’s the perfect spot for anniversaries, honeymoons or simply escaping the noise of everyday life. A stay at Lilypod will leave you rested, recharged and a little bit enchanted by the quiet beauty of Devon.