Tucked into a secret valley on the edge of Dartmoor, The Book Nook is the kind of hideaway that feels discovered rather than booked. Set within the rolling hills of Lurcombe Farm—a 45-acre working landscape of orchards, woodland walks, open pasture, and roaming wildlife—this whimsical cabin is designed for slowing down, switching off, and getting lost in stories, both on the page and outside your window.
Created by owners Sarah and Nick as part of their long-term regeneration of the farm, The Book Nook reflects nearly two decades of thoughtful restoration, creative reuse, and hands-on craftsmanship.
Inspired by a deep love of books and sustainable design, the cabin was built from scratch using reclaimed materials and a repurposed trailer as its base, resulting in a space that’s delightfully quirky, quietly inventive, and full of soul. Every detail feels intentional—from the crackling log burner to the private garden and the unmistakably magical Narnian wardrobe that hints at worlds beyond the everyday.
Life at Lurcombe Farm hums gently in the background. Deer pass through the fields, birdsong fills the valley, and the rhythms of farm life continue alongside a flourishing flower farm and kitchen garden.
Sarah’s on-site studio informs the cabin’s layered, artistic interior, where rustic textures meet playful storytelling and comfort is never an afterthought. Sleeping two, The Book Nook is intimate but never cramped—a snug, self-catering retreat that invites long lie-ins, early nights, and afternoons spent reading by the fire.
The ‘Beatrix’ living room feels like stepping into the pages of a much-loved children’s book. Inspired by the gentle worlds of Beatrix Potter and Rupert the Bear, it’s a space designed entirely around comfort, imagination, and the simple pleasure of getting lost in a story. Two deeply cosy armchairs are positioned beside a crackling log burner, with a small basket of logs thoughtfully provided—everything you need for slow afternoons and early evenings spent reading while the fire glows softly.
Look up and you’ll spot delicate book “birds” flying across the ceiling, while familiar literary characters appear quietly in corners, rewarding those who take the time to notice.
A small library invites you to browse, pick a favourite, or discover something new. Nearby, armchairs sit beside The Secret Garden window, framing sweeping views of the hillside beyond and gently bringing the landscape into the room.
There’s a lovely sense of playfulness throughout, balanced by a strong thread of sustainability. Much of the room is created from upcycled and repurposed pieces—from the charming little seed library to the vintage threads nestled beneath The Tailor of Gloucester.
Every detail feels personal and purposeful, making this living room not just a place to sit, but a space to linger. It’s warm, whimsical, and without question the perfect spot to curl up, switch off, and let stories—both inside and out—do the rest.
The ‘Brambly Willows’ kitchen is a charming nod to the cosy, creature-filled worlds of Brambly Hedge and The Wind in the Willows—warm, practical, and brimming with storybook character.
Small but beautifully thought through, this perfectly formed cookhouse proves that compact can still be wonderfully capable. Whether you’re putting together a simple breakfast or a hearty countryside supper, everything you need is close at hand.
The kitchen is equipped with a mini electric oven, plug-in hobs, kettle, toaster, microwave, and a small fridge/freezer, making it easy to cook at your own pace. Thoughtful touches elevate the experience: tea and coffee are provided, along with fresh milk and farm eggs, grounding your stay in the rhythms of life on the surrounding land.
The dining area is flexible and unfussy, with movable tables that can be arranged to suit your needs and clever chairs that convert into stools for extra comfort and space-saving ease.
Open shelving offers plenty of storage, encouraging you to unpack, settle in, and truly make yourself at home. Like the rest of the cabin, the Brambly Willows kitchen blends practicality with whimsy—a place where simple meals, shared moments, and a little literary magic come together naturally
The bedroom is tucked away on a charming mezzanine level, reached via a traditional farm ladder—an experience that feels wonderfully in keeping with the cabin’s storybook spirit. (Please note this access makes the space unsuitable for guests with mobility or access difficulties.)
Once upstairs, you’re rewarded with a sleeping nook that’s intimate, romantic, and utterly immersive. Inspired by the works of Jane Austen, Emily Brontë, and D. H. Lawrence, this is a space designed for quiet reflection and cosy nights in.
The double bed is dressed with all linen and towels provided, and a window beside the bed looks out across the rolling hillside beyond—perfect for waking slowly with the light.
Literature quite literally surrounds you here. The walls are styled as oversized Penguin book covers, while little nooks reveal illustrations from Black Beauty and The Wind in the Willows. Even the ceiling becomes part of the story, inviting you to read as you lie back and unwind.
Every detail feels thoughtful and playful, creating a bedroom that’s less about screens and schedules and more about imagination, comfort, and the simple pleasure of a good book before sleep.
The bathroom continues the cabin’s love of storytelling, taking its inspiration from the adventurous, carefree worlds of Enid Blyton.
Here, her beloved book covers line the walls, turning even the most practical space into something playful and full of character—proof that imagination doesn’t stop at the bathroom door.
Bright, cheerful, and designed for comfort, the bathroom features a shower and a heated towel rail, with all linen and towels included for your stay. It’s a space that feels light-hearted rather than utilitarian, inviting you to start and end your day with a smile.
Step outside and the story continues. The Book Nook comes with its own private deck ‘nook’—a sheltered, undercover seating area designed for lingering, whatever the weather. Tucked neatly beneath the seating you’ll find practical storage boxes should you need them, keeping the space uncluttered and calm.
This outdoor nook quickly becomes a favourite spot. In the mornings, it’s ideal for a slow coffee while the hillside wakes up around you; in the evenings, it transforms into the perfect place for a glass of wine as the light fades and the valley settles.
Surrounded by nature and gently removed from the pace of everyday life, the deck offers an easy extension of the cabin—simple, peaceful, and made for unhurried moments outdoors.
The garden is where the Book Nook’s sense of magic fully comes alive. Set just outside the cabin, it features a firepit for evenings spent under the stars and an outdoor dining area that invites long, unhurried meals surrounded by nature. It’s a wonderfully flexible space—equally suited to toasting marshmallows, sharing a simple supper, or sitting quietly as the light shifts across the land.
From here, the cabin looks out over a vast, open hillside that feels gloriously untamed. Adding to the enchantment, this landscape is accessed via your very own Narnian wardrobe, a playful and unexpected detail that turns a simple step outdoors into something straight out of a storybook.
Whether you’re wandering into the garden at dawn or heading out as dusk settles, it’s a moment that never quite loses its sense of wonder.
Find more information on the enchanting book nook here.
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