FAQ'S
Questions & Answers
Is a Hideaway break for me?
For those seeking space, to pause and immerse themselves in a unique escape. Offering seclusion, luxury and peace, a relaxing break to unwind from busy lives, or a wonderfully unique and romantic setting to spoil someone special – more “being”, less “doing”.
Parking is 600 yds away from the Hideaways - do you transfer luggage?
We offer a Supacat transfer for both you and all luggage up to your Hideaway at a pre-bookable check-in time on arrival and back down again on departure. Sensible walking footwear will be required should you decide to venture out of your Hideaway during your stay – some guests love them so much they don’t!
What can I expect to find in my Hideaway?
Each luxury Hideaway is fully provisioned with bedding, towels, bathmats, shampoo, conditioner and body wash, soap (we use Ren products, so popular guests often request to buy it to take home as well!) loo roll, torches, binoculars, maps, guidebooks, reference books and light reading. Tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper, ketchup, HP sauce and olive oil; an equipped galley kitchen. Fire lighters, matches kindling and logs for your stay. We provide some extra welcome goodies including milk, a home baked treat and a supply of our Starbed sloe gin, a rather lovely toddy to curl up with! Each Hideaway has its own honesty cellar and guests can pre order a host of scrumptious meals, booze and snacks up to a week prior to the date of stay. LINK TO ORDER FORM
So what do I need to bring?
Just yourself – unless you have someone very special in your life you would like to spoil, indulge and generally “get away from it all” with; the desire to be inspired by nature, peace and tranquillity, appropriate footwear (you will be walking across a field should you choose to leave your Hideaway – some don’t and so “Choos” may suffice for all but the “shoes” requirement for arrival and departure on the Supacat!) Weather appropriate clothing – this is good old Britain after all! A camera – the views are fabulous! The willingness to switch off and enjoy this beautiful setting in idyllic luxury!
Will I be warm enough?
With background central heating, heated towel rails and a wood burner, guests are kept toasty even when it is cold outside and should you want to be warm whilst alfresco, each Hideaway has a beautiful hand crafted fire bowl set on their round oak deck to keep warm whilst watching the stars.
Do the Hideaways have hot water?
Lashings of it and on demand so no need to do anything but turn the tap on and soak up the relaxation from your panoramic roll top.
Do the Hideaways have electricity?
They do – on a 12v system which supports USB charging cables only. Any appliances requiring mains electric (240v) and a 3 pin plug will need to be brought ready charged or left at home – trying to plug in anything unsuited to a 12v supply is unfortunately not possible.
Do you provide a television?
We do not – we are offering a little piece of wild escapism where guests can truly appreciate the haven, its surroundings and switch off – each Hideaway has a selection of books, board games and our mini Roberts Radios so you can always tune in to some background ambiance or the shipping forecast!
What is the mobile reception like?
Unlike the majority of the 700 acre Buckland Abbey Estate, the Hideaways have remarkably good mobile phone signal – no doubt due to their elevation and thus spectacular views!
Will there be wifi?
Wifi is not part of the offering, we are encouraging you to unwind and switch off, that said 4G is available although the strength of signal can be variable.
What appliances do you provide in the Hideaways?
Both Halcyon and Aurora have a small gas fridge, gas oven, gas hob, gas boiler and mini Roberts Radio.
What time is check in?
Check in needs to be booked in advance as we need to ensure that our Supacat is ready to transfer both you and your belongings up to your Hideaway. Guests can pre-book their check in transfer between 2-4pm on the day of arrival – alternative check in times by prior arrangement only.
You will be allocated a check in time for your transfer or alternatively can opt for greater flexibility by picking up a map and a key and walk up – in the event that you are not a “light packer”, we can always facilitate a 7pm luggage transfer if pre-booked.
What time is check out?
Again you can book your check out time and therefore your exhilarating ride on the Supacat with all your luggage for either 10am or 10.15am on your day of departure.
Where can we park
Each Hideaway has one allocated parking space located 650yds away – from which it is a 10min uphill walk to your Hideaway. Additional cars and or visitors will need to park in the National Trust carpark – a 5 minute walk from the Hideaway parking.
Can we have visitors whilst staying in our Hideaway?
The Hideaways are designed to accommodate 2 people and as such this is their maximum occupancy. To preserve the tranquil location and enjoyment for all we ask that guests (by prior arrangement) notify us of any visitors – welcome within daylight hours, take full responsibility for them and their actions during their time on the Estate and ensure that thier are respectful of the Estate and others enjoying it at all times.
Are the Hideaways suited to children and or pets?
The Hideaways have been designed and located with adults in mind and as such unfortunately are not suited to those wishing to bring children (under 18) or pets.
Do you have T&Cs I should read before coming?
We do! We ask that guests read our Terms and Conditions prior to booking.
Will I need Holiday Insurance?
Although not a mandatory part of the T&C’s we would advise the purchase of Holiday Insurance.
Are there any additional charges I need to be aware of?
No – the only amount you have to pay is the booking fee, we don’t charge security deposits as we believe that guests will fall in love with our Hideaways as much as we have and will adore and look after them accordingly – we understand that wear and tear is sometimes unavoidable and whilst we ask for any damage whatever the size to be flagged to us before you leave, we understand that accidents happen and would only charge if rectifying damage exceeded £25.
Can I visit Buckland Abbey whilst staying at Starbeds?
Complementary guest passes are provided to all Hideaway guests for the duration of their stay to gain access to Buckland Abbey, former home to Sir Francis Drake and the monks before him along with their award-winning gardens and wider woodland estate. Starbeds are nestled in their beech copses overlooking the Abbey and Gardens with woodland estate walks from the doorstep.
What else can I do at Starbed Hideaways?
A MOBILE SPA offering treatments in your Hideaway, pre-order treats from our LARDER AND CELLAR MENUs making it deliciously simple – you may not want to leave! But with walks from the doorstep, the Abbey at the bottom of the hill, Dartmoor National Park a mile away and the coast within 1/2hr drive you will be spoilt for choice with our EXPERIENCE PAGE
Sounds Perfect! How can I book!!??
BOOK HERE Just pop in the dates you would like and check the availability. You will then need to confirm your booking by reading and agreeing to our Terms and Conditions paying a 30% deposit if your stay is greater than 8 weeks hence or the full amount if you are planning to join us in less than 56 days’ time – and counting! We look forward to welcoming you!!