National Trust Gardens
A Garden Retreat Right Outside Your Door
Set within the heart of the 700-acre Buckland Abbey Estate, Starbed Hideaways offers more than just luxury National Trust accommodation. It’s a peaceful gateway to one of the most enchanting National Trust gardens in Devon, where history, nature, and tranquillity come together in perfect harmony.
Guests receive complimentary access to the historic Buckland Abbey Gardens and estate. Once the day visitors have left, the grounds become a private haven, open exclusively to guests from 5:30pm until 10:30am. This quiet window offers a rare opportunity to experience the gardens in solitude, surrounded by birdsong, the scent of herbs, and the gentle rustle of leaves.
A Landscape of Colour, Scent, and Calm
The gardens here are a celebration of seasonal beauty and thoughtful design. Begin your walk on the terrace, where a formal parterre overlooks the valley below. Lawns stretch out toward the old Linhay, now a serene yoga studio with wraparound views of the estate. Beneath an arch of climbing roses, a granite apple crusher sits quietly on the lawn, a nod to the site’s agricultural past.
Winding borders filled with plants chosen for their colour, structure, and fragrance lead to the wild garden, where nature is gently encouraged to flourish. The walled kitchen garden is a highlight, producing organic fruit and vegetables that supply the house throughout the year. Once part of the National Garden Scheme, these gardens are now lovingly maintained by the National Trust, continuing a legacy of care and creativity.
A Rich and Storied Past
The Buckland Abbey Estate was founded in 1278 by Cistercian monks and later dissolved under Henry VIII. The Abbey’s Great Barn, still standing today, is one of the largest medieval barns in the country. Measuring 87 metres long and 10 metres wide, it once stored the produce of the Abbey’s vast lands.
After the dissolution, Sir Richard Grenville transformed the Abbey into a grand residence for his son Roger, who tragically died aboard the Mary Rose. In 1581, the estate was purchased by Sir Francis Drake, and a stained glass window in the Abbey commemorates his voyages. The property remained in the Drake family until 1946, when a retired naval officer acquired it and gifted the Abbey and its grounds to the National Trust. He retained the cider barn as his private home, which later became Cider House.
For over 30 years, Michael and Sarah Stone tended the house and gardens, opening them to the public through the National Garden Scheme for nearly two decades. In 2011, the National Trust reunited Cider House with the wider estate, and today it is in the care of Bertie and Bryony Hancock, who have transformed it into a luxurious retreat at the heart of the gardens.
Gardens National Trust - A Devon Sanctuary
The wider estate is a haven for wildlife and conservation. Trails wind through ancient woodland, where butterfly habitats, dormouse conservation, and rewilding efforts create a rich and balanced ecosystem. These quiet paths offer a gentle kind of therapy, where nature provides nourishment for the mind and soul.
Just a mile away lies The Garden House, often described as a “plantsman’s paradise.” It’s another gem among the National Trust gardens in Devon, and a perfect destination for those who want to explore without ever needing to get in the car.
Whether you’re seeking solitude, inspiration, or simply a breath of fresh air, the gardens at Buckland Abbey offer a timeless escape. With history underfoot and nature all around, this is a place where every moment feels rooted, peaceful, and beautifully alive.
