14 | LUXlife Magazine Best Luxury Country Retreat 2026 – Devon & Tranquil Escape Excellence Award 2026 – UK The travel industry is shifting, as travellers across the UK increasingly seek vacation destinations that provide them with space to take a step back and exhale. Hectic holiday resorts are being swapped out for secluded selfcatering retreats, where luxury can be found in the freedom to relax and move at one’s own pace. Leading the charge in this shift is Deer View, a luxury self-catering retreat that invites guests to take a well-needed break from their hectic lives and pursue restoration amidst the breathtaking Devonshire countryside. We took a closer look at this outstanding offering below, as Deer View is named in the Hospitality Awards 2026. Based in Ottery St. Mary, Deer View is a luxury two-bedroom home blending cosy countryside charm with modern living and contemporary style. The accommodation invites guests to get an authentic taste of East Devon’s tranquil countryside whilst surrounded by the modern comforts of its luxurious amenities, ideal for couples seeking a romantic retreat or for groups of friends looking to get away. Deer View is ideally positioned in the serene Devon countryside, offering guests direct access to a wide range of local amenities in the quaint town of Ottery St. Mary, including unique eateries, diverse shops, and historical architecture. Guests can find adventure in the vibrant surrounding cities of Exeter, Sidmouth, and Honiton, as well as numerous opportunities for walking, sightseeing, and wildlife watching along the picturesque River Otter flowing through the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. After a day full of adventure, guests can relax in an inviting, modern accommodation that has been thoughtfully designed to offer a sanctuary of modern luxury. Deer View boasts a kitchen fully equipped with essential items, such as an air-fryer and a coffee machine, and an open living and dining area featuring a Freeview Smart TV and expansive garden views. Upstairs lies two double bedrooms, with one bedroom capable of being converted into a twin, and a bathroom complete with a spacious walk-in shower and heated towel rail. The most unique offering of all is Deer View’s location, perfectly positioned upon a working deer farm to provide guests with the oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the deer wandering up to the fence that borders the gardens. This spectacular view can be seen from both the open-plan living space within Deer View, or from the property’s pet-friendly, enclosed garden area. There, guests can unwind in an exclusive hot tub within the fresh country air, whilst watching the serene deer grazing in the fields beyond. Such an offering is truly unrivalled in today’s travel landscape: a countryside break that perfectly blends luxury and nature. This type of retreat has emerged to dominate the UK market, with travellers rapidly shifting their sights towards more meaningful travel experiences that allow them to reconnect with the natural world at no compromise to the quality of their experience. Whether pursuing relaxation, exploration, personal rejuvenation, or simply a break from the real world, Deer View provides guests with the space to indulge in this pursuit within the comfort of modern luxury. Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic retreat in the countryside, a young family looking to reconnect with nature, or a group of friends wanting to get together far away from the city, Deer View is the perfect base for your East Devon adventure. The accommodation has earned the trust of countless travellers from around the world, enjoying a 5.0 rating and a position among the top 1% of listings on Airbnb. We at LUXlife Magazine are proud to bestow upon Deer View the Tranquil Escape Excellence Award 2026, in addition to its recognition as Devon’s Best Luxury Country Retreat for the second consecutive year. One guest shared: “We have just returned from our weekend break at Deer View, which was absolutely lovely and of the highest standard. We were greeted by Debbie, who introduced us to her friendly herd of Red Deer and provided us with carrots to feed them, which was a treat for us as well as for the deer. We wanted for nothing as everything was provided, even a welcome basket of local produce including fresh eggs from Debbie’s own hens. The views are breathtaking and ideally experienced sitting in the bubbling hot tub. So very relaxing; we will definitely endeavour to return.” Contact: Debbie Selley Company: Deer View Web Address: www.deerviewselfcatering.co.uk
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