Devon Dreams Realised: Luxury Log Lodges That Delight Guests and Owners

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For those yearning to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, Binneford Holiday Lodges offer the perfect answer to staycation dreams. This trio of stylishly furnished three-bedroom Norwegian Log cabins is nestled within 40 secluded acres overlooking the stunning Dartmoor landscape, yet conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from the A30.

The brainchild of Devon-born businessman Gary Bulley, this recently opened holiday lodge development is already proving incredibly popular with guests, boasting glowing five-star Trip Advisor reviews and a fully booked advance schedule.

Returning to his roots in Devon after running successful businesses in the Midlands, Gary settled on an 83-acre farm nestled between the picturesque north Devon coast and Dartmoor. When an adjacent 40-acre plot of predominantly woodland came up for sale, he saw an investment opportunity, initially thinking of using the land for his off-road driving hobby. However, he soon recognised the exceptional beauty and seclusion of this spot, and with his entrepreneurial spirit ignited, he began to explore the potential for high-end tourism.

Teaming up with his daughter Gemma, who now has a vested interest in the business, Gary embarked on researching local companies that could provide quality lodges. “I found a nearby business selling wooden chalets on a caravan chassis, but the prices escalated while I was considering it, and I wasn’t entirely convinced by the quality,” he explains. “Then I discovered Norwegian Log online, visited their show homes in Reading, and met Ed. For a surprisingly reasonable increase in budget, I could invest in genuine log cabins, as opposed to a prefab with external wooden boarding. The superior quality was evident, and they truly complemented the natural environment.”

Once his decision was made, Gary developed a comprehensive business plan with a £500,000 budget encompassing the accommodation, groundworks, and services. He engaged a specialist to assist with planning permission, which was efficiently approved in just 12 weeks. Following two pre-site visits by the knowledgeable Norwegian Log team, construction commenced, and within a remarkable four months, the cabins were ready for furnishings and final touches. “We felt that three lodges would be the ideal number, making the site perfectly manageable as a family business,” Gary explains.

“Because the lodges are high-end and situated in such a breathtaking location, I’m able to command a respectable weekly tariff, and my projections show that I should be able to pay everything off in around five years. Utilising my own tax-free funds and being able to offset the cabins against corporation tax made them a financially sound investment,” he explains with satisfaction. “I also wanted to secure a future for my daughter and grandchildren, as her ultimate ambition is to be involved here full-time.”

Gary, who also holds an advisory role on carbon reduction in the logistics sector, is deeply committed to minimising carbon footprints. “Our Norwegian Log cabins are crafted from timber that is responsibly sourced from managed, slow-grown forests. The entire Binneford Holiday Lodge site operates on similar sustainable principles. All the tracks are constructed from locally quarried stone, and the logs for the wood burners come from the nearby woodland, air-dried on my farm using a renewable energy woodchip system,” Gary proudly points out. “And when you have an abundance of trees on-site, as we do, log cabins truly are the perfect fit!”

“Then there’s the wonderful ambience and the lovely natural pine aroma inside the wooden lodges, which our visitors absolutely adore. They are also incredibly well-insulated and warm. Guests consistently rave about their beautiful appearance and the generous space within each cabin. It’s a far cry from being confined to a single hotel room,” he adds.

Further benefits include the low maintenance aspect, with no need for decorating. “The wall surfaces are so durable that I don’t have to worry about hand marks or knocks. And fitting things like mirrors onto the walls is so quick and easy – no need for rawlplugs!”

Each cabin boasts a stylishly furnished open-plan living area and a sleek, modern kitchen, with bifold glazed doors that open onto a private deck featuring a luxurious hot tub. Catering comfortably to families of six, each lodge offers twin bedrooms, a double bedroom, and a spacious master bedroom complete with an ensuite shower room, as well as a family shower room and a separate toilet.

“I was able to design the layout exactly to my specifications and was particularly keen on the master bedroom having an ensuite. I firmly believe that the person paying for the holiday should definitely have the best room by far!” he laughs.