Questions you're likely to ask... What is a yurt? A yurt is the traditional home of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia and Siberia. It is sometimes referred to as a Mongolian Yurt or Ger - the Mongolian word Ger simply means ‘home’. It is a spacious, high sided, portable structure circular in shape and hand crafted from natural, sustainable materials. The yurt’s design is as green as it gets - encompassing low impact technology, sustainablity and providing for a highly efficient, ecological lifestyle.  It is made from wood, canvas and wool felt to insulate. Designed and constructed for the European climate to be durable and hard wearing.  It is cosy and warm in winter and cool, bright and airy in summer. When erected on a wooden platform the ground underneath the yurt is completely unspoilt. Click here to see Traditional Mongolian Yurts in their natural settings. What are they like inside? Our yurt at Burnicombe is made to our own specifications based on the authentic Kyrgyzstan design. It is big, bright and spacious - 7m in diameter and can sleep 6 - 10 people comfortably and can be arranged to accommodate more people for large group bookings on short breaks. The yurt is fitted with comfortable, tasteful and practical furniture. Areas are designated for eating, sleeping, sitting, preparing food and storage - and  has an outside eating area . Click here to see a floor plan. Is there any electricity? This is a low environmental impact holiday so there is no electricity in the yurt. Heat, light, hot water and cooking facilities are powered by gas, oil, wood, wind, sun. Spring water is from our own bore hole and is filtered and UV light treated.

Where is the Yurt?

Burnicombe Farm is in a  private sheltered valley near the Teign River, on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, about 8 miles from the end of the M5 and about 8 miles west of Exeter.
Press here for location map and aerial view.

What makes the Yurt Holiday special?

Our stunning yurt stands in an area of outstanding natural beauty near the medievil farm house and overlooking the lake with the Devon countryside stretching beyond as far as the eye can see . There is  plenty of space and privacy to enjoy the treasures of the unspoilt valley and appreciate the abundance of flora and fauna all around - including many protected species.

From your yurt you can walk, cycle or ride on horseback - North to Heltor which is popular with rock climbers and absailers. Scale this huge rock and you will be rewarded with unforgettable views across Devon to as far away as Wales. South either to the pretty village of Bridford or to public footpaths on the adjacent National Trust land where you can go for miles without having to step on a public road.

A stream runs through the valley, fed by numerous fresh water springs. Nearby is magical little waterfall which tumbles down to the beautiful Teign River and provides a wonderful place to play, paddle and bathe. Although we are situated in wild countryside - Exeter and the rest of Devon is not far away and easily accessible by public transport or car.

What facilities are there?

The amenity building has a normal flush loo and a hot and cold shower and  is situated in the farm yard a short walk away from the yurt.  There is a kitchen sink for dish-washing and bins for rubbish and recycling. The hot water and light are powered by renewable energy sources.

Laundry & cold storage

The amenity building also houses a  fridge freezer and a washing machine and drier. This is the only time you might need to use electricity.
 
Cots, pots & high chairs can be provided on request 

Meal service 

For those who don’t want to be bothered with shopping and preparing food, we offer a range of delicious home cooked hot and cold meals and pic-nic baskets using locally grown and produced ingredients.  Meals and baskets must be ordered the day before and are delivered to your yurt.
 Click here to see a selection of our menus.