Have a question? You may find the answer below...
FAQs
Here are a few of the questions we are regularly asked. If you have a question and can't see the answer below, please get in touch at stay@ravendere.co.uk and we'll be more than happy to help.
Booking & General FAQs
Treehouse FAQs
Booking & General FAQs
1. Is Ravendere Retreats dog friendly?
We love dogs and warmly welcome 1 or 2 (small to medium sized), well behaved dogs to the Treehouse.
*We regret that Wildwood Spa is not suitable for dogs due to safety reasons.*
Bringing dogs to the Treehouse
Although the Treehouse has been designed with 4-legged guests in mind, it may not be suitable for all dogs. We therefore ask that you consider the following before booking:
- Being a Treehouse, the exposed wood interiors may be very enticing for certain breeds that like to chew, and young puppies. We therefore don't recommend bringing your dog if it is prone to chewing or is very young (under one).
- We ask that dogs are not, at any time, to be left alone in the Treehouse.
- We ask that dogs are not invited upstairs to the bedroom. We provide white Egyptian cotton bed linen, which is easily stained by paws prints and can become unusable if stained (or hairy!). If your dog is used to sleeping in your bed and would not be happy staying downstairs then the Treehouse would not be suitable for them.
- Dogs are not allowed on the sofa, chairs or soft furnishings.
- If your dog has a tendency to jump or is very small (i.e. can fit through small gaps) then the Treehouse decking may not be suitable for them.
-
Dogs must be kept on leads at all times whilst walking around the Ravendere Retreats woodland. This is to ensure they do not spook the wildlife and local livestock, and for their own safety. There is a dog friendly beach a short walk away (Lee Bay).
- There is no extra charge for canine guests, but please note we reserve the right to charge for any damage caused, or any additional cleaning or laundering required as a result of pet hair on soft furnishings, or muddy paws on towels or bed linen.
2. Do you allow children to stay?
No - Ravendere Retreats is an adults only getaway offering our guests a peaceful and relaxing escape. The stunning valley views throughout the woodland are a result of steep heights and drops and our woodland has been purposefully left 'wild' with no fences around the ponds or stream, to preserve the wildlife and ecology. It is therefore unsuitable for children.
3. What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards (apart from American Express).
4. How do I pay my balance?
The balance for your booking is due 8 weeks before your arrival date. We will send you an invoice 9 weeks before you arrive to enable you to make the payment when it becomes due.
5. When will I receive check in information?
We will send you a welcome email 2 weeks before you arrive containing directions, check in details and a guide to your retreat. If you would like this information sooner, please let us know.
6. What are the arrival and departure times?
Treehouse check in is from 2pm
Wildwood Spa check in is from 3pm
The check out time for both retreats is 10am.
Wildwood Spa has a slightly later check in time as we use a professional pool maintenance company to clean and service the pool between every booking. Their visiting window is 10am - 3pm.
7. What if Covid-19 impacts my booking?
We understand that the effects of Covid-19 may continue to impact for some time. We would like to offer the assurance that if we are forced to close due to Covid-19 and cannot honour your booking, we will offer to rearrange your stay or refund you in full.
Should we be open and welcoming guests, but localised travel restrictions prevent you from travelling to us, we will offer to rearrange your stay.
You can find our Covid-19 Information page here, and our full Covid-19 Policy in our Booking Terms & Conditions.
8. How near is the parking to the accommodation?
Ravendere Retreats is set in a wooded valley and therefore parking is limited to one space per retreat. From the parking area it takes approximately 3-5 minutes to walk to the Treehouse and 2 minutes to reach Wildwood Spa. We'll be on hand when you arrive to help with luggage if needed!
Please see the accommodation Q&As for retreat specific access information.
9. How secluded are the retreats?
From the parking area, there are two separate paths that lead to each retreat in opposite directions. The Treehouse is built near the top of the woodland, and Wildwood Spa is built at the bottom of the wooded valley on the far side (neither can be seen from one another). Our 12 acre woodland is privately owned and there are no public footpaths or rights of ways. The pathways from the parking area to the retreats form a loop around the woodland, so you may see one or two guests walking past if they explore.
There is a public footpath in a neighbouring woodland which can be seen in the distance from Wildwood Spa (across the pond and on the other side of the stream). However this is infrequently used (more so in the summer months than spring, autumn and winter). We are so lucky with our village location that you'll feel 'tucked away in the woods' but the beach, shops and restaurants are only a short drive away.
10. Where is the nearest supermarket?
There are a number of supermarkets in Ilfracombe:
Co-op Supermarket, 2.5 miles, (8 mins by car)
Lidl Supermarket, 2.6 miles (9 mins by car)
Tesco Superstore, 3.5 miles (11 mins by car)
Ilfracombe also has a great range of fantastic local independent food shops such as Lloyd Maunder and Mike Turton (butchers), The Pantry (bakery), Normans (greengrocers) and S&P (fishmongers).
11. Are there any restaurants nearby?
Yes we are very lucky to have a fantastic array of bars and restaurants close by. These are detailed in the Welcome Guide sent 2 weeks before arrival but please let us know if you would like any recommendations beforehand!
12. Can you reccommend a taxi/transfer service?
Yes! We recommend Mike's Taxis in Ilfracombe (01271 268 434), and Private Chauffeur Glen Preece at Tor Moor & Sea (07920 384 257)
13. Can I buy a Gift Voucher?
Yes! We offer Gift Vouchers and they have proven to be very popular. Please have a lookout our Gift Vouchers page here.
The Treehouse
1. How is the Treehouse accessed?
From the parking area, there is a relatively steep graveled path leading up through the woodland to the Treehouse. Once you've reached the base of the Treehouse there are 50 steps winding up the woodland floor to reach the Treehouse entrance. The walk from the parking area to the Treehouse door takes approximately 3 -5 minutes.
Please note: Although the pathways are relatively wide there is a steep drop on one side as you climb the valley. We have solar lighting to illuminate the pathway at night, which is activated by a sensor on approach. However we recommended using a torch if you arrive or leave after dusk as the woodland can be very dark (pitch black) on a cloudy night.
2. Is the Treehouse Dog Friendly?
Yes - you're welcome to bring 1 or 2 (small to medium sized), well behaved dogs to the Treehouse. However although the Treehouse has been designed with 4-legged guests in mind, it may not be suitable for all dogs. We therefore ask that you consider the following before booking:
- Being a Treehouse, the exposed wood interiors may be very enticing for certain breeds that like to chew, and young puppies. We therefore don't recommend bringing your dog if it is prone to chewing or is very young (under one).
- We ask that dogs are not, at any time, to be left alone in the Treehouse.
- We ask that dogs are not invited upstairs to the bedroom. We provide white Egyptian cotton bed linen, which is easily stained by paws prints and can become unusable if stained (or hairy!). If your dog is used to sleeping in your bed and would not be happy staying downstairs then the Treehouse would not be suitable for them.
- Dogs are not allowed on the sofa, chairs or soft furnishings.
- If your dog has a tendency to jump or is very small (i.e. can fit through small gaps) then the Treehouse decking may not be suitable for them.
-
Dogs must be kept on leads at all times whilst walking around the Ravendere Retreats woodland. This is to ensure they do not spook the wildlife and local livestock, and for their own safety. There is a dog friendly beach a short walk away (Lee Bay).
- There is no extra charge for canine guests, but please note we reserve the right to charge for any damage caused, or any additional cleaning or laundering required as a result of pet hair on soft furnishings, or muddy paws on towels or bed linen.
3. What's provided/what should I bring?
We aim to make your stay as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible so provide the essentials and complimentary condiments. This includes:
- A pint of milk from our local dairy
- Tea (Breakfast & herbal), Nespresso pods, instant coffee, white & brown sugar
- Salt, pepper & cooking oil
- Kitchen essentials - washing up liquid, kitchen roll, tea towels
- Toiletries (Bramley shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, bubble bath & body lotion)
- Towels and bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Iron & ironing board
- Umbrellas & torches
- Logs, kindling, firelighters & matches
Dogs:
- Dog bowl & mat
- One dog towel for muddy paws
- Poop bags
You may wish to pack walking/hiking boots (and wellies during the wetter months!)
4. What are the cooking facilities?
In the essence of our 'back to nature' retreat, the Treehouse offers modest cooking facilities such as the barbecue and wood fired pizza oven on the deck, and top oven in the log burning stove. There is also an electric induction hob on the kitchen counter top along with a toaster, kettle and Nespresso coffee machine.
Wildwood Spa
1. How is Wildwood Spa accessed?
From the parking area, there is a graveled pathway leading through the woodland to Wildwood Spa. From the main path there are 4 sloping steps leading up to Wildwood Spa and a further 3 steps up to the front door. The walk from the parking area to Wildwood Spa takes approximately 2 minutes.
Please note: The woodland can be very dark (pitch black) on a cloudy night. The stairs to Wildwood Spa are illuminated by solar lighting, which come on at dusk and are brightened by a sensor on approach. However we recommended using a torch if you arrive or leave after dusk, as the pathway to Wildwood Spa from the parking area is not illuminated.
2. Is Wildwood Spa Dog Friendly?
We regret that Wildwood Spa is not suitable for dogs due to safety reasons.
3. What's provided/what should I bring?
We aim to make your stay as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible so provide the essentials and complimentary condiments. This includes:
- A pint of milk from our local dairy
- Tea (Breakfast & herbal), Nespresso pods, instant coffee, white & brown sugar
- Salt, pepper & cooking oil
- Kitchen essentials - washing up liquid, kitchen roll, tea towels
- Toiletries (Bramley shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, bubble bath & body lotion)
- Towels, bathrobes and slippers
- Hairdryer
- Iron & ironing board
- Umbrellas & torches
- Logs, kindling, firelighters & matches
You may wish to pack walking/hiking boots (and wellies during the wetter months!)
4. What are the cooking facilities?
The kitchen at Wildwood Spa has a cooker, two induction hobs, fridge-freezer, toaster, kettle and Nespresso coffee machine. So if you're planning to arrive and not leave, you'll have all the cooking facilities required to cook up a feast! There is also a MORSO gas BBQ on the top deck, and an undercover seating area.
5. Is the pool heated/useable year round?
Yes! The Wildwood Spa pool is heated to a warm 36 degrees and is kept at this temperature by a thick insulating roller cover when it's not in use. It's even more inviting in colder weather and warm enough to enjoy year round.