*ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT*
Come and immerse yourself in nature by staying in the heart of an alpaca farm, in a grade 2 listed, self catering barn in Dartmoor National Park. A former Blacksmiths, the Forge has been renovated with a stylish, contemporary interior with views of the farm, the moors and the alpaca boys right opposite! Charming, calm and peaceful with easy access to amenities by foot - Lydford Gorge, a tearoom, moorland walks, cycle routes and a bus to Tavistock and Okehampton.
The space
At 200 years old, Forda Forge has certainly seen some history. With a top to toe renovation being completed in May 2024, this stone barn is set on a small alpaca farm.
The Forge is cosy and has everything you need for a super comfortable stay- a private entrance, luxurious bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor and a spiral staircase up to the open plan fully equipped kitchen and comfy lounge. You can choose between a king sized bed or two singles - just message me (this must be at least 48 hours BEFORE your check in day) after you have booked with your preference. If I don't hear from you the default bed type will be the kingsize - this cannot be changed after check in.
To make your stay seem like a home from home I have included some personal touches to make you feel extra welcome - hot water bottles for those chillier Dartmoor nights, complimentary toiletries and you will find items to make yourself a nice mug of tea (although please bring milk!).
A big part of your stay here (if you want it) is the animals - there is a large herd of very friendly and affectionate alpaca boys who you can watch from your balcony and courtyard. You are very welcome to go and meet them over the fence opposite as they will be hanging over to get a good look at you and try to say hello at every opportunity. Don't forget to get your selfie and kiss with Macca Paca (big goofy white one).
Guest access
The Forge has it's own private entrance at the front alongside space for you to comfortably park your car.
At the back of the building you have a small balcony with a staircase leading down to a private courtyard with a tempting daybed, a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine or lose yourself in a good book.
If you want more space then you are very welcome to use the orchard - this is a hidden gem on the farm and a real suntrap. There is a large table and chairs plus a swing seat and lots of lush bouncy grass to lay out on. You will find a picnic hamper to take any food goodies over with and a picnic blanket to relax on stored in the kitchen. Just remember to always keep the gate closed when you are using this space as the animals are not allowed in - there would be no fruit trees left! To get to the orchard you need to walk across one of the alpaca paddocks. If the animals are about then they may follow you - don't be scared, they are just very nosy and super friendly. Keep all your movements slow and steady so as not to frighten them.
Other things to note
You will be staying on a small working alpaca farm where animal experiences are run several times a week for pre booked customers only. This means you may see people arriving on to the farm but groups are kept small and generally experiences are finished by early afternoon.
If you would like to book onto an alpaca experience please do so via the Lydford Gorge Alpacas website or contact me directly. All guests get 25% off experiences.
As a working farm, you may see other activity such as shearing (once a year) or a tractor or other farm vehicles coming and going. This is though kept to a minimum as it is a small farm and is largely very quiet and peaceful. I should also add it is not a smelly farm - alpacas are super clean creatures and their pooh is odour free (clever things!).
