Choosing the Right Cottage for a Luxury Getaway for Two
What to look for beyond the photos
Many cottages describe themselves as romantic. Far fewer are genuinely designed for couples travelling together.
When time is limited – a long weekend away, a mini-moon, an anniversary getaway – the difference between a restorative couples’ retreat and a tiring one often comes down to how thoughtfully the cottage itself has been chosen.
This guide isn’t about feature lists or novelty stays. It focuses on the quieter markers of luxury that shape how a romantic escape for two actually feels – and why many guests discover that Moorland View aligns closely with what they were really seeking.
For a broader view of romantic escapes across the county, explore our romantic breaks in Devon guide.
1. Privacy
Privacy doesn’t mean isolation, and it doesn’t require acres of fencing. What matters is how the space feels once you arrive.
For a refined romantic getaway, look for:
no shared entrances or communal areas
no expectation to interact with other guests
the ability to relax without feeling observed
Moorland View is a single, owner-run cottage with no shared spaces and no through-traffic. While the garden is not completely enclosed, the wider setting – quiet lanes, open views and the absence of neighbouring holiday lets – creates privacy through calm and separation rather than barriers.
For most couples, that feels more natural – and more luxurious – than total enclosure.
2. A Layout That Works For Two
Romance is often undermined by cottages that are technically “for couples” but arranged for families.
On a couples’ escape, look for:
one generous main bedroom that sets the tone
additional space that adds flexibility, not clutter
rooms you naturally want to spend time in together
Moorland View has two bedrooms, giving couples room to spread out rather than feel contained – particularly on longer stays. The second bedroom is often used as a dressing room, reading space or simply left unused, allowing the cottage to feel calm and spacious rather than busy.
Luxury here isn’t about numbers. It’s about how the house feels when you’re inside it together.
3. Atmosphere Matters More Than Add-Ons
Hot tubs and novelty features are often searched for – but they don’t automatically create romance.
What tends to matter more on a romantic retreat for two:
warm, low lighting rather than bright task lights
natural materials and a sense of age
real quiet at night
a fire you’ll actually light, not just photograph
At Moorland View, atmosphere comes from the building itself: thick stone walls, a thatched roof and a sense of being gently held by the landscape. Romance isn’t delivered by a single feature – it emerges from how the place feels when you stop trying to entertain yourselves.
4. Seclusion Without Inconvenience
A truly romantic escape feels away from it all without feeling cut off.
When choosing a cottage, consider:
can you walk straight into the landscape?
are there good options nearby if you don’t want to cook?
can plans shift easily with the weather or mood?
From Moorland View, walks begin at the door – across Dartmoor, through woodland or towards the village. The Ring of Bells pub is a short stroll away for relaxed evenings, while luxury spa experiences and Michelin-recommended dining are close enough to feel easy, but far enough away not to intrude.
That balance – retreat without remoteness – is central to a high-quality romantic getaway.
5. A Location That Allows for Spontaneity
Some locations require effort: driving for walks, booking taxis, planning days carefully. That quiet pressure can drain the ease from a short couples’ break.
A well-chosen base allows:
morning walks without decision-making
unstructured afternoons without guilt
evenings that unfold naturally
Dartmoor lends itself particularly well to this style of escape. The landscape shifts constantly, the light does much of the work, and there’s no sense that you’re missing out if you do very little.
Moorland View’s position – central, quiet and walkable – makes spontaneity easy rather than aspirational.
6. Indulgence Should Feel Optional, Not Necessary
Exceptional food is often part of a romantic Devon escape – but it shouldn’t feel essential.
The most satisfying stays offer:
the option to eat exceptionally well
without locking you into reservations every night
or pulling you out of the calm you’ve settled into
Guests often combine simple evenings in with one or two memorable meals out – whether that’s a Michelin-listed restaurant, a long lunch or a village pub supper after a walk. Because everything is within reach, indulgence feels like a choice, not a timetable.
7. Thoughtful Hosting Makes A Quiet Difference
Luxury romantic escapes benefit from confidence, not constant intervention.
Look for:
owner-run places rather than anonymous management
clear boundaries and calm communication
local knowledge offered discreetly, not imposed
Moorland View is run by its owner, a long-time Devon travel writer. Many guests comment that the reassurance comes not from being told what to do, but from knowing insight and support are there if needed.
That quiet confidence allows couples to relax into their own rhythm.
Choosing The Right Setting Matters More Than Choosing The “Best” One
The most memorable romantic getaways for two rarely hinge on spectacle. They’re shaped by privacy, atmosphere, ease and the sense that the place itself is enough.
Many couples choose Moorland View not because it promises everything, but because it removes the need to search for it.
When a cottage is chosen well, romance isn’t something you have to plan – it comes naturally.
