About Us
Created by the Shepherd Family
Ocean Village is a family-run destination born from a simple but powerful idea — build something worth
belonging to.
The Shepherds are a surfing family from Derbyshire who first discovered North Devon in 2006 and never really
left. Ian, Ruth, and their five children have been making the pilgrimage to Braunton ever since, and somewhere
along the way a holiday obsession became a lifelong commitment — and Ocean Village was born.
Every business here has been hand picked. Ian has been deliberate and patient — waiting for the right people,
the right businesses, the right fit. No shortcuts, no compromises. Each tenant was chosen not just for what they
do, but for what they contribute to the whole.
Surf simulation and recovery. Cycles and e-bikes. A micro brewery and tap room. Sauna and cold water
wellness. Surf equipment and coffee. Surfboard storage. Wooden furniture. A plant based cafe. A farm shop.
Performing arts. And tucked in amongst it all, waiting to be discovered — a barber and a tattooist.
Together they create something you won’t find anywhere else on the North Devon coast — or possibly on the
planet.
Ocean Village — where adventure meets community.
Our Management
Ocean Village runs on a simple principle — it should always look and feel like somewhere you’re proud to be.
GTL (Gilding the Lily Limited) manages the site behind the scenes, with a dedicated on-the-ground presence
focused on one thing: making sure Ocean Village is always clean, tidy, and presented to the highest standard.
No clutter. No corners cut. Just a well-run space that respects the people who use it.
THE STORY OF HOW IT ALL STARTED
It didn’t begin with a grand plan.
In 2006, the Shepherd family made their first surf trip to North Devon and something clicked. Over the years the
trips kept coming, the love for the area and the ocean grew, and eventually Ian did what any sensible person
from Derbyshire would do — he bought some land.
The original idea was straightforward: build a handful of industrial units. Solid, practical, nothing more.
But somewhere between the first sketch and breaking ground, it started to become something else. The land,
the location, the community around it — it all pointed toward something bigger. The name Ocean Village came
after the land was purchased, and with it came a vision that went far beyond storage and workshops.
It has certainly been a journey. There were moments that would have made most people walk away. But Ian has
always been resilient and optimistic by nature — and when the odds stacked up, he kept getting back up and
pushing through.
Ian ‘s daughter-in-law saw first hand what the journey cost and quoted:
“Success comes when you keep picking yourself up and pushing through against the odds.”
And when it was done, his eldest daughter said simply:
“You should be proud of yourself, Dad. No one else could have achieved what you have done.”
She was right.
What you see today is what happens when you refuse to quit.
Ocean Village — built against the odds, built to last.
Book Now
Ready to simplify your surf experience?
Book your visit to Ocean Village today and secure your locker or unit for hassle-free storage near the waves. Whether you need a short-term spot for a weekend trip or a long-term solution for your gear, we’ve got flexible rental options to suit your needs. Plus, check out our selection of surfing fins to upgrade your ride.
Reserve your space now and spend more time surfing, less time worrying!