Star-quality luxury

Having cemented its status as the epitome of comfort, exclusivity and luxury, Michael Caines’ modern take on the country house hotel continues to dazzle.

Lympstone’s star status remains steadfast, having been named Best Dining Experience in the UK at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2023, and retaining its five AA rosettes and Michelin star this year.

Chef-owner Michael and his kitchen brigade craft tasting and à la carte menus loaded with local flavours from land and sea. Immaculately plated dishes such as Darts Farm chicken and truffle terrine with braised leeks, truffle mayonnaise, green bean and truffle tartlet with Madeira jelly sit alongside braised Cornish turbot, morels, spring peas and asparagus with a chive and truffle butter sauce. Dine in one of three exquisite rooms named after views across the estuary: Powderham, Mamhead and Berry Head.

The experience is incomplete without sampling artfully matched wines from the world-class cellar – this year the list includes Lympstone Manor Cuvée, pressed from grapes grown on the 11-acre vineyard.

Beyond spectacular dining, there are numerous other delights to indulge in such as a stay in a beautiful room, suite or one of six shepherd’s huts, as well as a game of tennis or a wander in the sculpture garden.

Trencherman’s tip: take a dip in the new outdoor pool with stunning views across the vineyard and over to the Exe Estuary, before a casual bite to eat at the Pool House Restaurant and Bar.