Sophisticated elegance in Devon countryside

Sister to Hotel Tresanton in St Mawes and The Star in Alfriston (East Sussex), Hotel Endsleigh is the Devon contingent of the Polizzi family’s trio of gorgeous hotels.

Located on the fringe of Dartmoor, the Grade I‑listed former residence of the Duke of Bedford enjoys sweeping views across the Tamar Valley. The scenes from the restaurant and lounge windows are particularly lovely – especially with a glass of Devon’s Sharpham wine to hand.

Head chef Thomas Ewings is the man to tempt diners’ attention away from the rolling countryside. Smart dishes do justice to luscious local ingredients: try smoked Lydford Estate venison with Pedro Ximénez, hazelnut, cocoa, tomato and cranberry dressing with horseradish, or butter-poached lobster with heritage tomato, globe artichoke, fennel, basil gnocchi, and orange and ginger dressing.

The wood‑panelled dining room, complete with roaring fire and original features, makes a fitting backdrop to such splendid feasting. Afterwards, take a stroll in the beautiful grounds, designed by 18th-century English landscape gardener Humphry Repton. Today’s horticulturists have been busy uncovering new paths for guests to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for a magical house covered floor-to-ceiling with shells.

Trencherman’s tip: find peaceful repose in this quiet rural setting with an overnight stay in one of the charming bedrooms or spacious Stable Suites, followed by a country‑house breakfast the next morning.