Refined elegance in the countryside
Sister to Hotel Tresanton in St Mawes and The Star in Alfriston, East Sussex, this is the Devon contingent of the Polizzi family’s trio of gorgeous hotels.
Located on the edge of Dartmoor, the Grade I‑listed former residence of the Duke of Bedford enjoys sweeping views over its stunning gardens to the Tamar Valley. The scenes from the restaurant and lounge windows are particularly lovely – especially with a glass of local Sharpham Wine to hand.
Tempting diners’ attention away from the rolling countryside is the clever cooking of head chef Thomas Ewings. Smart dishes such as lamb rump with faggots, potato terrine, shallot puree and summer vegetables do justice to luscious local ingredients. The wood‑panelled dining room – complete with roaring log fire and original features – makes a fitting backdrop to such splendid feasting.
Treat yourself to an overnight stay in one of the charming bedrooms or spacious Stable Suites and luxuriate in peaceful repose in this quiet rural setting, followed by a cracking country‑house breakfast the next morning.
Trencherman’s tip: amid the 100 acres of fairytale gardens, visitors may stumble upon a truly magical house which is paved floor to ceiling with shimmering shells.