Oh North Devon. Where have you been all my life. I’ve visited Devon a few times over the years, but never did I realise it could offer such beauty. The south has always been rather hit and miss in beauty, with a mixture of rundown seaside towns, to places of complete natural beauty. But North Devon I discovered is something different all together. Swerving the countryside roads in our Fiat Spider 124 on a sunny day with the roof down was magnificent. The flora in this part of Devon is very wild and very beautiful – it almost felt prehistoric at times.
Staying at Kentisbury Grange Hotel and arriving a little too early, we decided to enjoy the lovely sunny weather and drive to the local village of Lynton & Lymouth. An absolutely stunning coastal village with so much character and a lot to see. A gushing river with water shooting out of a geyser, picturesque photo opportunities and a crab sandwich of dreams from a place called Fish on the Harbour.
And then it was time to check-in! The grounds of Kentisbury Grange are immaculately kept. As you drive through off the main road you hear nothing but birds tweeting and the trickling of water from the large water feature at its centre. This may only be a four star hotel, but it feels five-star. Our car also looked rather lovely parked outside of the main house.
The entrance of the hotel is really rather grand and gives you that sense of grandeur and country house luxury. Carved wooden dogs stand guarding the house with an almost creepy like bone structure too them and the walls and stones look as though they have a story tell. From the huge wooden door, to the lush green and yellow ivy creeping up the building – everything about this house screams homely.
After a speedy check-in and our bags taken straight from our car up to our room, we passed through the lobby and climbed the stairs. It’s smaller than I expected inside, but I like that it feels boutique. There’s a small seating area on the landing and some stained glass windows whose colour bounces back into the staircase on a sunny day.
We stayed in one of the most luxurious and largest rooms of the hotel, the Kentisbury Suites. Located in the main house each offers generous floor space, sumptuous surroundings, stunning bathrooms and views looking out across the Devon countryside. The colours of our room were lovely. Accents of purple and silver, with a little glitz and glamour chucked in to the soft furnishings. The room was also immaculate and not a speck of dust in sight.
Staying at the hotel for just one night we indulged in a one night gourmet break offer as part of a package. As well as it meaning we got to stay in this lovely luxury suite, it also included a bottle of chilled Michael Caines Blanc de Blanc Champagne, home-made biscuits, a six course tasting menu for dinner and breakfast the following morning.
The Champagne was a delicious start to our stay and meant for an excuse to fill the bath with bubbles and enjoy a glass (or two) before heading out to explore.
Our bathroom was every bit as perfect as our room was. Very large and spacious, bright and airy, views out across the gardens and some lovely spa products from Aromatherapy Associates. I loved the roll top both too and I really didn’t want to get out of it that afternoon.
And then it was time to explore the beautiful grounds! Acres of lush green grounds where the Victorian manor house stands proud amongst the trees, gazebos and sweeping cobbled driveway.
For guests looking for a little more fresh air then the garden suites are a must. I’d love to return back and experience them. The suites are set amongst all of the lovely greenery and each surround by picturesque ponds. Interestingly these ponds are filled from crystal clear natural springs which originate high on Exmoor. Some suites even have private hot tubs on their balcony.
Guests can expect lots of company here at Kentisbury Grange, in the form of birds! Almost every single corner we turned or tree we crossed birds and ducks could be spotted everywhere. It was lovely to see all this wildlife enjoying the perfectly manicured gardens just as much as we was. If you look hard enough you may even find some very cute and hidden creatures on the outskirts of the estate.
For those not quite as lucky as we were with the weather, you’ll be happy to know this country house does have some very lovely indoor space. The lounge offers more views out across the gardens and is perfect for a cheeky cocktail or game of chess. Their gin and tonics we discovered were rather legendary too.
Before dinner at The Coach House by Michael Caines we enjoyed a very well crafted espresso martini on the terrace as the sun started to set.
As part of our one night gourmet package we enjoyed a delicious six course tasting menu in the restaurant, which is looked after by head chef James Mason and managed by Michael Caines. Precision perfect cooking, serious flavours and fantastic service to match. Just a few of the things you can expect. Read all about my full dining experience.
A little full still from our mammoth six course tasting menu the night before, we headed back down to the restaurant the next morning for a late breakfast. A good continental buffet selection to choose from and a really solid full English offering, showcasing some lovely local produce and buttery scrambled eggs.
And then it was sadly time to leave, using our departure as one more excuse for a few final photos. We had a really lovely time at Kentisbury Grange and we really will be coming back. The location is perfect, the grounds are immaculate, the food is fantastic and the hotel offers boutique luxury to the max. If you’re looking for a Summer getaway then I could recommend this hotel any more highly. Kentisbury Grange – we’ll see you soon!
You’ve surpassed yourself Mr Berry! These photos are gorgeous!
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thankyou!! xxx