My husband and I stayed for two nights to celebrate our wedding anniversary, following a glowing recommendation from his aunt and uncle, who visit regularly. The location is truly beautiful – nestled in the Devon countryside – though the final approach involves some narrow, winding roads!
From the moment we arrived, the staff were outstanding: warm, professional, and genuinely helpful. The hotel has a welcoming atmosphere, with a nicely decorated entrance and a charming long-case clock. We stayed in Room 22, a suite on the first floor near the spa. Unfortunately, it was very hot when we arrived – 30°C according to our travel clock – but there was a fan provided, and we supplemented it with our own (yes, we are those people!) due to health needs. The room itself was spacious enough, with a cosy comfortable lounge area, suitably-equipped bedroom, and a two-parter bathroom area which comprised a deep bath, separate shower cubicle, and toilet and sink area. The décor was a little tired in places, and the bed mattress too firm for our liking, though the bedding was good quality.
We flagged a couple of maintenance issues (a broken bathroom window latch and some shower resealing needed) to reception. Wi-Fi didn’t reach our room well, and the mobile signal was poor – we had to hotspot via the windowsill. If connectivity is important to you, bear this in mind.
The food was a highlight. Dinner in the main restaurant was exceptional – beautifully cooked and with great allergy awareness. My husband appreciated the gluten- and dairy-free options, and I was thrilled to finally get a properly strong cup of English breakfast tea, of a standard I make at home! Breakfast was fine, but not on the same level – I wish they’d offer hollandaise sauce so I could build my favourite breakfast of Eggs Royale from the available menu.
A few areas of the hotel, such as the main restaurant and bar, are air-conditioned, though building constraints limit where else it can be installed.
Sadly, we didn’t have time to try the spa or pool, but it looked lovely and our relatives speak highly of the treatments. Room 22’s proximity to the kitchen meant 7:30am noise and smells, which combined with the heat, would lead us to choose a different room next time.
In all, a lovely stay with standout staff and food, but room comfort and connectivity could...
Read moreI recently visited this stunning country house hotel for the Ultimate Mother-To-Be Package and a cream tea, and I can honestly say the experience was exceptional from start to finish.
The spa treatments were absolutely divine. I had a full-body massage followed by a facial, and both were incredibly relaxing. The practitioner was amazing—highly skilled, friendly, and attentive—and ensured everything was tailored perfectly to my pregnancy. I was offered a choice of oils, given the option to move or adjust positions during the massage, and made to feel completely comfortable throughout. The spa atmosphere was serene and luxurious, making it an unforgettable experience.
Afterwards, I enjoyed a cream tea in one of the hotel’s beautiful lounges. It had been thoughtfully set up for us in advance in a wonderfully cosy area with sofas by a roaring open fire. The décor was elegant and traditional, perfectly befitting of a classic country house, and everything was spotless.
From the moment I walked into reception, I was treated like a queen. The staff were warm, personable, and made me feel welcome and valued throughout. I was guided seamlessly between each part of my visit, and every detail was carefully considered — right down to offering decaf coffee & tea to suit my needs.
I cannot recommend this hotel enough. Whether you’re looking for a special treat or just some time to unwind in a gorgeous setting, this is the...
Read moreMy wife and I (and our dog!) just returned from a wonderful weekend at the Ilsington Country House Hotel. Our stay was perfect, and worth every penny. Thanks so much for looking after us!
The spa is one of the largest we've been to in the area, and the facilities are superb. An excellent place to unwind after a very long week. Our room was cosy and had a terrific view, and we enjoyed drinks and board games in the dog-friendly bar and conservatory. The grounds are stunning, with clear views of Dartmoor and the surrounding area, including beautiful Hay Tor. We walked through sun, wind and rain to the top of Hay Tor and loved every minute of our adventure.
The service was exceptional from top to bottom, too. Such kind, helpful staff. I imagine that a lot goes on behind the scenes, too, and the groundkeepers and cleaners deserve enormous praise for keeping the place looking so gorgeous.
We'd like to extend special thanks to Cameron and Cat! Cameron served us breakfast on both days, and was the epitome of professionalism - even during the busiest of services. Cat served us dinner in the restaurant on Saturday night and was an absolute delight: friendly, welcoming, and happy to cater to my wife's dietary requirements. She was also really informative about the local area, and happy to answer our questions.
We'd recommend this destination to anyone, and can't wait to...
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