Devonshire March April 18

The Combestead Master bedroom
Anyone for tennis? The grounds are peaceful and verdant at Gidleigh park
STAYCATION
Gidleigh Park
Chagford
Devon
01647 432367
gidleigh.co.uk
Nestling in a beautiful valley on the edge of
Dartmoor National Park, it's easy to see why this
establishment is widely known as one of Devon's
great hotels.
It was on a particularly windy evening,
accompanied by driving rain
and flooded lanes that we reached
the hotel. A most inhospitable evening
to say the least, although as
we approached, up along the lane
and over the bridge spanning a
particularly thunderous river Teign,
there issued a warm amber glow
from the lantern-like windows of
the main facade, beckoning warmly
to anyone caught outside. An unexpected
delight was for a chap to
pop out of the main entrance as
we approached, umbrella in hand,
cheerfully welcoming us inside. A
lovely little touch at the start of what
turned out to be a wonderful stay.
Much oak panelling prevails inside
the reception/hall area, continuing
into the drawing room, a particularly
restful and delightful room, all the
better for possessing the instant
cheer of a wood burner.
Gidleigh Park's a traditional country
house hotel in the very best sense
of the genre, particulary because of
its dynamic setting on the foothills
of Dartmoor. I always say that the
prettiest countryside locations are
riverside ones, rivers naturally provide
year-round theatre and possess
a life of their own. I was particularly
struck by the beauty of the location
and just above the road bridge are
water gardens that were created in
former times, sitting under a canopy
of trees, with paths taking you
alongside and up the rocky valley,
all extremely delightful, definitely
worthy of a cream tea or lunch when
the green explosion starts.
Blood orange curd and shortbread Fillet beef, ox tongue, kale and cauliflower Lemon sole and brown shrimp
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Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk