We had a one night stay at Northcote Manor for my birthday three years ago and I still have fond memories of our stay. It was a rather unplanned break and having fleetingly looked up some random hotels in Devon and Cornwall before leaving; this one stuck in my memory remembering the beautiful images on their website, of the hotel and its location.
It was quite difficult to find in its out of the way location and the mile or so climb up the private drive might be a little tricky if the car's engine hadn't been recently serviced. It was very secluded and beautiful in its woodland surroundings, but might give some the heebeegeebees at being so isolated.
I am quite shocked to discover that the hotel only receives three stars as it appeared to be a huge leap above the two stars we had been popping into for a night's stay on the rest of our long weekend tour. As it was unplanned the greeting we received looking rather dishevelled in our old Fiesta wasn't as warm as it might of been until we produced a valid credit card. Though we were made welcome despite not being the usual country clientèle in new model Land Rovers.
There are eleven suites and double rooms and prices are per room based on two people sharing. Some rooms are larger and offer a double sofa bed for an extra two guests or two children as a family room. Each room has its own themed decoration making return appeal higher. The prices are generally £250 for a suite, £210 for a large double room or suite and £150 for a decent sized budget double room.
The Chulmleigh room was the only one left and despite being called a budget room, their was no budgeting on the quality. It was warm and comfortable in October, with traditional but lavish décor and a wonderful modern bathroom, with some luxurious bath potions to enjoy after a grungy trip in the car. We had tea and biscuits brought up to our room upon arrival and enjoyed the wonderful views over the gardens from the windows down over the valley.
The food which I'd have liked to have been more dressed for than I ended up being, was fantastic. The mushroom risotto was something I am still to this day trying to recreate so well. Cooked by their resident gourmet chef, the food was in the most part locally sourced and absolutely delicious.
Our stay wasn't long enough to enjoy other features of the hotel, but I believe they do run a shooting party and offer hikes in the grounds.
All in all it was a lovely grand country retreat, which I enjoyed so much I am reluctant to repeat in case it isn't quite so idyllic as my memory paints it. Though I find that unlikely and can only see ways to improve a stay with more planning.
Another bonus is that the prices have come down since then and many rooms have been modernised to a little more of a contemporary style. If you fancy disappearing in luxury then this place is definitely worth a visit.
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