Hotel Endsleigh

Hidden away in the Tamar Valley, not far from the pretty market town of Tavistock, on the border of Devon & Cornwall, lies Hotel Endsleigh with nineteen charming rooms and the most stunning and relaxing outlook for which you could wish. Originally built for the Duke of Bedford and his wife Georgiana, designed by Sir Jeffry Wyatville, who remodelled Windsor Castle for George IV, the building is firmly rooted into the Humphry Repton landscape and gardens. Rooms are on the whole generous and have been styled by Olga Polizzi to perfection — just the right amount of antiques set off against more up to date materials and soft furnishings. It’s the same in the bathrooms — plenty of stand alone roll top baths for that long soak after a day outside, as well as rainfall showers and masses of hot water and fluffy towels. In true country house style, you won’t starve here. The ritual teatime with warm freshly made scones with cream and jam taken in the library or sitting room; dinner in the original panelled dining room lined with crests of the duke’s friends and relatives, or if you want to be less formal, just have it in the bar with your hound at your feet. In the summer tables are set up outside on the glorious terrace overlooking the valley. It’s outwardly formal but really anything goes if it makes you happy and relaxed. The delicious food is seasonal and influenced by the area, so fish and game are often the order of the day. The gardens are a wonder to behold, the longest continuous herbaceous border, and a parallel Rose Walk but it’s the woodland with champion trees and rhododendrons, that enchant; paths and hidden paths, streams and waterfalls, ponds and lakes, follies and grottos. Take a tour with the head gardener to really appreciate the beauty of this hidden valley and the efforts that have been made to maintain the Humphry Repton design. Don’t miss the Dairy or the Shell House where the duchess is reputed to have met her paramours. Good food, peace, quiet and elegance assured.

 

Written by Hugh Graham-Watson

• Pet friendly
• Dogs allowed everywhere except restaurant, charges of £20 per night apply.
• Child friendly
• Children of all ages welcome, babysitting services available on request.
• Garden
• Humphry Repton garden plus amazing Rhododendrons in May & June
• Bar
• Wedding license
• Family Suites
• Fireplace
• Outdoor dining
• Cots available
• Massage
• Parking

• Library
• Sit-out Terrace
• Satellite / Cable TV
• Restaurant
• Sitting Room
• Suites
• Bath robes
• Wifi
• Views
• Safe

• Sights nearby
• The National Trust and its stately homes make for a great day exploring - Cothele House, Saltram House and Castle Drogo.
• Riding
• Local stables offer a range of horses for all abilities. Hacks accross the moors make for a memorable activity.
• Fishing
• With a access to a private stretch of the River Tamar this is an ideal spot for anglers.
• Other Activities
• Pheasant shooting, in season, makes for a great activitiy for a group of enthusiasts.

• Great walks
• Wander the extensive grounds or head further afield and explore nearby Dartmoor.
• Croquet
• Enjoy a leisurely game of croquet on the lawn, the perfect way to wind down.
• Birdwatching
• Meet the resident Birds of Prey with the professional Falconer.

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Hotel Endsleigh is delightfully secluded, so people come here to switch off and relax. We offer delicious food and wine and excellent service. The gardens, designed by Humphry Repton, with their magnificent trees, follies and grottoes, provide an enchanting place to walk.

What is there to do in the area? There are lots of places to visit (Tavistock, Dartmoor, Buckland Abbey, endless National Trust houses and gardens ) near and around Endsleigh, but actually one could very easily spend a week simply walking round the grounds and reading! Our Head Gardener can even offer you a guided tour.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? The breakfast menu has something for everyone, from a hearty Full English, waffles or Eggs Benedict to avocado on toast or cereals with homemade compotes.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We serve breakfast, lunch, Afternoon Tea and dinner at Hotel Endsleigh. Nearby, we recommend The Cornish Arms in Tavistock and also Coombeshead Farm.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Every room in the hotel is different so many return guests have their favourite. The two Bedford rooms in the main house have original hand-painted wallpaper. The newly designed suites in the stable block are very characterful and spacious, with quirky bathrooms.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? We do offer extra beds for children. Suite 18 is ideal for young families as one of the bedrooms is a tongue and groove cabin with two built in bunks. Our huge gardens are the perfect place to run and let off steam, with nooks and crannies to explore and hide! There is table tennis and croquet for a bit of family competition.

What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? Come to Endsleigh for total relaxation in the heart of the countryside. Switch off and use your time with us to unwind. You may never want to leave!