Lympstone Manor

Expect to be spoiled at this fabulous old school luxury 5 star hotel owned by Michelin-star chef Michael Caines and recommended by Relais & Châteaux. On arrival, your bags are carried into reception, car valet parked and once inside, you are greeted by a member of staff proffering a refreshing hot flannel to revive the senses.

Overlooking the Exe estuary and set within 28 acres, this Grade II Listed country manor house was bought by Caines in 2014 and painstakingly renovated using master craftsmen and women who helped restore the building’s period features.

Opening officially in 2017 with 21 rooms, a year later the vineyard was planted with 17,500 Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay vines producing award-winning wines.

The Lady’s Walk, first introduced by the Baring family owners in the 1760s, circuits round the grounds through a sculpture park, passing six chic, secluded woodland double-width shepherd’s huts, a heated outdoor pool with Pool House bar and croquet lawn. Rooms and suites are named after birds (Woodwarbler, Nuthatch, Gannet etc) and sumptuously arranged with a designer’s eye for detail. Expect lavish beds with plump pillows, plush seating, marble bathrooms with underfloor heating, double sinks with gold taps, freestanding bath and spacious rain shower. Some have a balcony with panoramic view, others a private terrace with fire pit and soak tub. There’s a communal pantry and an indulgent option for turndown service so your bed is ready when you emerge from dinner.

Guests are invited to dress appropriately (no jeans or trainers - hurrah!) and start the evening’s extravaganza with an aperitif and canapés before heading into the dining room. The creative tasting menus (signature, estuary or vegan/vegetarian) are not to be missed with each of the 7 or 8 delectable courses accompanied by a wine recommendation from the accomplished in-house female sommelier, incorporating many of the on-site wines. Breakfast is a delicious affair with well presented favourites alongside the perfect cup of coffee, all served by professional and kindly staff.

In short: Lympstone Manor is a total treat.

 

Written by Laura Campbell

• Private Hot Tub
• Two of the shepherd's huts have private outdoor hot tub, the others have a private outdoor bath
• Parking
• Free parking available
• Restaurant
• Superlative
• Good wine list
• Garden
• No pets
• Bicycles available

• Bar
• Child friendly
• Bath robes
• Wifi
• Satellite / Cable TV
• Hot Tub

• Golf
• If you fancy a round then you have the option of playing at the Budleigh Salterron, Woodbury Park or Exeter Golf & Country Club
• Wine tasting
• Discover the art of wine at their cellar, with over 600 bins and exclusive tasting sessions in a setting of rustic charm
• Hotel Entertainment
• Unwind in the Georgian splendor with afternoon tea, surrounded by contemporary comfort and historic elegance

• Cycling
• Cycle through 28 acres of vineyards and estuary views, with bikes and routes provided for your adventure
• Great walks
• With 28 acres of garden leading down to the foreshore of the Exe estuary there are many beautiful walks
• Other Activities
• Head down to the sea and go kitesurfing-just make sure to do it on a nice sunny day!