Where to stay - Hotel Endsleigh

In each edition of our newsletter, DISCOVER DEVONPORT, we bring you a suggestion of at least one great place to stay, or visit, within easy reach of our shipyard in Devon. The first is an English country house hotel with a difference. The Hotel Endsleigh.

You may have already read about or heard of Hotel Endsleigh, since its opening, such has been the interest and fervour created in the news and international travel press.

Located near to Tavistock, a mere 45 minutes by car from DEVONPORT, Hotel Endsleigh was opened in August 2005 by hotelier Olga Polizzi and is managed, on a day to day basis, by Olga's daughter, Alex Polizzi, grand daughter of Lord Forte and niece of Sir. Rocco Forte.

This distinguished Grade 1 listed hotel is set next to the river Tamar, the traditional border line between Devon and Cornwall. Built in 1812 and originally a summer home and fishing lodge for the 6th Duke of Bedford, whose family owned a third of Devon, at the time.

Surrounded by its own 108 acre woodland park and gardens (also grade 1 listed). There is a rose walk down one side, an arboretum, streams, lily ponds and various grottos to delight you. Behind the house, a gothic garden with various buildings of the period; an ice-house, a shell house and a dairy, with most of its original tiling still intact.

Here, style is king! Much of the original antique fittings, panelling and some of the original hand painted wall paper have been left intact, providing a background to some interesting classical and contemporary art and sculpture pieces. You will even notice some touches of modern Italian influence; white blinds, pale upholstery and banks of white orchids, to lighten up the 'Englishness' of the interior.

As far as activities are concerned there are more than enough for most; you may like to try your hand at fly fishing in season (March - October) or shooting can be arranged (clays or game).

Head Chef, Shay Cooper, sources as much produce locally and a diverse menu is cooked simply and prepared according to traditional English recipes.

Reservations and enquiries: Tel.01822-870 000 www.hotelendsleigh.com Return to 'Where to stay'