Dartmoor Devon,(30 minutes from Exeter)
Upto 15 people

TThis amazing manor house and small estate set within many acres of its own land is really one of a kind, historical and luxurious with a huge assortment of entertainment including a stunning indoor pool and spa bath – if you don’t want to comprise on your standards or if you want the ultimate in luxury rental property then this house is for you.

What looks like a series of cottages is actually the conversion of the original 16th century manor house and adjacent barns into a very large family house that tumbles across the Devon moorland in a charming arrangement of comfortable family rooms and well-appointed bedrooms.

Upon arrival (once you can tear yourself away from the spectacular drive through wonderful scenery) you are struck by how inviting the house seems and just how well maintained the gardens are, it is clear to see that both love and thought have gone into this tranquil and picturesque place.

Inside the warm stone floors are instantly pleasing and the well equipped open plan kitchen with huge table, AGA, and sofas with a log burning stove will capture your imagination immediately – you will be looking forward to a cosy breakfast in front of the stove or, if the weather is good, opening up the French doors and enjoying the gorgeous views as you start the day outside at the lovely wooden outdoor dining table.

There is a library with hundreds if not thousands of books and for the musical, a Bosendorfer piano and guitar. This room has some very comfy sofas and a large flat screen TV with DVD and SKY. In addition the family can enjoy another spacious family living room with TV plus SKY and DVD which has the most amazing traditional Devonshire fireplace – an imposing granite structure with a fabulous designer fire grate below.

In terms of entertainment as well as the Library and TVs, there are hundreds of DVDs and a wealth of board games. The house has a card table and a chess table, croquet set and is well stocked with picnic blankets and hampers. Just a few steps from the main house there is a large games barn with a full size snooker table and comfortable Chesterfield sofas for a little down time and if you need to stay in contact with the world then the business centre with both a Mac and PC is available. There is even table tennis which can be played out on the lawn in the summer.

It’s the pool house however which really takes your breath away – constructed from timber, granite and marble, it reflects both the historical nature of the house and the stunning countryside in which it sits. Large floor to ceiling windows open into the garden offering great views. The pool itself is a comfortable family friendly temperature and quite magical, having a spa bath and steam room as well as separate WCs and showers make it a space you could spend hours just relaxing in.

In the garden there is a large fire pit – wake up your glamping spirit and imagine a warm summers evening shared between the pool and fire pit – something your family will never forget.

The bedrooms reflect the excellence of the entire house. Beautiful linen, mattress and pillows. Each is individually decorated and attractive as well as comfortable and very appealing. In the spirit of this thoughtful family friendly house two double bedrooms have further children’s bedrooms linked to them to provide family suits. The bathrooms are warm and superbly decorated with a mixture of modern marble and pretty historical styling.

Of course Dartmoor is world famous for its magnificence and a range of outdoor activities, and the concierge can help you with local suggestions about where to go and eat or play locally. She can also arrange for in-house staff and caterers should you need them. Housekeeping is offered as standard on 6 days out of 7.

Out and about we particularly like Dartmouth’s mixture of boutique shopping and historic seaside buildings or try Ashburton just a few minutes from the house which has some great little individual shops and delis.

With everything taken into account we feel it’s one of the most luxurious houses we have seen. We loved it and it is the details in particular that we think make the difference. Extravagant L'Occitane bathroom products, DVDs which have been sorted so that the lower shelves hold children’s films whilst anything with an 18 rating is on a high shelf away from little fingers, the way the pool house has a special handle which helps prevent children entering without an adult, even the art collection – which is impressive – has been thoughtfully catalogued so that those with the mind to can learn about the artists and the paintings displayed in the house.

There is even a boardroom in the business centre which makes this a great place for a small seminar or executive meeting, or maybe use this space to host a larger dinner party.

When what you need is a beautiful house full of convenience and warmth in a stunning location with lots and lots of entertainment for all ages but without comprise on luxury or communication then only this house will do.