I stayed in a 5 star hotel “like Downton Abbey” and my bedroom let out a breath | UK | Travel

There are fewer more detailed places to slow the pace of life than here. A perfectly well-maintained garden stretched out before me, sipping tea in the sunlight on the balcony of the room's warmth of September, with the Dartmoor hills depicting the perfect foreground. What a tonic.

You barely crossed Dartmoor National Park when you turned the road off on a winding drive to the main building of the 5-star Bobby Castle. It is in itself enormous and is like a mix between Downton Abbey and the setting of Grand Mansion House in Agatha Christie's novels.

The exterior features all the Gothic drama you'd expect from a building from the early 20th century, but inside there is an Art Deco touch that shows some of the incarnations the building had.

In 1890, William Henry Smith later bought 5,000 acres of land by W.H. Smith, a high street stationery store fame, and his son Frederick built a gorgeous Neo-Elizabeth Manor House for his family.

During World War I, it was used as a recovery home for military officers before it was sold to the Great Western Railway, which was converted to a golf hotel in 1928. They bought it for £15,000. This is equivalent to £772,000 in today's money. In World War II, guests were once again dressed in uniform and became military hospitals. The golf course opened in 1930 and remains today after being updated in 1991 when the hotel changed ownership.

In 2004, Bovey Castle was given five star status, with the lodge, second restaurant, spa and pool all added. Ten years later, the Eden Hotel Collection purchased Bobby Castle and began renovating millions of pounds.

We were greeted outside and our bags were treated during our prompt and friendly check-in. After guiding the carved wooden stairs, my breath was honestly taken away when I saw the room. There is a huge 4-post bed on one side and a large seating area with sofas and armchairs in front of the other fireplace.

The beautiful window area had a lovely seating section for views of Dartmoor. There was also a separate dressing area and bathroom.

The foundation of what is billed as a “unique stay” is set by the grand buildings and grounds, but what comes from a stay at Bobby Castle is a small, thoughtful touch.

Our room had locally produced sloe gin and truffle popcorn and a bouquet of flowers from our home garden. There are gorgeous robes to use for the switch on offer and pool. Interior design will also be added. It's spectacular and clearly impressive, but with enough modern touches to complement the gorgeous features, you don't feel overwhelmed or on the edge like you're sitting in a museum. There is a good size pool and spa, shops and an 18-hole championship golf course.

That night we had at the Great Western Grill, one of two restaurants. I was counted among golfers who had post-round pints over a drink early in the afternoon, so I thought dinner would feel special, but I didn't have to worry.

A beautifully presented starter of oak smoked salmon and crab and asparagus was followed by a duck main and another steak and chips. It was all very tasty and presented perfectly.

When the wine we chose was out of stock, another wine was suggested and delivered promptly.

After dinner we retired to the piano room for a cocktail.

I've seen the prices on the spirits and wine list definitely raise my eyebrows, but my white lady was worth every penny. Even on a quiet evening there was a lovely atmosphere where the music played in the background to bring a perfect end to a great afternoon. Breakfast will be served at the second restaurant in Smith's Brasserie building.

The Fine Dining venue will transform into hosting a comprehensive buffet and orders to host individually filming hot food.

A lovely touch was that in our home we were able to order what we called “proper” coffee as well as Cafe Tieres and Self-service machines.

Despite the rain, we took a walk around the property and visited the home garden, fishing lake and the grounds. These are just as impressive as bricks and mortar.

There's a lot to do, including 4×4 riding, shooting clay pigeons, gin making, and even beekeeping courses. We both thought it would take more time to fully absorb the venue, but the short pauses to the luxury knee were incredible.

And anyone worried can ensure that hotels are rewarded with their eco-friendly qualifications when they come at the expense of being able to take away the environment.

Bovey Castle is a luxurious venue, but there are still impressive products for kids. Despite being away from ours one night, I realized that for those who want to enjoy the afternoon tea menu for kids and the special times allowed in the pool (but a lot in places they aren't). There was also a high chair in the dining room.

I can't recommend Bovey Castle enough. The combination of natural and artificial beauty, friendly staff, delicious food and excellent facilities means this is definitely something that should be on your travel bucket list. It will definitely stay
my.

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