A magical Grade 1 Elizabethan country manor, restaurant and gardens hidden deep within 3,500 acres on one of Devon’s finest country estates, Combe House just oozes romance. Arabian horses and pheasants roam freely across the lush, wooded valley.
There are 16 light and airy bedrooms, each individually furnished with small quirky touches. Cuddle under the canopy of a four-poster bed or unwind in the Linen Suite with its huge, 6ft diameter round copper wash tub. Romantics can also choose the pure escapism of the Thatch Cottage, which sleeps just two and is tucked away in the woods; this charming little retreat has its own private walled garden.
Nearby couples can seek hidden caves on secret beaches along the nearby World Heritage coast between Sidmouth and Lyme Regis, returning to Combe in time for some chilled champagne, while watching the sun set across the valley.
Combe was acquired and refurbished by Ruth and Ken Hunt over twelve years ago. They have also now restored the extensive Victorian kitchen gardens, greenhouses and potting sheds to the highest standards. This home grown produce ensures that their two Master Chefs of Great Britain talk in food metres rather than food kilometres.
The awards are based on responses from guest nomination forms and survey reports, plus the judgement of Johansens’ regional inspectors who visit the hotels featured in their most recent guides. They were presented at a glittering dinner last evening (7th November) at the May Fair Hotel in London.
For a brochure call Combe House on 01404 540 400, www.combehousedevon.com; prices start from £199 B&B per double/twin room per night.
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