SITUATED in the heart of East Devon on the foreshore of the tranquil Exe Estuary lies Lympstone Manor. Set within 28 acres of gardens and parkland, the luxury country house hotel is the brainchild of chef Michael Caines, who has spared no expense in restoring a Grade II-listed Georgian manor house into a rural retreat for the 21st century.
Lympstone Manor Exterior
The hotel has 21 individually designed rooms and suites, decorated with crystal chandeliers, antique mirrors, fine artworks and gold and copper accents, and a further six shepherd huts nestled amongst the trees at the foot of a sweeping vineyard. One of these apartment-style woodland cabins, called Beehive, is my residence for the night.
We are led to this spacious country cottage along a gravel driveway via an electric buggy. Just as its name suggests, Beehive welcomes us with gorgeous hues of yellow and gold and a log fire blazing in the toasty hallway. Leading off from the hall is the bedroom, filled with a king-size bed and rolltop golden bathtub, with a privacy screen that separates the room from the open-plan kitchenette and lounge area. Surrounding the cabin is a Hikki wood-fired hot tub and decked seating area, as well as a rustic outdoor fire pit that is ideal for stargazing.
Lympstone Manor Bedroom
As the sun begins to set over the estuary, we’re driven back to the main house for an evening of unparalleled Michelin-star dining. Utilising the local ingredients of South West England, the menu is a timeless vision of modern European cuisine with faultless flavour and attention to detail.
We enjoyed a four-course menu, superbly matched by wines from the hotel’s world-class wine cellar, followed by coffee and petits fours. All culinary proceedings are led by Michael Caines, one of Britain’s most celebrated and influential chefs, who came to greet us after our meal as we relaxed at the bar.
Lympstone Manor Restaurant
With a new outdoor swimming pool and casual dining venue set to open later this year, Lympstone Manor is most certainly a bucket list retreat to check out in 2022. If charm and unpretentious luxury is your thing, then this glorious country escape is your next stay.
by Joshua Hendren