A delectable slice of the South Hams
THERE’S been a lot of upset in the Barlow family on Coronation Street of late, so a few days’ escape to a beautiful corner of Devon couldn’t have been more welcome.
I left my treacherous TV family behind and set off with two of my own wonderful children and our trusty hound to enjoy the hospitality of one of South Devon’s most welcoming hotels.
We were staying at the Thurlestone Hotel, a beautifully traditional four-star retreat that has been owned by the same family for more than 120 years – a fact that seems to underpin the gracious welcome and quality of service.
The setting is classic Devon, in the pretty village of Thurlestone in the South Hams. It sits right next to the South West Coast Path and, if you’re inclined to leave its cosy sitting rooms or spacious gardens, you’re only a short drive from Salcombe and Bantham beach.
While the children – I say this out of habit, as they are now in their 30s! – did manage to fit in a daily swim in the outdoor pool, I spent most of my stay pottering around the gardens, which are scattered with lovely little seating areas, all perfectly placed to make the most of those glorious sea views.
As a regular practitioner of meditation, the location couldn’t have offered more space, peace and beauty for my morning contemplations. There’s a croquet lawn but as a golfer, it was pretty heavenly, too, with its own par 3 course. And if that’s not enough, right opposite the hotel, there’s Thurlestone’s own Harry Colt-designed golf course, which must surely be one of the most picturesque in the country.
Afternoon tea was my favourite meal, served at whatever seat I’d chosen that day and followed by a gentle stroll that was supposed to do the job of working off the clotted cream calories.
Our visit in the spring was timely, as we arrived just as the hotel restaurant reopened after a refit. This meant that dinner each night was enjoyed at a table by the huge new picture windows with yet more fabulous views.
The dog was spoilt almost as much as we were, with a welcome pack of organic snacks and his own ball to play with. During our forays down to the beach and along the coast each day, he romped while we strolled and chatted with walkers.
We only ventured out in the car once. On the last night we braved the winding country lanes for dinner in Salcombe. This pretty fishing town sits on the Kingsbridge Estuary and is a muddle of seaside shops, waterfront cafes, restaurants and fishermen’s boats bobbing in the harbour.
It was a pleasure to explore a little beyond our secluded enclave in Thurlestone – and an even greater pleasure to head back there for the final cosy night of our escape.