HOTEL
ORESTONE MANOR, DEVON
Overlooking picturesque Lyme Bay, Orestone Manor is a boutique hotel in Devon’s Maidencombe. The charming Edwardian building balances nods to the past with a modern, chic feel.
Independent and family-run, it has four stars for accommodation, well earned from its thoughtful interior decor and well appointed rooms. I stayed in their latest Speciality Suite, The Coach House.
With a superbly comfy bed, the stylish split-level suite had a waterfall shower, Victorian-style roll top bath and outside deck with private hot tub. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway and well worth the upgrade to treat (and impress) a partner.
Orestone Manor really throws itself into fine dining and local fresh produce. The tworosette restaurant offers both standard and à la carte menus, teeming with mouthwatering options.
Staying with the standard menu, I started with the chicken liver parfait with red onion marmalade, which was beautifully presented and incredibly moreish. My main course was a traditional game
pie with seasonal vegetables – a clean, uncluttered affair that let the flavours speak for themselves. A perfectly cooked pie, filled with melt-in-the-mouth meat, steeped in gravy that had a hint of fruitiness.
Rounding it all off was a faultless crème brûlée with shortbread and berries. Three delectable courses for €30. A quick nod too to the bar staff, who took time to discuss wine preferences and had an unoaked Chardonnay in their repertoire.
Maidencombe’s stunning coastline lends itself to afternoon walks, relaxing at the beach or maybe a boat ride around the bay. Newton Abbot and Torquay are perfect for a bit of shopping, while the Torquay Golf Club is minutes away. If you have a car, nearby Dartmoor offers stunning landscapes to blow away the cobwebs.
B&B in a Classic double from €120 per night. Speciality Suites with hot tubs from €280 B&B. Check website for other special offers. orestonemanor.com, 0044 01803 897511