Estate makes for a stunning staycation

You’d have to go a long way to beat Devon’s beautiful Gitcombe Estate for luxury, Robin Murray discovers

One of the knock-on effects of Brexit has been a rise in the number of staycations, with data revealing that searches and bookings for holidays on home turf in the UK have increased by almost a quarter since 2016. Visit Britain says there was a four per cent rise in holiday trips taken by Brits in england in 2017, on top of an 11 per cent increase in domestic overnight trips in the decade since 2006. At first the idea of a staycation might not sound the most appealing when there are so many exotic and far-flung places to explore all over the world, but a very strong argument can be made for them when the destination of choice is somewhere as luxurious as the 14-acre Gitcombe estate in Devon. nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) between Totnes and Dartmouth, it provides the perfect setting for a relaxing retreat with family or friends. The scenic estate is home to nine stunning properties varying in size, accommodating from four up to 13 people, all of which are in fairly close proximity to each other yet far enough apart to feel secluded. During a particularly sunny week in July I had the privilege of staying in the most grandiose of all the estate’s properties - the 13-bed Gitcombe House - with a group of friends and found it to be a truly magical experience. Our jaws nearly hit the floor when we parked up outside our 5* Grade Ii-listed Georgian manor farmhouse, which could easily be the set of a period drama. I think our mouths were still wide open as we met estate manager emma, who was on hand to show us around our new temporary abode, and we almost entered a full-on state of shock as she led us into the property’s showpiece: a stunning dining room fit for the most discerning of kings, ready and prepared as if the dignitaries were coming for tea that very night. While it is without question the most impressive of all the rooms, that’s not to say the rest of the mansion is lacking by any stretch of the imagination. All six bedrooms are spacious and beautifully presented; the drawing room is a kids’ paradise with an antique chest exploding with toys; the living room is a prime spot for relaxing with three large sofas and the open-plan kitchen, complete with an Aga, has all the facilities required to rustle up a feast those aforementioned kings would relish. Oh, and one of the bathrooms is home to a Thunderbox toilet, which is certainly something you don’t see very often. emma left to let us explore at our own leisure, but not before very kindly presenting us with some of Devon’s finest fudge and white wine, which are both award-winning for a very good reason, we later discovered. After unpacking our bags and having one more tour of the house just to double check we weren’t dreaming, we took a trip around the grounds to see if they were as special as the house itself. To our delight, we found that they very much were. We donned our sports gear and headed down to the tennis court, which is kept in pristine condition, we quickly discovered. not only does it look like it’s looked after by Wimbledon’s top groundskeepers but it can also be seen from several of the rooms in Gitcombe House, as well as several other properties on the estate, meaning your friends and family can watch you hit your best shots without having to compromise warmth or comfort. My tennis-playing friend and I did our best to make our

other pals watch us play, but with most rallies lasting no longer than five shots, their interest quickly waned. After attempting – and failing – to emulate the epic rallies of Nadal and Federer, we took a dip in the outdoor swimming pool next to the tennis court which was also immaculate. As we rested on the sun loungers next to the pool, all we could hear was birds chirping and the distant chatter of a family staying at one of the other properties. It was pure bliss, but not the most relaxing facility on the estate. That award goes to the outdoor hot tub, a five-minute walk from the pool, which offers a stunning vista of woodland and fields. It’s located next to a heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room, just in case you feel like really pampering yourself during your stay. It didn’t take us long to realise that it would be very easy to not leave Gitcombe during our entire stay, and the same would apply to families, too, with indoor and outdoor areas for kids which both looked very well equipped - but if you do want to explore the surrounding area you’re spoilt for choice. Within walking distance there’s Cornworthy and Tuckenhay, two quaint riverside villages which both have individual charm and a smattering of brilliant pubs. We stopped off at The Maltsters Arms in Tuckenhay, a cracking watering hole with an outdoor seating area on the banks of the Harbourne River which has a great selection of ales and a menu which most definitely piqued our interest after the 40-minute walk. A little further afield, all within a 20-minute drive, lie a number of delightful other towns and villages, including Dittisham and Dartmouth. We visited the latter and stopped for lunch at the highly-rated Rockfish, a stone’s throw from the River Dart, which served some of the best seafood we’ve ever eaten. We also took a trip to the nearby Blackpool Sands, voted the fifth greatest beach in the UK by The Telegraph last year, and while it wasn’t quite as sandy as its name had led us to believe, it was certainly incredibly beautiful. Here, we tried our hand at paddleboarding, which is on offer during the summer months, and grabbed a bite to eat at the beach-side cafe. We then enjoyed a dip in the sea, until something which looked ever so slightly like a jellyfish made us all jump out. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with friends or family, Gitcombe is well worth considering all year round. The team behind it clearly go the extra mile to ensure all the properties and facilities are kept in pristine condition, and there’s plenty to keep all ages entertained come rain or shine.