Review of Hotel Endsleigh, by Kate Leahy

The drive down to Mrs Politzzi’s boutique-esque Hotel Endsleigh couldn’t be more perfect. Winding gently through some of the most stunning countryside you’ll see, it appears to be endless, before bringing you to an eventual halt in the parking bay right outside the house.  Peace and quiet greet you upon arrival and, with just a splatter of rooms, it pretty much stays like this for the duration.

Situated on the edge of Dartmoor and overlooking the gentle ebb and flow of the River Tamar on the Cornwall/ Devon border, this regency style house prides itself on being a home from home.  Just a few miles along the road from foodie lovers haven, Tavistock, the house is perched on the edge of its own private world where roaring log fires, daily newspapers and a refreshing pot of Lady Grey set the tone.

With just 16 rooms dotted throughout the house, you can rest assured there will be no crowds to interrupt your stay. Instead, you might bump into a fellow guest relaxing in the library, pass a couple wandering through the gardens or, if you are really lucky, you may see no one at all (bar the naughty hole-digging mole that occasionally appears in the garden).

Meals are served in the intimate main dining hall which is decorated with authentic crests collected by the original owners, the Bedfords. In busy times, the dining area spills next door into a smaller room. 200 candles are lit religiously by the attentive staff every night and placed strategically around the dining room creating an air of romance.

The windows overlook the cared for lawns which makes booking a table for a long lunch or afternoon tea a very good option. For hot summer days, food is served on tables outside under a roof held in position by impressive sturdy tree stump pillars.  There are rooms available on request for private dining and an honesty bar in the library for a digestif before bed.

If a leisurely laze is less appealing than a leisurely stroll, guests have access to wander through the acres and acres of grounds with expert direction and advice on where to go from staff. For anyone unprepared for country walking, worry not as there are Hunter wellies and umbrellas (just in case) available for guests to borrow.  A former fishing lodge, guests can wade in the river with one of the 8 hotel rods for a spot of fly fishing.  For indoor lovers,  attack the board game cabinet in the library and settle in for the afternoon with Monopoly or better still, a game of Connect Four.

Each of the rooms are blessed with Olga’s effortless touch and made to feel like an extension of your own home. Every so often, trinkets are reshuffled so regulars don’t get bored and attention to detail is staggering. Soft furnishings, designer fabrics and 200 year old original wallpaper decorate the rooms whilst simplicity, calm and warmth resonate throughout.

Books sit on bedside tables waiting to be read whilst chairs are positioned perfectly near windows for guests to enjoy the views. Original features are present in every nook and cranny. Book the Dukes former bedroom and your bathroom is down a few steps into what used to be his chapel. Book yourself in for a weekend and you'll be praying you never have to leave.