Gidleigh Park – Chagford, Devon

‘Keep heart,’ reads a sign along the narrow, twisting lane to Gidleigh Park, ‘you are still en route’. It may be remote, but it’s a haven of luxury. The Tudor-style house, surrounded by abundant gardens and embraced by river and woods on Dartmoor’s edge, has been in the deft hands of Andrew and Christina Brownsword since 2005. They sensitively upgraded the house, embellishing the interior with smart fabrics and Arts & Crafts-inspired furniture, but refrained from adding a spa or gym (‘Dartmoor’s our gym!’), instead creating beautiful rooms, including the indulgent ‘Dartmeet’, a spa suite featuring its own sauna and steam room. Gidleigh is as famous for its restaurant as its divine interiors, and dinner here – outstanding but unpretentious cooking, rooted in the local area – remains the highlight of any stay. The kitchen of this spoiling country retreats continues to delight; its high standard of cooking was first established by self-taught Kay Henderson, who won a Michelin star in 1981. After your meal, be sure to make time to borrow a pair of complimentary Dubarrys and enjoy a stroll around the beautiful estate.

Doubles from £360 B&B

+44 (0)1647 432367; gidleigh.co.uk

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