Favourably located at the gateway to the National Exmoor Park, the newly renovated Victorian farmhouse, Molland House, offers its guests the freedom to indulge in traditional country pursuits off the beaten track, all year round. Situated in the Throckmorton estate, a 6,000 acre moorland wilderness owned by the family for eight centuries, walking, horse riding and, in particular, shooting are all experienced to the fullest here. If you’re trying your hand at the historic, internationally recognised Molland shoot, Molland House with its ten en-suite bedrooms can host the whole party. Also well-placed for many of the other managed Loyton Sporting shoots, however challenging the drive, your day will be lifted by creative elevenses such as pheasant goujons served conveniently from a nearby converted Land Rover. To soothe any sporting frustrations (and hopefully celebrate many successes), a flame-cooked, sit-down lunch by Chef Jean Christophe (JC) Grande might feature roast venison, slow cooked lamb or ham pie plus a reliably sumptuous pudding. JC Le Grande also caters for house guests with similar verve, though there is a spacious family kitchen complete with an Aga for self-catering during the summer months when it’s let out as a private home. Child and dog-friendly, the whole family can relax together.
The National Exmoor Park has over 1000km of footpaths and bridleways with Molland Moor being one of the best places for seeing red deer and wild Exmoor ponies. The ancient Tarr steps walk across the River Barle is perfect for spotting dipper, kingfishers and perhaps even otters. The North Devon coastline has stunning beaches ideal for walking, bathing, rock pooling or surfing. In shooting season, some of the best pheasant and partridge drives in the world.
Let chef Jean Christophe Le Grande, find you a magical spot for a wild al fresco dinner party with The Wandering Bistro. His mobile kitchen produces the likes of wood-fired rotisserie chicken, côte de bœuf, seven-hour slow cooked hay- smoked lamb, and fresh Tuscan salads by picture perfect rivers and other beautifully wild hideaways.
A day shooting at the Molland Shoot or any of the further five Loyton managed portfolio shoots. You will see the challenging and spectacular birds that Exmoor is famed for and be treated with exceptional food throughout the day. Treat yourself to a quality and personalised gun slip or cartridge box from local Acorn Saddlery in South Molton, who are master saddlers specialising in shooting accessories. Take home a taste of Exmoor, with surprising local delicacy, Exmoor Caviar, produced on a farm situated at the foothills of the National Park. Sturgeon are allowed to grow at a natural pace where 40 million litres of fresh Devonshire mineral water is filtering through slate, shale and sandstone daily.
Nota Bene
A Victorian Farmhouse which sits on an estate which has been in one family for 800 years.
