The Old Rectory’s stunning house was originally constructed in 1826, with a proud heritage as an old Vicarage. This much is still evident at the property, with many quintessentially English touches; however following an extensive restoration and update in 1994 the property offers luxurious accommodation to satisfy even the most demanding of travellers. The house manages to combine opulent furnishings and grand rooms with a warm and homely feel, creating a relaxing environment in elegant surroundings.
The setting is sublime, totally private with high walls and electric gates to maintain the exclusivity of the property, yet the rear of the property opens out to miles and miles of untouched North Devon countryside giving glorious views. There are five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens meticulously restored over the last five years with steps down to the lower lawn, and a delightful Grade II listed Victorian grotto nestled under the limestone balustrades.
These gardens are surrounded by an additional fifteen acres of pasture and woodland, with ample space for a marquee for larger events and weddings.
The house is a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary styling, with elegant decor, homely comforts and a diverse art and sculpture collection. Sink into the sumptuous sofas in the lounge or have pre dinner drinks in the sophisticated drawing room, with glorious views to the countryside beyond. The dining room is large enough to seat 24 guests for a special meal or for larger functions the dance barn or a marquee can be used. There is a fabulous kitchen with an AGA and a separate caterers kitchen should you require catering during your stay.
The bedrooms at The Old Rectory are all individually styled, and most offer en-suite facilities. The rooms are beautifully furnished with stunning views and feature flat screen TVs and tea and coffee making facilities for your comfort. There are eight bedrooms in the main house sleeping a maximum of sixteen guests, with additional accommodation available in the courtyard. The modern and sleek studio sleeps up to four guests in privacy, featuring a king size bed on the ground floor and another king size bed on the second floor, both with en-suite shower rooms, flat screen TVs and tea/coffee making facilities.
There is a fridge and a dining table on the ground floor, in addition to an open spiral staircase to the second floor and French doors leading out to the path to the main house. The upstairs bedroom opens onto a secluded balcony with stunning views and a quirky roll top bath with hot running water for a bath under the stars (there is an indoor en-suite bathroom for those who aren’t so brave), leading onto a private garden. Please note there is no door between the downstairs and upstairs bedrooms. In addition there is also another bedroom with a king sized bed and steps down to an en-suite bathroom with separate shower.
The leisure facilities at The Old Rectory are fantastic for those looking for an active break. There is an all-weather championship sized tennis court beyond the lower lawn with a ball machine and a viewing terrace. The full size outdoor heated swimming pool has salt water to negate the need for chemicals and has plenty of sun beds and parasols in the adjacent relaxation area. Alongside the pool is a beautiful Grecian style pergola with a natural spring hot tub.
Adjacent to the house there is a sauna using infrared technology and a fully equipped gym with running machines, rowing machine, free weights, medicine balls and gym mats, flooded with natural light overlooking the courtyard. The games room has a table tennis table, a full size snooker table and a piano, with comfy sofas to relax and watch Sky Sports on the big screen TV.
There is also a separate dance barn or yoga studio, ideal for fitness retreats or as a space for weddings, meetings and conferences with space to seat 60 people. Adjoining the dance barn is a spa treatment room, a kitchenette with sink, fridge and tea making facilities, and a shower room. Health retreats can be organised here with yoga, pilates and personal trainers on hand to revitalise the body and mind, with organic food and spring filtered water provided to nourish. The gardens are the perfect space to unwind and when combined with the plentiful activities available near by are an excellent location for team building activities or corporate events.