Combe House
Gittisham, Devon

Staying here, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a Jane Austen novel. Charming and warm owners Ruth and Ken Hunt have kept things authentic—from the portraits of previous owners, to the Georgian wallpaper, and countless antiques. Enter into a great hallway with log fire, mounted deer head, and dark paneled walls, but don’t expect stiff formality; all of the staff is super friendly, making it feel as though you are at a good friend’s home. The best of the 15 rooms are by far the Tommy Wax suite, with decor that simply begs empire line dresses and swooning; the Marker suite, which mixes old and new with bold prints and re-touched original furniture; or the Linen suite, a truly special experience in what used to be the laundry room! Check the large round copper tub that one wants to submerge themselves in with a bottle of Champagne. You won’t want to leave, but you should, there are lots of scenic walks and cute villages to explore, in 3,500 acres of estate roamed by pure-bred Arab horses. There are two dining rooms—my preferred was to have breakfast in the muralled Green room, and enjoy their fabulous dinner in the pretty Pink room. Food is sourced locally wherever possible, vegetables are grown, and jams made, on site—there are even beehives for the honey. There’s also the Georgian kitchen, where a private party of 10-12 can eat by candlelight in a setting that will transport you back to Regency times. There’s no spa, but the Hunts’ theory is when the countryside is so good—get out into it!

Room rates from £170.

www.thishotel.com | +44 (0) 1404 540 400 | stay@thishotel.com

Combe House
Gittisham
Honiton
Nr Exeter
Devon EX14 3AD