Collaven Manor.
Sourton, Okehampton, Devon.
This beautiful small 15th century manor house, built of solid Dartmoor granite and draped with creeper, stands in four acres of picturesque gardens. Approached over a sweeping drive, Collaven Manor is an utterly beautiful country house B&B just outside Okehampton.
The lounge and bar are inviting rooms with beamed ceilings and big stone inglenook fireplaces. Cool in summer, in winter they enjoy the warmth and heart-warming character of their log-burning stoves. The bar has a fine selection of ales and lagers, including the famous Jail Ale, brewed in the heart of Dartmoor. Naturally there is also West Country cider, a wide selection of spirits, including the local Plymouth Gin, and a carefully selected choice of wines which include award-winning Devon wines.
Breakfast starts with a choice of continental options from the buffet, followed by a Full English, or other variations with smoked salmon, smoked haddock or Scotch pancakes. Vegetarian sausages and gluten-free sausages and toast are also provided.
All six double en-suite rooms have gorgeous views, are individually and tastefully furnished to a very high standard and offer a very special comfort. Each is equipped with television, free WiFi, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, bottled water, hair dryer and all the little luxuries that will make a stay special. Room choices include the Classic Rooms, a Family Suite with a super-kingsize bed (or twin) plus a 4 foot bed suitable for one adult or two children, and the Feature Rooms with sitting area, bath plus shower and even a four-poster bed in some of them.
The wild uplands of Dartmoor need little introduction. The walking opportunities are immense, from relatively easy walks straight from the house to more ambitious hikes to High Willhays (Dartmoor's highest tor), Meldon reservoir and the renowned Widgery Cross. Nearby Okehampton castle is well worth exploring, and no trip to Dartmoor is complete without a trip to Princetown, Two Bridges and Postbridge. There are an abundance of houses and gardens within easy driving distance. Castle Drogo, Cotehele, Buckland Abbey, Lanhydrock and the dramatic Lydford Gorge make for popular National Trust destinations.