The Old Rectory Hotel

The Old Rectory Hotel

, Martinhoe, Devon.

From the moment we arrived at the Old Rectory, we knew we had found a hotel that was something special. And the longer we stayed, the more special everything became. Perfectly situated on the North Devon coast within the Exmoor National Park, The Old Rectory enjoys an unparalleled location for lovers of beautiful countryside. There’s little doubt in our minds that this is the most people area in England.

Owners Huw and Sam have worked hard to create a country boutique hotel that exceeds all expectations. Everything from the garden to the dining room, the various little lounges to the large sunny conservatory, is immaculate and pristine. The quality everywhere is unsurpassed.

When we stayed, we opted for dinner, bed and breakfast. This also included afternoon tea in the conservatory (with cake!). Breakfast included the usual fruit, juices and cereals, but it was the cooked breakfasts that stood out. Not just a delicious full English, but other options like smoked salmon and Eggs Florentine. We were set up for the day! The dinner menu was equally mouth-watering, delivered by a native-Devonian chef who has honed his skills in top London and Bristol restaurants before returning to his roots. The meat comes from a local farm with a passion for traditional breeds and animal welfare. The fish is bought straight off the local dayboats, and much of the herbs, salads and vegetables come from the hotel’s own kitchen garden.

In keeping with the rest of the hotel, the guest rooms are exceptional. In keeping with the historic nature of these Georgian buildings, each bedroom is different, imaginatively decorated in classic country house style with a boutique hotel twist. The views vary from farmland to the adjoining village church, and from sea views to the delightful naturalistic garden that surrounds the hotel. All the rooms and suites feature a selection of Noble Isle luxury products, crisp white linen, a tea and coffee tray, a flat screen TV, a DAB radio, superfast WiFi and spring water on tap.

During our stay, our perambulations took us to Heddon’s Mouth and Woody Bay. We drove through the Valley of the Rocks to Lynton and Lynmouth, and then on to Porlock. Our arrival and departure journeys took us across Exmoor and the Brendon Hills. Wherever we went, wherever we turned, the scenery was fabulous.