Gidleigh Park Chagford

Set majestically on the bubbling upper reaches of the River Teign, Gidleigh Park is part of the AA Hotel Group of the Year 2017-18 and enjoys an exquisite location on the very edge of Dartmoor National Park.

Famed for its culinary credentials and award-winning restaurant, Gidleigh Park offers an air of tranquillity and romance within a Tudor-style country house, beautifully furnished by the Brownsword family and set within 107 acres of mature grounds.

Adding to the five-star experience, the bedrooms at Gidleigh Park are of exceptional luxury. All individual in style and design, they feature the most stunning bathrooms, wet rooms and spa suites that inspire a true sense of indulgence.

THE HISTORY
The Prouz family lived in Gidleigh from the reign of William the Conqueror until the 17th Century. They owned the castle with extensive parkland, including the old manor which no longer stands, and the “Park House” which was built in the 16th Century.

The Park House was a two-storey thatched house with short wings, facing east towards the river below. Its main drive was from Gidleigh itself, a half-mile track downhill from the church. Today this path runs through the fields at the back of the house.

The house passed through several owners before being bought in 1660 by Bartholomew Gidleigh. The Gidleigh family owned the property until 1819 when it was bought by Dr. J. Whipham, whose family retained ownership of the estate for nearly 100 years.

In 1918 the entire Gidleigh Park estate was put up for sale. The estate, which included the manor, the Barton, the Park House and a total of 608 acres was bought by an Australian sheep farmer and shipping magnate, Charles Harold Campbell Mcllwraith.

He decided to live at Gidleigh Park and in 1925 he engaged Stanley Philpot, an architect and surveyor from Tunbridge Wells, to draw plans for the rebuilding of Gidleigh Park. The house was completed in four years. However, in 1932 Mcllwraith died prematurely at the age of 57 and the Gidleigh Park estate was put up for sale for £15,000.

The house was converted into a small and simple hotel in 1955. When Paul and Kay Henderson took it over in December 1977, the hotel and grounds were in a bad state of repair but, over the years, they did a great deal of work raising it to a level it had never previously enjoyed and, under their ownership, it gained an enviable reputation.

They owned and managed Gidleigh Park for 27 years until 2005 when they sold it to Andrew and Christina Brownsword who, before taking ownership, had for years enjoyed the hotel as a place to relax with their family.

In 2007 the hotel was closed for ten months to undergo a complete refurbishment and today it is regularly listed as one of the finest country house hotels in Britain.

ROOMS & SUITES
Named after local landmark tors, each room is luxuriously appointed and individually designed, featuring fine antiques and artwork. Naturally, all come with crisp white linen, plumped up pillows and Vispring beds to guarantee that perfect night’s slumber. Nestled in the grounds, 350 yards from the hotel, The Pavilion is a charming thatched cottage reached by a footpath along the river, ideal for a more secluded stay.

SPA SUITE
Designed to provide the most luxurious individual spa experience, we have one bedroom that offers guests the ultimate relaxing feature bathroom, designed to provide a higher level of luxury and comfort to complete your own unique and intensely relaxing space. Dartmeet enjoys panoramic views over the valley, with the ultimate decadent bathroom; large marble bath, double shower, steam room and sauna.

Spring water from the Gidleigh estate, L’Occitane skin care and bath lotions, slippers, bathrobes and a Vispring bed complete your stay. And, of course, all guests have access to the Pantry stocked with tea, coffee and homemade biscuits. Each room benefits from complimentary Wi-Fi access.

THE PAVILION
Enjoy the opportunity to escape to your own charming hideaway. The Pavilion is a self-contained thatched cottage in the grounds overlooking the croquet lawn. A wonderful home from home, it comprises a two bedroom interconnecting suite, each bedroom with its own bathroom, an open plan paneled sitting room with kitchen diner and a private veranda.

Spring water from the Gidleigh estate, L’Occitane skin care and bath lotions, slippers, bathrobes and a Vispring bed complete your stay. And, of course, all guests have access to the Pantry stocked with tea, coffee and homemade biscuits.

DELUXE GARDEN VIEW
Deluxe Garden rooms enjoy differing stunning panoramas with views over our herb garden, the River Teign and the moorland. Spring water from the Gidleigh estate, L’Occitane skin care and bath lotions, slippers, bathrobes and a Vispring bed complete your stay. And, of course, all guests have access to the Pantry stocked with tea, coffee and homemade biscuits.

Each room benefits from complimentary Wi-Fi access. ‘Kitty’ and ‘Merrivale’ each enjoy private balconies, with stunning views over the Teign Valley, a perfect place to enjoy breakfast, al fresco light lunch or some quiet contemplation. An entirely unique feature within ‘Manaton’ is a romantic rooftop Jacuzzi, where you can unwind in the clear country air and enjoy chilled Champagne under the stars.

DINING & DRINKING
At the heart of the hotel is the award-winning restaurant, an intimate dining area with magnificent views across the hotel’s beautiful gardens. Dining at Gidleigh Park offers a memorable culinary experience with a focus on creating unique dishes full of flavour, underpinned by a contemporary, less formal approach to fine cuisine.

RESTAURANT
At the heart of the hotel, the elegant and intimate award-winning restaurant provides a sophisticated backdrop to our decadent menus. Matching the high standards in the kitchen, Gidleigh Park’s internationally renowned wine cellar accommodates over 1,300 bins and 13,000 bottles from around the world.

Home to a selection of European, New World and Bio Dynamic wines, the cellar offers one of the most impressive wine lists in the British Isles. Join us for lunch, hampers, afternoon tea or dinner, dedicated to the finest seasonal ingredients.

EXECUTIVE CHEF CHRIS EDEN
Joining Gidleigh Park in September 2019, Chris Eden arrived from Driftwood in Cornwall after 12 illustrious years as Head Chef. Chris was awarded a Michelin star in 2012, becoming the first Cornish born chef to hold a star in their home county. Retaining the star ever since, Chris was additionally awarded a fourth AA rosette in 2018, becoming just one of four chefs in Cornwall to hold this accolade.

Bringing his produce-led ethos to the kitchens of Gidleigh Park, Chris’ style is beautifully laced with touches of adventure and invention, creating refined plates where flavour is king. Chris’ passion for great produce is infectious, always handled with exceptional skill and care.

The seasonal bounty from the hotel’s kitchen garden informs Chris’ menus and his dishes are regularly changing to reflect the seasonality and availability of ingredients. The Garden Salad, for example, changes daily depending on the fresh vegetables picked that day and plump summer gooseberries are made into chutney to accompany the cheese course, also served with honeycomb from the Gidleigh Park estate.

Undeniably refined with an exacting technique, Chris is also renowned for his honest, unfussy approach to cooking. His menus are contemporary with a nod to tradition, supporting local Devonshire farmers and producers to ensure that only the finest quality ingredients make it on to the plate.

THE AFTERNOON TEA
Enjoy a decadent afternoon tea using the best seasonal produce with the freshest flavours, including a selection of freshly cut sandwiches, delicious homemade scones warm from the oven served with clotted-cream and preserves alongside individual pâtisseries and a mouth-watering moist lemon cake to share.

This great British tradition is served with a vast selection of teas or coffees, or for a little more indulgence, add a glass of Champagne to your full afternoon tea.

WEDDINGS
An enchanting blend of romantic riverside gardens, exquisite cuisine crafted with the finest regional, seasonal ingredients, the unique warmth of a home-from-home welcome and outstanding service, Gidleigh Park offers the ultimate wedding experience.

Enjoy a timeless atmosphere in this unique rural setting set across 107 acres of mature grounds that form a perfect backdrop for your wedding celebrations. At Gidleigh Park, we welcome weddings from 2 to 50, each being a bespoke event. Come and meet with a member of our team to explore the property for yourself.

YOUR DAY
As you turn the final corner, Gidleigh Park stands before you nestled in the trees against the backdrop of Dartmoor National Park. Leave the world behind as you celebrate in your very own country retreat for the day.

In the summer months, guests can enjoy Champagne and canapés on the terrace overlooking the hotel’s glorious gardens and out on to Meldon Moor beyond, or beside the roaring log fire during the cooler months.

The opportunity to capture memorable and unique moments are almost endless, whether it’s our Victorian Water Gardens just for two, or all of your family and friends gathered on the old stone steps in front of the house.

Following your drinks reception, guests will be seated in your chosen dining room, all with views of the River Teign, to savour your wedding breakfast crafted especially for the occasion by our Executive Chef, Chris Eden.

Our exquisite menus reflect the seasonality of ingredients and are complemented by wines recommended by our Sommelier, ensuring that your first meal as a married couple is truly unforgettable.

For your evening festivities, your party can then move to the Hall to enjoy music, dancing and entertainment of your choosing, followed by late evening snacks. As the evening comes to a close and guests retire to their rooms, you can rest knowing each element of your day has been executed to your every detail.

Our dedicated team will be with you every step of the way. With a wealth of knowledge we are very much looking forward to starting this magical journey with you and our aim is to help you create memorable moments that you will treasure for years to come.

OCCASIONS
Surrounded by the untamed beauty of Dartmoor National Park and nestled within acres of idyllic gardens and wild-flower meadows, Gidleigh Park provides a magical backdrop to celebrate any special occasion. Whether 15 or 50 guests, make Gidleigh Park your very own country retreat with our private dining rooms.

We promise a unique experience for your special event; from an intimate gathering devoted to spoiling a mum-to-be over a traditional afternoon tea, to an evening spent indulging in a decadent seven-course tasting menu to mark your retirement.

Commemorate your wedding anniversary, celebrate a milestone birthday or simply gather your nearest and dearest for an unforgettable family get-together. Choose from three wonderfully intimate spaces, the Teign, Meldon or Nattadon rooms.

Each offers stunning views across the gardens, with the Teign room opening directly out on to the terrace. Alternatively, the oak-panelled Meldon and Nattadon rooms can create one beautifully spacious room flooded with natural light, perfect for hosting a larger celebration.

With outstanding cuisine, attentive service and luxurious bedrooms, Gidleigh Park promises a unique and memorable experience for your special event.

GARDENS
The gardens have been planted to provide an array of colours against the hues of green that form the natural backdrop. From the first tulips of spring to the carpet of bluebells that follows right through to the azaleas, acers, alliums, camellias and rhododendrons, and the rich hues of autumn, the riot of colour and beauty is spellbinding.

KITCHEN GARDEN
Practicality plays a big part in the garden’s landscape, particularly in the specially designed kitchen garden. The seasonal produce is destined for our kitchen and a planting scheme supports our chef’s menu planning throughout the year.

The scent of the herbs as you meander cannot fail to provide a nod to the exceptional fine dining experience you enjoy here. Throughout the year, both our Executive Chef and Estate Manager Andrew Brimblecombe run various gardening tours and foraging events.

WALKING
It’s no coincidence that at Gidleigh Park we offer a boot room for guest use, wellingtons and stout walking boots are almost compulsory attire for many of our guests. Dartmoor is a walker’s paradise, offering a huge variety of trails that cater for all abilities, and discovering this magical landscape on foot affords the opportunity to observe the wildlife and natural vegetation that are at home here.

Postbridge and Bellever are both circular walks taking in a varied mix of scenery, riverside trails, moorland, woodland, waterfalls and historical remains. Chagford, our local village, is a great starting point for walkers and one of the most worthwhile walks is the four and a half miles that take you to the top of Nattadon Hill, a steep climb, but when you reach the summit, the view beyond you is well worth the exertion.

On the estate itself, there are several routes which we can provide self-guiding maps, or by prior appointment, we can organise for a local guide. Wherever your trails take you, we are happy to equip you with sustenance – speak with our Reception team who can organise a picnic rucksack when requested in advance.

FACILITIES
Gidleigh Park has a wide range of facilities and amenities available, from our Peter Allis 18-hole putting course, to fly fishing, tennis or croquet, there is something for everybody to enjoy.

PUTTING COURSE
Our Peter Allis designed 18-hole putting course is situated near the Pavilion where you can practice your putting. During the winter months we allow the green to rest before re-opening again in early spring. Our reception team who can provide you with clubs and balls.

TENNIS
We have an outdoor, artificial grass tennis court at Gidleigh Park which is located at the front of the house. We can provide tennis racquets and balls at Reception.

CROQUET
Located near the Pavilion within the grounds, croquet is available to all our guests. The equipment can be found at the Pavilion. If you need any assistance or help with the rules, our Reception team will be happy to help.

DOGS
Our four heated kennels ensure a cosy and comfortable stay or choose between two dog-friendly rooms as well as the Pavilion, a self-contained cottage in the grounds overlooking the croquet lawn.

YOGA
Borrow a yoga mat and find a tranquil spot in our gardens or make use of your room. We also have a printed yoga guide to give a helping hand, simply pick one up from from reception.

FAMILIES
Your magical family adventure begins at our beautiful Dartmoor retreat. This is why we love Gidleigh Park. Our family days here are spent enjoying picnics by the river, roaming the moor and playing garden games. Your family become our family – everyone’s welcome. Our passion for the simple things in life inspire us to create special family experiences.

FUN & GAMES
Our beautiful gardens play host to our passionate beliefs in the simple pleasures of family, friends and fun. Sitting in 107 acres on the northern bank of the North Teign River in Dartmoor National Park, our gardens and woodland at Gidleigh Park entertain outdoor playfulness and an attachment to nature. Our grounds open up nature hunts with exciting finds and new discoveries and there are walks a plenty in the local area.

THINGS TO DO IN DARTMOOR
Gidleigh Park is set in the North of beautiful Dartmoor, and with so many unique and wonderful places to visit right on our doorstep, we have compiled some information for activity ideas during your stay with us.

Dartmoor is a walker’s paradise, offering a huge variety of trails that cater for all abilities, and discovering this magical landscape on foot affords the opportunity to observe the wildlife and natural vegetation that are at home here

LOCAL TOWNS & VILLAGES
If it’s a trip of exploring you are looking for then head out to some of the local villages and towns. Each one unique but equally as charming, definitely worth the visit. Each town and village is packed full of history and fascinating facts, there are plenty of independent shops and beautiful scenery which will keep you amused for hours.

• Chagford – 45 minutes, walking: The local ancient stannary town is a 45 minute walk or around a two mile drive from the hotel. It enjoys a range of boutique, gift and clothes shops not to mention two of the best hardware stores to be found in the area.
• Exeter – 40 minutes: The historical city of Exeter was the most south westerly Roman fortified settlement in Britain. With a stunning cathedral founded in 1050, the city centre is full of character and ancient history yet with all the amenities that would be expected of a modern day city.
• Totnes – 60 minutes: A reputation for having an alternative vibe, with organic, ethical and fair trade the norm, not the exception. It’s the home of the Transition Town movement and is proud to be a little different.
• Clovelly, North Devon – 90 minutes: Built into a 400 feet high cliff this is a world famous fishing village with a picturesque cobbled traffic – free high street, whitewashed cottages and a tiny working port. It is famous for its donkeys, which traditionally carried goods up and down the cobbled street.
• Brixham – 75 minutes: Life in the busy fishing town of Brixham has always centred around the harbour, where yachts and heritage trawlers jostle for space with dayboats heading out to sea for the day’s catch. There’s plenty to see and do here, whether you’re looking for a romantic trip or family-friendly day out, and the fun starts at sea!

HISTORIC DAYS OUT
With a vast selection of Castles and Stately Homes near to Dartmoor, we are spoiled for choice, so here are a few of our must-see recommendations while you are in the area…

• Castle Drogo – 20 minutes: A National Trust property and one of the last great homes to be built in England, this unique 20th century ‘mock’ castle sits above the Teign Gorge with stunning views over the wild beauty of Dartmoor.
• Bradley – 45 minutes: A delightful medieval manor house, set in woodland and meadows. Catch a glimpse of medieval history in the house; from original ceilings to medieval cat holes. Bradley is still a family home, and you get a real sense of that as you explore the house. You may even see a member of the donor family room guiding or welcoming you to the car park.
• Powderham Castle – 45 minutes: Is located in a unique, picturesque setting just outside Exeter, beside the Exe estuary. Six hundred years of history are contained within the walls of one of England’s oldest family homes.
• Buckfast Abbey – 50 minutes: Nestled in a tranquil haven on the edge of Dartmoor and along the banks of the River Dart, Buckfast Abbey – the only English medieval monastery to have been restored and used again for its original purpose – offers all the ingredients for a great trip whether visiting the area on holiday or just looking for an inspiring day out. Founded in 1018, the Abbey will celebrate its millennium in 2018.
• Tintagel Castle – 75 minutes: With its spectacular location on Cornwall’s dramatic and windswept Atlantic coastline, Tintagel is a place of magic and myth where the legend of King Arthur was born.

GARDENS
Visits to gardens are often associated with summertime, but here in Devon, gardens bloom and burst with colour throughout all seasons of the year. Here are a small selection of our top five options…

• Mythic Gardens, Chagford – 20 minutes; Stone Lane gardens is a 5 acre arboretum holding important National Collections of wild origin Birch and Alder trees in a lovely landscaped water and woodland setting. Sculpture exhibitions feature heavily in and around the gardens.
• Bicton Park Botanical Gardens – 50 minutes: Bicton Park has a lovely 50 acre garden in close proximity to the sea. The gardens date from 1874 and include an Italian garden, an American and stream garden, and a delightful Mediterranean and Rose garden. Bicton has long been famed for its magnificent trees, over 1000 of them, representing 300 species, many of which are endangered. The delightful beach of Budleigh Salterton is also close at hand.
• Dartington Hall, Dartington – 60 minutes: A truly wonderful landscape garden most of which has been created in the last 100 years. A woodland garden with rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias have been planted round a series of clever terraces on the steep hill side. There are magnificent trees, a Japanese garden and a series of woodland glades.
• Killerton House, Broadclyst – 55 minutes: Located in the fine 18th century house known for its large costume collection, this delightful hillside garden and estate offers stunning parkland all year round. The garden sits on a south facing slope with far reaching views towards Dartmoor and the Exe Estuary. It features a vast array of interest throughout the seasons including magnificent rhododendrons and magnolias, stunning herbaceous boarders and a collection of rare trees.
• RHS Rosemoor Gardens – 60 minutes: An enchanting 65 acre garden, Rosemoor is a garden of intoxicating beauty, meticulously crafted and planted, retaining the essence of rural North Devon within a dramatic backdrop of steep wooded valley sides.

BEACHES
Along the miles of Devon and Cornwall coastline there are 20 beaches from wide sandy stretches to hidden rocky coves. So whether you’re after a place to lay out your towel, build sandcastles, have a gentle paddle, ramble through a rockpool or just a quiet place to sit and watch the surf, you’re sure to find a beach to suit.

• Ness Cove, Shaldon – 60 minutes: A secluded, rugged beach backed by dramatic red cliffs and accessed via an original smugglers tunnel. Children will love it.
• Slapton Sands – 75 minutes: More than 600 US servicemen were killed on this three-mile stretch of shingle when German E-boats attacked their D-day rehearsals. A Sherman tank on the sand commemorates them.
• Bantham Beach – 90 minutes: This beach is long and sandy with water shallow enough for children to swim safely, and lively enough for water sports enthusiasts further out as wetsuits outnumber bikinis on south Devon’s only surf beach. East Portlemouth – Perfect for people wanting to enjoy a day of peace and quiet this sandy beach is situated on the estuary opposite Salcombe.
• South Milton Sands – 90 minutes: A beautiful beach for a traditional holiday, ideal for rock pooling and beachcombing, it’s also the perfect location for snorkelling, scuba diving and windsurfing. Seal and dolphins are regular visitors to the shore.
• Woolacombe – 90 minutes: An epic, three-mile swathe of sand, which has oodles of space for surfers, swimmers and sunbathers – as well as a Blue Flag.

SOMETHING FOR THE LITTLE ONES
With its 107 acres of beautiful parklands, fresh country air and the North Teign River flowing through its grounds, Gidleigh Park epitomises the very best of life in Devon. Within the secluded gardens and woodlands of the hotel there are various outdoor facilities, including a tennis court, a bowling green, championship croquet lawns and an 18-hole putting course designed by the legendary Peter Alliss.

Walks from the hotel take you along the river and onto the higher moor where there is the chance to spot the local wildlife, including squirrels, owls, rabbits, and if you are lucky deer.

We can also arrange for birds of prey displays in the grounds and fishing on the banks of the river or in the local reservoirs. Should you wish to venture a little further then there are numerous activities, walks and leisure facilities ideal to keep your little ones interested and occupied.

• The Miniature Pony Centre – 20 minutes: This attraction proves most popular with our younger guests. See, meet, and touch over 150 animals including tame ponies, ducks, geese, rabbits and guinea pigs.
• The House of Marbles – 35 minutes: Located near the town of Bovey Tracey, the House of Marbles is a working glass and games factory set in a historic pottery. The factory offers fun and games with a restaurant providing light snacks. Beware, however that the restaurant is also a toy shop!
• Becky Falls – 45 minutes: Located on Dartmoor, Bovey Tracey, You will have the opportunity to see cascading waterfalls and explore the 60 acre woodland estate with river walks. There is also a pet garden, nature trail, tea room, ice-cream parlour, gift shop and restaurant.
• Pennywell Farm – 50 minutes: A family run children’s petting farm, providing a real treat for the children with a good programme of daily interactive events including owl, eagle and birds of prey displays.
• Otters and Butterflies – 45 minutes: Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary offers a great, enjoyable, otter and butterfly educational experience. You can wander around the otter sanctuary and butterfly farm and see new butterflies emerge in tropical surroundings. You will also have the opportunity to view the otters swimming underwater and to follow the otter keeper at feeding times. The Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary is an all weather attraction.

Rooms: 24

Price: from 337 EUR per night

Source: www.gidleigh.co.uk