Views over Orestone Manor in Devon

Orestone Manor is an independent family run classic country house hotel.

The magnificent Georgian manor house is set in the pretty South Devon coastal village of Maidencombe, with spectacular sea views over Lyme Bay and beyond. Here Anton Strack calls in for Breaking Travel News.

Devon is at its most delightful in autumn.

The commotion of summer eases into a golden tranquillity, giving the time and space to savour its striking coastline and the gentility of its towns and villages.

Maidencombe is a slice of quintessential Devon.

Lying on the South West Coastal Path, the hidden hamlet is collection of thatched cottages and winding lanes cloaked by hedgerows of wild flowers.

At the end of town, a small sandy cove is peppered with rocky outcrops, and towering sandstone cliffs.

Maidencombe is also home of one of the county’s hospitality gems – Orestone Manor.

The former home of John Callcott Horsley (the designer of the first commercial Christmas card), the Georgian stately home is enjoying a renaissance under the guidance of two chefs, Neil and Catherine D’Allen,

The varied landscape of Devon provide delicious produce – including South Devon Beef, West Country free range pork and lamb, local estate wild game, and hand-dived scallops – which the D’Allens have crafted into their menu.

Their tantalising autumn offerings include the finest local meats, freshly-caught Brixham fish, and vegetables, some of which are grown in the hotel gardens.

Orestone Manor is the setting where 18th century engineering legend, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s National Portrait Gallery painting was produced by his brother-in-Law, John Callcott Horsley.

The swanky new ‘Brunel Bar & Lounge’ reflects the great man’s Orestone connection, with custom features based on his famous Royal Albert Bridge over the River Tamar – a stunning design landmark closely associated with him in Devon and Cornwall. 

In Brunel and Horsley’s era, Orestone Manor served as the setting for family gatherings, candlelit dinners, music in the parlour, children’s games and a spot of croquet on the lawn.

The family spirit still lives on, courtesy of a close-knit team of staff, who join in games of croquet on the lawn.

Orestone is a gem of a classic country house hotel with just 14 character bedrooms.

This year it opened two sumptuous coach house cottages, each equipped with separate lounge, private outdoor hot tub, and fabulous sea views.

Upstairs the living room features a comfy sofa and widescreen TV, making it the perfect media room.

Open the bi-fold doors to the balcony for far reaching views over Lyme Bay and the surrounding countryside.

Meanwhile the local area enjoys its own microclimate and Orestone Manor’s sun terrace, surrounded by palm trees and lush gardens, has to be one of the finest spots of the English Riviera.

Devon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK

More Information

Orestone Manor is an independent family run classic country house hotel.

The magnificent Georgian manor house is set in the pretty South Devon coastal village of Maidencombe, with spectacular sea views over Lyme Bay and beyond.

For more information visit the official website.