Bovey Castle Hotel

Devon, UK

In an era awash with new developments striving to mimic the charm of classic rural retreats, it is worth recalling that nothing quite matches the authenticity of a genuine country estate. One whose history dates back to the 1800s, and the purchase of 2,000 hectares of Devon’s lushest rolling countryside, amid Dartmoor National Park, by none other than William Henry Smith, as in WH Smith. And, as we all know, in print we trust, so Bovey Castle is the real Land Rover-driving, fishing, shooting, golfing, Devon-larder-eating deal. It’s about gardens to get lost in, grass tennis courts, croquet on the lawn, falconry displays, proper hands-on-country experiences, but with all the niceties that come with a five-star hotel. That means an indoor pool with country views (plus all the spa trimmings), afternoon tea by the open fire, finer, grill-style dining in the restaurant and casual all-day fare served on the brasserie’s terrace, both with low-mileage, eat-local philosophies; plus a proper cocktail bar to get your martini just as you like it, ideally with Plymouth Gin.

When Great Western snapped up the manor house to turn it into a golf hotel across 110 hectares, as many railway companies were wont to do, they knew what they place to escape from it all: rugged, unkempt and wild, while Bovey Castle is a manicured oasis that still manages to wear its natural assets in the best way – even the 18 hole championship golf course, where you tee off right in front of the hotel, has enough interest to warrant several rounds, without the threat of boredom setting in.

The bedrooms offer generous space and far-reaching views, steeped in old-school character yet lacking none of the modern comforts. It’s all elegantly rural, but with authentic-country-living substance to match the style.

Words by Alex Mead.

Doubles from £203. 01647 445000, boveycastle.com