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As
you quietly succumb to the wonderful sense of spiritual
calm here, it's hard to conceive that one field away
the land skids to a halt and spectacular cliffs drop
800 feet. The Exmoor plateau meets the sea abruptly
at the village of Martinhoe - 'hoe' is Saxon for high
ground - creating a breathtaking view as you approach.
This
lovely understated hotel stands next to an 11th century
church in three acres of mature garden. Loved and nurtured
by clergy past, the garden now occupies the affection
of Stewart and Chris: birdsong, waterfalls, scented
azaleas and the bizarre gunnera only hint at its allure.
This is a gentle retreat, dedicated to food and marvelous
hospitality.
Meat and produce are fresh, local and organic where possible; even the water, filtered
and purified, is from a local borehole. Traditional
bedrooms have Laura Ashley wallpaper, sparkling bathrooms
and the odd Waring and Gillow antique; and one has a
balcony. Downstairs, curl up in comfy sofas by an open
fire, or drift off in the conservatory; grapes from
the 200-year-old vine above your head fill fruit bowls
in season.
Alastair
Sawday's Special Places to Stay
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