Hotel Endsleigh

Two nights back at Endsleigh and it was, as ever, just perfect. The staff are superb, both before and during our stay, the food excellent, the setting as ever, sublime, the hotel itself a joy to be in, and we really enjoyed learning something new about the place this time and it's history (ask to see the red book). I could wax lyrical but there's no point - it's simply our 'go to' place and long may it remain that way. The Polizzi's have got the recipe just right here, as they have at Tresanton albeit quite different in many ways, and which is part of the secret. Sigh....until the next time.

A stunning hotel: in a magical and bucolic setting. The magnificent gardens and grounds offer a variety of walks and places to sit and relax and admire the views. The hotel is a stunning "cottage" that is beautiful inside and out - nice touches by keeping the old fire hoses, buckets and telephones along the corridors and stunning decor everywhere. We stayed in Suite 1 with huge French windows directly onto the garden, as well as views from the sitting room on to the parterre that was planted with pink, lilac and white flowers. The bed was huge and comfortable, the bath was big enough to swim in. Luxurious robes and slippers provided. The staff were all friendly, professional and charming. Genuinely dog-friendly too.

I took my parents here for lunch last Friday and it was just wonderful. The gardens are breathtakingly beautiful and are in immaculate condition. We ate outside, the food was delicious - lots of delicious things and hard to choose, the staff were wonderful. Particularly wonderful was Paul, who I believe is one of the groundsmen, when I realised I had lost my car keys, combed the paths with me to try to find them. We did find them eventually, thanks to him. All the staff were lovely the place itself was magical and I now just need to come up with a really good reason to go back and stay! I can't recommend it highly enough and I'd like to thank Paul especially for going over and above the call of duty.

What an undertaking this renovation must have been. When inside the gorgeous estate I felt part of another period in time. To truly appreciate the historical accents I should have stayed more than two days. But that is a good excuse to experience the intricately colorful sitting area, dining rooms, and halls during another season-fall or winter perhaps with a fire going curled up with a good book. The grounds are so interesting. Early spring suggested the coming of the lush summer and bolder color. But I was glad to see the tulips. The breakfast is copious and delicious. No need to dine until the evening unless you have been walking about the property, fishing ir exploring other venues. All good and wine special and delicious. NB if you are needing a real rest, plan to stay for a fewdays and do excursion out. For those needing more of an adventure, especially those who do not drive on the UK side of the road, know that the roads are windy and narrow. Rent the smallest car you can.

We had a wonderful spring weekend break for a major birthday at the Endsleigh and loved the whole experience. We were hoping for a traditional English Country House weekend and the Endsleigh delivered superbly. The staff were really nice, not too in your face or obsequious, just genuinely helpful. The rooms are comfortable if a bit quirky but the high point of the Endsleigh is the gardens and grounds. We spent three hours each day walking around. The formal gardens diffuse gradually into an extensive arboretum with magnificent acres and new world conifers. The rockery is magical and the rills and waterfalls throughout the Del make for a very lush feel. The arboretum then diffuses gradually into the native woodland resplendent with bluebells an April and down to the river. All rather lovely. The interior the house is more or less original, beautifully furnished and giving a real English Country House vibe. The bedrooms and facilities to have been fitted into the original house layout so expect some quirky passages and stairs. The suite we had was shabby chic and very comfortable -but a bit shabby of course. The one area we felt was a bit weak was the catering. It's definitely sub standard for a hotel of this quality.. If you want a historic English Country House this is for you. If you want bling stay away.