A Grade I Elizabethan Luxury Country House Hotel and Restuarant in unspoilt Devon
Imagine a wildly romantic Grade 1 Elizabethan Manor set in 3,500 acres of one of Devon's finest country estates, close to the sea for long coastal walks, yet just a short drive from the historic city of Exeter. Beautiful Arabian horses and pheasants roam freely as you approach Combe House along a mile of winding drive. This charming luxury country house hotel lies in Gittisham, the film location for a Rosemunde Pilcher novel and described by Prince Charles as the "Ideal English Village" with its pretty Devon cob and thatch cottages, Norman Church, babbling brook and Village Green - a timeless picture of days gone by.
"A World Wide Top 100 Hotel"
Here you will find exceptional food in a wonderful country setting, carefully chosen wines, roaring log fires and generous hospitality. Listed as one of the most romantic hotels in Great Britain and voted in the top 100 restaurants in the UK 2008 (The Restaurant Magazine). Combe is a place you will love. For, to discover the warmth and tranquillity of this luxury country house hotel surrounded by its enchanting gardens is to find something very special - something you may never have known you were looking for until you found it, rather like falling in love for the very first time...
A True English Country House with 15 individually styled bedrooms
Combe House offers a choice of rooms, each with its own individual style and charm.
The largest rooms in the house are the master bedrooms and suites which offer wonderful panoramic views over the estate and surrounding countryside. Elegantly decorated in contemporary colours and fabrics, and furnished with fresh flowers, family portraits and antiques, these were the rooms originally occupied by the Lords and Ladies of the house in times gone by. Whilst these rooms convey all the grandeur of a bygone era, this is by no means at the expense of comfort. In keeping with what Combe is all about, the emphasis is on relaxation so in these rooms you’ll find plenty of plump cushions and either squashy armchairs or sofas.
The Superior rooms have garden outlooks and, whilst smaller, are still very spacious with plenty of natural daylight. Decorated with style, they are all very different – an oak panelled bathroom in one, hand-painted fantasy walls in another.
Situated in what was the servants' wing in the old days, are the Kingsize and Double bedded rooms, some with bath and hand shower, and some with large walk-in showers. These are decorated with a fresh, contemporary-style look – floral prints and stripes and antique furniture. They overlook either the Fruit Garden or the Hydrangea Garden.
Sustainable Hospitality Hotel of the year UK 2010
If you are looking for a restaurant which serves great food and offers exciting wines, specially selected by passionate wine lovers, you will love the Restaurant at Combe House. Choose from select cuts of meat and game in season, or local, freshly caught fish - all sourced from West Country suppliers and cooked by 2 Master Chefs of GB. Add to this seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs, hand picked from Combe's kitchen garden and you have true gourmet excellence. No wonder the Restaurant has a reputation for fine food and friendly, dedicated service, making it a favourite with house guests and locals alike - including diners from Exeter and Taunton who appreciate being able to escape the city to find themselves dining in acres of glorious countryside.
In winter enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés in the cosy bar or sitting room, or relax in the Great Hall - in front of a blazing log fire.
In summer, the only place to be with your aperitif is al fresco - relaxing on the croquet lawn or under the majestic 300 year old Lebanese Cedar Trees watching a spectacular sunset over the Devon countryside.
The perfect setting for good food and company. This is what memories are made of.
