It was French philosopher, Simone de Beauvoir, who famously said “The ideal of happiness has always taken material form in the house, whether cottage or castle; it stands for permanence and separation from the world.”
Arriving at Bovey Castle I understood her sentiments completely. The British Isles are home to a dazzling collection of the most beautiful estate homes in the world and Bovey Castle is indeed one of its most impressive gems. Arriving at the grounds of this stunning hotel is to be transported back to a different time and a different place with both a reassuring permanence and a pleasing separation from the bustling world outside its gates.
If you have ever wanted to experience what it would be like to live a life of luxury, elegance and splendour, then Bovey Castle has everything you could wish for. Situated on an exquisite 400 acre sprawling estate within Dartmoor National Park, it offers the complete get-away-from-it-all package with the added bonus of views over picturesque hills, woods and lakes that stretch away to the horizon.
Bovey Castle has a fascinating history. It was William Henry Smith (later to become ‘Viscount Hambleden’ and of W H Smith fame) who in 1880, purchased the land. And it was his son, Frederick, who built the original Manor House which was completed in 1907.
Since 1907 it has been used as a convalescent home during the First World War and then a military hospital when war broke out again in 1939. From 1946 to 1983 it was returned to the Great Western Railway and re-opened as a hotel. It changed owners again in 1991 when considerable expansion took place and the golf course was created, now considered one of England’s finest courses.
The Manor House was re-named ‘Bovey Castle’ in 2003 and since then it has continued to expand with the addition of 22 new separate lodges which are ideal for families and private parties who can all use the spa and pool. It underwent further refurbishment in 2008.
So what can you expect from a stay at Bovey Castle? Described by many of its aficionado’s as “Heaven in Devon” it manages to successfully blend history, excitement, glamour and adventure. After all, where else can you wear your Hunter wellingtons at 8am, golf spikes at 3pm and Manolo Blahniks for dinner? Yes, it offers its guests luxury and indulgence but this is not a stuffy hotel where you can’t sit on the furniture or let your kids enjoy themselves. It is truly somewhere to refresh mind, body and spirit in equal measure.
For me ‘getting away from it all’ is all about leaving my laptop at home and going out for long country walks – but if you really can’t bear to be away from the internet for too long then rest assured that Wi Fi at Bovey is completely free. And if you don’t want to carry a laptop with you then you can use a dedicated business room located upstairs in the old Minstrel Gallery .
If, however, you just want to relax then I suggest sitting beside the magnificent grand fireplace which fills the old Cathedral room with the comfortingly warm glow of a real fire crackling in the grate. Beneath beautiful ornate wall lamps and surrounded by elaborate carvings on walls, arches and even on the ceiling, the whole place looks more like a scene from Hogwarts than the real world.
If you are the active sort who prefers activity to the armchair then you won’t be disappointed. Bovey offers a number of complimentary activities including mountain biking, falconry display, table tennis, trampoline, pool, sauna, steam room and gymnasium – all of which is included in your room rate. In fact there is so much to do that you are unlikely to fit it all in! And, as you would expect from such a quintessentially English hotel there are many other options available like fly fishing, clay pigeon shooting, cider and sloe gin making, guided walks across Dartmoor, quad biking, Horse Riding and even hot air ballooning – if you fancy seeing Bovey Castle from the air!
When it comes to accommodation, as you would expect from such a grand place, Bovey Castle offers its guests a wide range of choices. Each and every room features elegant furnishings with an impressive mix of old and new touches. You will discover antique mirrors, silk cushions, embossed wallpapers and works of art from the ‘Classic’ rooms to the very regal ‘Grand State Rooms’. These wonderful rooms ooze the ambience of times gone by while simultaneously retaining every modern convenience you would expect.
The Grand State Rooms are exquisite, each containing a separate lounge and dining area as well as boasting a private balcony with stunning views. The bathrooms have a large bath and separate shower which are also beautifully decorated. The Grand State Rooms are perfect for families or for couples wishing to indulge themselves in romantic splendour.
As you might expect Bovey Castle also has a world class spa, ‘Sundari’, with a treatment menu that offers guests a wide range of choices. ‘Sundari’ products, which were created by the Super Model Christy Turlington are exclusively used here and are based on Ayurvedic ingredients and healing therapies. I loved the Rooibos Tea and Honey Enzyme Brightening facial that leaves the skin feeling radiant and rejuvenated. Another more holistic treatment that is definitely worth trying is the Sundari ‘Healing Facial’ which not only uses Neem extract to heal, hydrate and firm-restore sensitive skin, but also begins with a back massage for total relaxation. Wonderful!
The half and full day packages are also irresistible. There are treatments for men and some even for children so the whole family can be involved in the spa experience. Spa guests are allowed to use the Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and pool so even a one hour treatment can be turned into a half day experience. In addition to your selected treatments, your day will include a spa lunch, full use of the fantastic Art Deco pool, steam and sauna rooms and, if you still have any energy – a well-equipped gymnasium.
Beautiful interiors and scrumptious food are, of course, vital elements of any unforgettable stay, but sometimes it can be people that make a place seem so special. At Bovey the staff are simply wonderful. They make sure that your stay is as perfect and comfortable as possible and nothing is ever too much effort. It starts from the very moment you alight from the train at Exeter St. David’s station, where you are greeted by a chauffeur to a room maid welcoming you with complementary fudge (charmingly packed and delivered to your room!)
If, like me, you live in a busy city it can feel blissful to be away from houses, shops and traffic. Here you are able to wallow in the beauty of nature while simultaneously indulging in all that Bovey has to offer. In the morning, after having a breakfast of your choice, make sure you don’t miss the ten o’clock Birds of Prey display which impresses whether you are an adult or a child.
In the afternoon, a good idea is to treat yourself to a champagne afternoon tea on the terrace which enjoys amazing views across the grounds in a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. In fact so special is this unique place that Bovey Castle is named as one of the ‘six best places for afternoon tea in the UK’.
With so much to offer at Bovey Castle you will be feeling hungry at the end of the day and ready for a truly wonderful dining experience. I thoroughly recommend dinner at the Edwardian Grill. Locally sourced ingredients are used and the menu also regularly changes with the seasons.
If you prefer, at the Castle Bistro, you will find a more informal experience with more of a bar menu than fine dining and it’s ideal to have the choice depending on your mood. After dinner at either the Castle Bistro or Edwardian Grill a drink in the beautiful Oak Bar is a must. Those who have discovered the charms of Bovey Castle return time and again and many famous musicians, prominent artists and actors, MP’s, celebrities and other ‘incognito’ guests can be found gracing the bar so you may be surprised at who you might encounter.
The hotel is also a fantastic place for a business meeting or a party, particularly if you want to impress. Every year at Christmas Bovey hosts a traditional and very popular Christmas Ball so if you are looking for a romantic way to spend Christmas with your loved one then make sure you book well in advance.
If you are planning a wedding then Bovey Castle really is the perfect choice of venue. Whether you’re planning a lavish party for a large number of guests or an intimate affair for just close friends, the elegant architecture, exceptional food, stunning landscaped gardens, spa and championship golf course provide all the ingredients needed for any celebration. That’s because Bovey Castle manages to successfully combine the vibrant atmosphere of a period country home with all the luxuries of an international resort.
So go on, don’t leave it a moment later. Dig out your best outfit and then invite your family or dearest friends to join you for a weekend at Bovey Castle. Immerse yourself in everything Bovey has to offer and indulge yourself in the magnificent atmosphere and splendour of a bygone era while still enjoying the best that a modern hotel has to offer.
For more information please visit www.boveycastle.com . Bovey Castle is situated within Dartmoor National Park, Devon.
Written by Anna Rogers
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