Reinforcing its global standing, Gidleigh Park, the prestigious country house hotel located within the boundaries of Dartmoor National Park, has been newly recognized as one of the top accommodations worldwide.

Prior to becoming a widely praised establishment, Gidleigh Park Its history has been shaped over the centuries through various periods of ownership and substantial changes. The earliest origins date back to the Prouz family, who were the owners of the estate starting from the 11th century. th to the 17 th century.

Many centuries afterward, the 608-acre property changed hands through sale, and in 1925, Australian magnate Charles Harold Campbell Mcllwraith reconstructed it using the classic Tudor architecture visible today. However, not long following his passing, Gidleigh Park shifted gears to become a modest inn. During this period from 1955 to 2004, under the diligent stewardship of Paul and Kay Henderson, the establishment’s prestige began to climb steadily, laying down strong foundations for what would follow. Then, in 2005, loyal patrons Andrew and Christina Brownsword took ownership of the venue and further cemented its position as one of Britain’s premier country-house hotels.

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Where tranquillity meets luxury

Nestled gracefully along the higher stretches of the River Teign, this hotel borders the edges of the Dartmoor National Park. Its splendid setting spans across 107 acres of varied terrain featuring lush gardens, historic woods, and vibrant wildflower fields, providing an immense feeling of peace.

This stunning Tudor-style countryside retreat combines historical charm with modern elegance. The property boasts meticulously crafted timber frames alongside interiors curated around artistic themes. It houses 24 opulent rooms, all uniquely decorated and christened after nearby notable sites, thanks to the thoughtful design input from the Brownsword clan. For added seclusion, visitors have the option to stay at the Pavilion—a quaint thatched-roof cabin situated just 350 yards away from the primary building—reached through a riverside pathway.

However, what distinguishes this hotel is its expansive grounds. Spanning across 107 acres, these areas feature large wildflower meadows, well-manicured croquet lawns, an 18-hole putting green designed by Peter Alliss, and a grass tennis court for guests interested in playing.

A haven of outstanding cuisine

Boasting a coveted Michelin star, the hotel’s restaurant stands out for its remarkable fine-dining experience. Under the guidance of Head Chef Ian Webber, the menu showcases top-notch, ingredient-focused dishes made primarily from premium seasonal items. A significant portion of these ingredients comes directly from the hotel’s private kitchen gardens, complementing an array of products representing the abundant variety found within the West Country region. Dishes such as his artfully arranged trout served with buttermilk, oyster leaf, sorrel, and horseradish, along with the Orkney scallops paired with three-cornered leeks, tarragon, and mussels, exemplify how he transforms regional fare into culinary masterpieces at their finest.

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