Plantation House Hotel

My mother and I stayed for two nights at the beginning of April while we researched some family history in the area. It was supposed to be just a place to sleep at night, but it turned into the highlight of the trip.
The hotel is very small, and we were extremely lucky to have it to ourselves. The rooms are absolutely lovely, spotlessly clean and really well thought out — all individual. (gorgeous, luxurious bathrooms too!)
What makes this place so special is the food. As much as possible is sourced from foraging, from fishing, growing their own vegetables and from neighbouring farms. Therefore everything is fresh, local and seasonal. Having eaten at some of the top restaurants in the world, I was extremely impressed with the cooking here. It deserves a Michelin star (or two) and I believe that they do have a Michelin recommendation. Some examples from the menu include home made wild garlic bread, venison and scallops.
Breakfast was included in the price and was extremely generous and again, beautiful cooking. The full Devon breakfast is a beautiful feast, and my personal favourite touch was the homemade marmalade and jam that they were able to offer. There was loads of toast, croissants, fruit, juice, coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, porridge, and the fluffiest scrambled eggs I have ever had!
the attitude of the owners and staff is lovely too — extremely attentive, but relaxed and very happy to chat about recipes, how to forage, local attractions and directions! They even organised for us to go to the farmer’s estate down the road to look at his collection of rescued birds of prey — peregrine falcons, hawks, and a beautiful baby barn owl!
Finally the views are lovely — rolling hillsides, the river Erme and lots of trees and birds, plus the resident chickens! (who supply the scrambled eggs!) It’s truly a break from a hectic city life and we were in heaven sitting in the garden with a cup of tea and home made shortbread biscuits, listening to birdsong.
I simply cannot recommend this place highly enough, it’s unbelievably cheap for the exquisite quality that it offers and we loved every minute there!