The devil really is in the detail at the Glazebrook House, a boutique hotel in South Devon which has taken its design inspiration from Alice in Wonderland.
Voted best boutique hotel for 2018 by Visit England, the Georgian manor has been beautifully restored with flair by owners Fran and Pieter Hamman, who are sure to give you a warm welcome on arrival.
Where is it
Set in secluded grounds, just outside South Brent on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park, the hotel makes for a perfect base from which to explore the gorgeous surrounding countryside or nearby coastline.
Stunning seaside resorts, such as Salcombe, Hope Cove and Thurlestone and Bantham beaches, are around a half hour drive away and if you don't want to stray too far, the hotel can recommend a number of walks which will lead you past local historical sites.
We recommend the nearby Turtley Corn Mill pub, where chickens roam free in the large beer garden, for a refreshing pit stop.
How to get there
As a car-less couple, we caught the train and enjoyed the stunning journey from London Paddington to Totnes, from where it's about a 20-minute drive to Glazebrook House. However, driving to the hotel would have been a better idea as that would have made it easier to explore the surrounding area when we got there.
Style
Timothy Oulton is the man behind the impressive and imaginative interiors. Think leather headboards, sumptuous giant beds – that you just sink into after a good blast of country air – opulent fabrics, handmade furnishings and chandeliers everywhere.
Lose yourself browsing the hundreds of quirky vintage and retro finds.
From the ornate carvings in the fireplace and clever riddles hidden on the walls, we can guarantee you won't notice half of them at first glance.
Which room
There are nine uniquely decorated bedrooms, each named after Alice in Wonderland characters, like Mad Hatter and The White Rabbit - the star of which has to be the latter (above), which features two giant playing cards above the bed.
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All of the rooms have a complimentary mini bar packed with beer, wine, soft drinks and fresh milk (a thoughtful touch after a long journey).
Fluffy white gowns, slippers, in-room iPads and White Company toiletries also feature.
The bathrooms are a major highlight of a night's stay here.
Most have walk-in showers, his and hers sinks, deep freestanding baths and beautifully tiled marble floors.
Facilities
Glazebrook House also boasts a restaurant, bar, chef's table, library and wine and whisky tasting room.
Food & Drink
Before you get seated in the dining room, it's well worth stopping for a tipple at the red marble bar, as Pieter will whizz you up a fine aperitif from an extensive cocktail list. If the weather's nice, take it down to the bottom of the garden which makes for the perfect suntrap for sundowners in the summer. If it's cold outside, grab a leather chair and sit by the roaring fire.
The food at the Glazebrook House Hotel restaurant was another highlight of our stay. Executive chef Ben Palmer oversees the exquisite menu, alongside head chef Josh Ackland.
We ate from the à la carte and I had the melt-in-your mouth lamb, although the steak was also phenomenal. Treat yourself to one of the Michelin-worthy desserts or tuck into the cheese trolley. For those looking for something even fancier, there are six and eight-course taster menus available as well.
All of the produce is sourced within 50 miles of the hotel and nowhere can you taste this more than in the full English breakfast, which features lots of tasty local produce and perfectly sets you up for a day of country walks.
What to Instagram
The standout room for me has to be the rather grand hallway and staircase, where dark walls are illuminated by a large skylight, yet more chandeliers, and set off with a bright red tartan carpet.
Look up and there are more than 20 snare drums mounted on the walls along with plenty of quirky prints and portraits – you really will feel like you've fallen down the rabbit hole.
Best for
Foodies who will appreciate an eccentric and fun twist on interiors, and are after a luxurious but cosy weekend escape in the lush Devonshire countryside.
DETAILS
Doubles start from £139 per night
