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This ornate country house on the banks of the River Tamar near Milton Abbot was built in 1812 for Georgina, Duchess of Bedford. Now owned by Olga Polizzi, it opened as a hotel last August. The building, which is set in 108 acres of landscaped gardens and forest on the edge of Dartmoor, has been immaculately restored to its Regency glory, replete with oak floors and panelled walls. Every room is a treasure trove of interesting antiques (big porcelain urns, marble busts, oriental armoires) and contemporary fabrics in classic Georgian colours. The 16 bedrooms, each unique in shape and size, have huge beds, Art Deco lamps, elegant armchairs upholstered in sage green and muted yellow, and dressers piled high with books. Delicious, traditional English food (Devon beef; sticky toffee pudding) is dished up in the ground-floor dining room, and there is also a lounge bar, several drawing rooms and a library where tea and scones are served at 4pm. Almost all the public rooms have open fireplaces and overlook expansive lawns (including one for croquet and another for archery) and the salmon-and-trout-filled river. Despite its grandeur, this is the sort of place where you can kick off your shoes and pad about in socks, in true house-party spirit.
WHEN TO GO
With plenty of roaring fires, its a winner all year round.
ROOM TO BOOK
Room Eight, a huge double once slept in by Queen Victoria, with wonderful, listed, hand-painted wallpaper.
CONTACT
Hotel Endsleigh Milton Abbot, Tavistock, Devon (01822 870000; www.hotelendsleigh.com).
COST
Doubles from £200; suites from £360
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