Devonshire House The South West

Traditional with a contemporary twist

If you are looking for time away where you can get the best of all worlds, look no further than Devon. This 19th century luxury accommodation has it all. Set in the middle of North Devon’s beautiful countryside, the house lies on the outskirts of the village of Chulmleigh so you have pubs, restaurants, the golf club and the church all an easy stroll away. In one direction you have the fantastic city of Exeter and in the other, North Devon’s celebrated coastline, each only a 45-minute car drive away.

Devonshire House, built in 1826, has retained the style and charm of the original design but with today’s panache and comforts (we love the superb range of lovingly selected arts and crafts). With ten beautiful bedrooms (eight of which have en-suite bathrooms), the house can sleep up to 20 guests. There are two reception rooms, an elegant dining area seating 18, and a fully equipped kitchen with a large table that seats an additional 8. The courtyard includes a yoga studio, well-equipped gym and gentlemen’s snooker room. Oh, and don’t forget the solar-heated swimming pool, infrared sauna, tennis court and croquet lawn.

Selected by Claire

Learn more about our handpicking process

Guest Reviews

What a special informal house, beautiful setting, lovely rooms and spacious enough to accommodate our large family and friends, this wonderful house helped make this such a memorable Christmas.

Jamie, London

I just wanted to say thanks for letting us use your lovely house last weekend. A marvellous time was had by all, and everyone remarked at the beauty and wonder of the house and its grounds. It was Lindsey's and my third visit, and we love it more each time.

John, Bath

Gallery

Highlights Facilities Grounds Kitchen and Dining Living Spaces Bedrooms Bathrooms All

Swimming Pool

Dining Room

Living Room

Tennis Court

Bedroom

Alfresco Dining

Games Room

List of Rooms & Floor Plans (PDF)

What to expect

We’ve tried to think about everything to make your stay at Devonshire House just perfect. In all of our big houses to rent, we provide all the essential features to cater for a large group. Here’s a list of all the practical provisions we have at the house. If there’s anything you can’t see here but need, just ask as we’ll see what we can do.

Luxury organic cotton bed linen and fluffy towels
Well-equipped kitchen with Aga, large gas oven and microwave
Elegant dining area seating 18 people (plus an additional table in the adjacent kitchen that seats 8)
Wi-Fi internet
Yoga/dance studio
Games room with snooker table, sofas, TV, board games, books and piano
Well-equipped gym with multi trainer machine, power plate, boxing kit, weights and mats plus a professional table tennis table
Solar-heated, salt water swimming pool (available all year round but heated from end May - beginning September only)
Infrared sauna
All-weather tennis court
Croquet lawn
Outdoor table seating 18 people for al fresco dining on the patio
EV charging point (additional cost)

Location

Situated in the unspoiled North Devon countryside, nestled between Exmoor and Dartmoor. Set in 5 acres of landscaped gardens and 14 acres of river meadows.

House FAQs

What are the check in and check out times?

Check in is at 4pm on the day of your arrival at Devonshire House, and check out is at 10am.
Are pets allowed?

Up to five well behaved dogs are welcome at Devonshire House, subject to a fee of £50 per dog. Dogs are not allowed in any of the bedrooms or on the soft furnishings and must sleep downstairs in the utility room.
Is the outdoor pool open year-round?

The outdoor solar-heated, salt water swimming pool is available all year round but please note it is only heated from the end of May until the beginning of September.
Is the house suitable for children?

Yes, children are very welcome at Devonshire House. One travel cot is provided (please bring your own cot bedding).
Are there local places to eat you can recommend?

Yes. We'd suggest the following pubs and restaurants are within a short drive of Devonshire House:

The Red Lion in Chulmleigh (within a short walk from Devonshire House)

The Red Lion is a hotel/bar/restaurant providing great value “gastro” pub grub, and a range of beers, fine ales and wines. The venue often hosts a variety of events for children and adults including music.

The Old Court House in Chulmleigh

A traditional thatched country inn dating from 1633. Charles 1 stayed at the inn in 1634 on his first tour of the West Country and an original Royal House of Stuart Coat of Arms is still on the premises.

The Fox & Hounds in Chulmleigh

Tucked away in the heart of the glorious Devon countryside, set on the banks of the River Taw amongst the scenic landscape of the Tarka Trail.

The Malt Scoop Inn in Merton, Okehampton

Set back from the road in the pretty North Devon village of Merton stands the thatched Malt Scoop Inn. The interior of the Malt Scoop matches its idyllic exterior, with a traditional, unpretentious front bar serving local ales from the likes of St Austell Brewery and fantastic pub food.

The Mole Resort in Chittlehamholt, Umberleigh

A fine dining restaurant with panoramic windows offering stunning views across the rolling Devon hills, down the Mole Valley and towards Exmoor, creating an unrivalled setting to enjoy the best of Devon’s local produce.
How many guests can sit at the dining table?

The dining table can seat 18 guests comfortably. There is an additional table for 8 in the adjacent kitchen.
Are there any house rules we need to be aware of?
Yes, to ensure you have a wonderful and memorable stay at Devonshire House, we ask that you understand the following important house rules:
No fireworks please
Stag parties are not permitted at this property. Respectful hen parties are sometimes permitted, but only with express permission from the property owner prior to booking. Please contact us to discuss.
How far is the studio from the main house?

The yoga studio, games room and gym are located in the courtyard, a very short walk from the main house.
Does anyone else live on site?

Please note the owners have separate accommodation in the courtyard studio apartment and may be resident during your stay. While they are on hand in case there is a problem, their intention is to be very discreet and only be present should you need them.
What is the nearest train station to Devonshire House?

The nearest train station is Eggesford, just two miles away from Devonshire House.
What is the nearest airport to Devonshire House?

Devonshire House is just under an hour's drive from Exeter Airport (55 minutes).
Will you hold a damage deposit during our stay?

Yes, we ask to hold a cautionary deposit of £1,500 during your stay at Devonshire House. This is requested just two weeks prior to your stay, and is returned shortly after, assuming no damage to the property or its contents (see our Booking T&Cs for more information).
How do I book?

You can check availability and pricing for Devonshire House, and place your booking request online, or by calling our team on 01242 352 747.