Weeke Barton is one of the loveliest hotels I have stayed in! It reminded me of another of my favourite places to stay – The Lancrigg in the Lake District – as it nails that same cosy, laid back country weekend vibe. Given how lovely Weeke Barton is, and the price of most hotels in the South West of the same calibre, I think it also offers seriously good value for a weekend away.
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Need To Know
The Headline Rustic longhouse meets hipster cool on the edge of Dartmoor
Best For Style conscious travellers looking for a cosy stay with a dash of luxury
Amenities Breakfast included, dinner also available. Small bar with honesty box.
Getting There Only 20 minutes drive from Exeter. Trains from London take around two hours.
Getting Around A car is essential as public transport is very limited around Dartmoor. Once you are out on the moors, hiking boots are a must to explore the famous tors and rugged landscapes.
Price Doubles from £150 per night
THE LOCATION
Although only a twenty minute drive from Exeter, Weeke Barton’s setting on the very edge of Dartmoor National Park feels distinctly rural. Immediately to the west are the vast moorlands and tors of Dartmoor, and to the south west the lovely coastal towns and beaches of Teignmouth and Holcombe.
Exeter is about two hours from London by train, and the airports at Exeter and Bristol (77 miles) are the closest.
THE ROOMS
There are six rooms to choose from – five in the main building, and one standalone room in the garden. It is also possible to rent out the whole house for a function. It would be a fabulous place to spend a weekend with a group of friends and family.
I stayed in the “Henry” room – high beamed wooden ceilings, white washed walls and a large en suite with shower. The sheepskin covered window seat was seriously lovely, and such a relaxing spot to sit and watch the gardens or read. The giant super king beds are super comfortable – the kind of sink-in-and-stay-for-days type of mattress I dream of at home!
There is no TV signal in the rooms, but a selection of DVDs are available.
Dogs welcome (£15 per night – book in advance).
THE EXTRAS
Weeke Barton is a 500 year old building – dating from 1140, it is said to be the oldest traditional longhouse in the area. The vibe is distinctly hipster. Think soft jazz in the common areas and very cool design features – but in a genuine, unforced way. Sometimes, I find design hotels can make you feel a bit on edge as you are never quite sure what is for show, and what is actually mean to be sat on! Weeke Barton offers the opposite. Despite the fact a lot of thought has clearly gone into creating the vintage, eclectic décor, it successfully retains the inviting, cosy feel of a small bed and breakfast.
Breakfast was excellent – fantastic fresh local apple juice, and some super juicy Devon sausages. Dinner is also served, with no menu but dishes of the day. Book in advance and let them know of any dietary requirements. Almost everything is homemade, and if not, locally sourced. If you ask in advance, Weeke Barton will also make up picnic lunches.
Communal areas feature a large dining room, and a lounge with huge leather sofas and a log-burning stove. There is a small bar with an honesty box. There are five acres of private garden, with fire pits, hidden nooks to sit in and a boules set.
THE LESS LOVEABLE
The lane that leads to Weeke Barton is very narrow! This is most definitely not unusual in Devon, but it may lead to a few nervous moments for drivers less familiar with the windy country lanes of South West England.
Check my sleep series for other wonderful places around the world to stay.
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