I recently had the pleasure of a most-delightful 24-hours staying at Hotel Endsleigh, a Grade I listed, 16-bedroom fishing and shooting lodge designed in the cottage orné style by Regency architect Sir Jeffry Wyatville, (meaning it was intended to fit with its surroundings). Now a boutique hotel, opened in 2005, after extensive renovations by current owner, designer and hotelier, Olga Polizzi. Daughter of legendary hotelier Charles Forte and brother of Rocco, Olga is hotel royalty and not a stranger to the real thing too as apparently Prince Charles himself has a real fondness for Endlseigh. I have to say I’m with him on this one.

Hidden away down a private mile-long driveway, the country house sits in a secret valley on the edge of Dartmoor with the most stunning views that go on for miles. It’s hard to convey just how spectacular Endsleigh is without sounding trite but I shall try.

Originally owned by the Duke of Bedford, Endsleigh has historical links by the bucketload, from the fairytale landscaped gardens by 18^th Century designer Humphry Repton to the hexagonal shell house filled with decorative shells. It is a very well-cared for and incredibly beautiful country manor that feels like home as soon as you set foot through the door – even if it is just for one night. The service is friendly, discrete and refined allowing you to relax and really kick back knowing your every need is taken care of. There are several relaxing spaces to curl up with a good book, from the lounge with roaring open fires and deep sofas to the terraces outside – a little too cold for us to enjoy during our visit  – but the heated lamps and blankets they put out for you make up for the chill in the air.

The interior décor throughout is exceptionally beautiful without trying too hard to impress. Everything perfectly complements the countryside setting, from the deep, lush green shades of the textiles, to the rows of green hunter wellies for country rambling and the subtle botanical references in the artwork. Each of the 15 bedrooms has it’s own distinct styling and collection of antique curios.

The absolute jewel in Endsleigh’s crown is without doubt the majestic and magical 108 acres of woodland and gardens by the side of the River Tamar and the spectacular views. Like stepping into a fantasy fairytale they feature an array of mature trees such as the Endsleigh Pink rhododendrons, magnolia and Japanese maple all magnificently blending together. The giant rhubarb are a sight to behold and whilst we were there the wild garlic was in full bloom providing a carpet of white beneath our feet.  The views are the most incredible I have ever seen and would provide such an atmospheric backdrop to a wedding day.

This is a venue that truly cares about the little details and they are immensely proud to admit it. As a wedding space they only work exclusively so that they can offer clients that once-in-a-lifetime experience of a country house wedding with a difference.

If I was choosing Endsleigh as my wedding venue then the unique gardens would be my choice of space to say my vows – with the legalities covered in advance of course – I would have a humanist ceremony in the space by the little wooden bridge, with my guests gathered around on the pathways below. I could not think of anything more magical.

The specifics:

♥ Available for exclusive use only.

♥ 15 bedrooms accommodating 30 guests- they have close links with nearby hotels and B&B’s to offer further accommodation.

♥ There are various licensed spaces available for a wedding ceremony – including all of the ground floor rooms as well as the Shell House, a unique and quirky little grotto and the Parterre –  an ornamental garden with covered space and beautiful trailing vines with peach roses in full bloom come June.

♥ For the reception again many options are available with the choice of the restaurant and library area to accommodate up to 80 guests for dining, or alternatively they have a unique space within the stable block – once a cinema room with carved lantern spaces – offering either banquet style refectory dining or round tables.

♥ Outside the stable block is a pretty courtyard that they fill with benches, fire pits and lanterns for guests to enjoy this space in the evening – dancing can be in this room also.

♥ They can also accommodate a marquee on the top lawn for 150 – a clearspan style would be best for this so as to make the most of that atmospheric view.