If you’re looking for a traditional country house getaway, in the West Country, Highbullen Hotel is the perfect destination. Set in a stunning estate, Highbullen has recently been refurbished to the tune of £7 million, and is equipped with everything to help usher away the city fog that can creep in when you’ve spent too much time in the rat race.
Each of the hotel’s rooms are unique with quirks and jaw dropping views to inspire a complete appreciation of the quintessential English rural landscapes. You’ll have no trouble sinking into its cloud like beds and drifting off in the silence that only comes when falling asleep in the countryside. What’s more, its divine, locally sourced menus will have you feeling like a new person in no time at all.
Whether you want to blow away the cobwebs walking on Exmoor, take a swim with views of the countryside vistas, or maybe work out stress on the tennis courts or golf course, Highbullen is the place to reset yourself. If you’re looking for a bit more space to yourself, Highbullen also has a fantastic range of self-catering accommodation located in idyllic cottages in the estate grounds, from 3-5 bedrooms (and 2 further 2 bedroom apartments planned), it’ll be the Devon getaway you’ve dreamed of.
Having recently won Gold and Bronze at The South West Tourism Business Awards and Gold and Silver at The Devon Tourism Awards in the past 6 months, Highbullen is helping bring rural retreats back into vogue, and has also been nominated as one of five finalists in the coveted Business Tourism category at the National Visit England Tourism Awards, to be held in March 2016.
Dining
Highbullen Hotel offers a range of dining options, from fine dining to a classic Devon Cream Tea and is committed to using only the finest quality local suppliers (including farm produce, game from local shoots, and fish sourced from the North Devon coast). This allows them to support neighbourhood businesses and ensure guests are party to a dining experience that immerses them in the world of North Devon.
The Devon View Restaurant has stunning views across the rolling Devon hills to Exmoor. It’s an unrivalled setting to indulge in some of Devon’s finest produce. The kitchen is headed up by Stephen Walker who has worked at some of the finest hotels in the West Country as well as iconic restaurants including The Savoy. Stephen proudly takes inspiration for his Devon View menu from the surrounding countryside. The menus are created using ingredients sourced from the bountiful local farming community to create a wonderful dining experience. Changing daily, and reflecting the seasons that are so evident in the surrounding countryside you can expect to see varied and imaginative dishes gracing the menu. From rabbit one week, to lobster the next, no two visits will ever be the same. Highbullen is also able to offer guests intimate dining, as well as private dining facilities for entertaining and special occasions.
Cellars, the Restaurant and Bar, with adjacent Billiards Rooms, is a cosy, comfortable area to relax and enjoy a drink and good company. It is Highbullen’s more informal dining option, offering simple, quality food, which will hit the spot when you’re not looking to go all out.
The Drawing Room and Morning Room offer true Devon hospitality, ideal for morning coffee overlooking the dramatic sweeping vistas of the Mole Valley and Exmoor. Whether you fancy a traditional Devon cream tea, Afternoon Tea, or the extra special Champagne Cream Tea Highbullen can satisfy the most discerning palate. From chocolate drizzled strawberries to celebration cakes, the menu at Highbullen will not fail to impress.
Weddings and Events
Highbullen has developed an enviable reputation for hosting many of North Devon`s top social events, and with the development of the award winning Palazzo they have an incredible venue which is fast becoming one of the county’s top banqueting and event destinations. With stunning barrelled ceilings, feature domes, statues and pillars built in the Tuscan order of architecture; this venue never fails to impress.
The Grounds
Highbullen Hotel is set in 125 acres of mature parkland which rolls into the surrounding Mole Valley and Exmoor countryside. These are kept in pristine condition by its army of groundsman. The team are more than encouraging for you to get out and enjoy the grounds and there are plenty of ways to do so. Whether it’s a gentle stroll to spot some of the wildlife that live within the grounds, a round of golf or tennis tournament with family and friends.
Leisure
Just off The Cellars Bar is the Billiard Room. With a full size snooker table and other games, it is an ideal place to relax, enjoy good company and perhaps a few traditional games. For those looking to get moving, Highbullen has outdoor tennis courts, fully equipped gym, heated 20m indoor pool with panoramic views of Exmoor, an outdoor pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. The multi sports simulator allows you virtual access to 80 golf courses, plus 7 other sporting activities giving another slightly different option for the whole family.
The hotel is also surrounded by an 18-hole USGA specification golf course, set in richly wooded parkland with breath-taking views across to both Dartmoor and Exmoor, designed to challenge and delight the avid golfer. In addition, a vast back catalogue of local knowledge, from cycling, to horse-riding and clay shooting, means the team at Highbullen can help you organise the perfect countryside break. Highbullen are also hosts to a number of specialist breaks, including pilates and painting if you’re looking to focus on building skills in an inspiring and relaxing environment.
Address: Highbullen Hotel, Golf & Country Club, Chittlehamholt, Umberleigh, North Devon, EX37 9HD
