Highbullen Hotel Review

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Highbullen Hotel – a countryside Devon gem

City life is fantastic, but sometimes it’s good to get away from the hustle and bustle and just be able to relax, rejuvenate and unwind. And if that is what you’re looking for, I have the ideal place.

Set in 125 acres of North Devonshire countryside is Highbullen Hotel, an idyllic country house and ideal break destination. Nestled in-between Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks and within easy reach of the Devon County Town of Exeter, this is a Hotel that offers the escapism of an isolated retreat without actually being out of the way. 

The room

Highbullen offers a range of luxury accommodations and since its refurbishment in 2013 each and every room is warm, welcoming and inviting whilst still retaining the rustic charm of the building. Whilst I stayed at the Hotel I was in the Lawrence Olivier Suite – named aptly so for the famous actor used to frequent this room during his trips to Devon. Situated on the ground floor and with the tumbling views of the Devonshire countryside rolling out as far as the eye can see it is certainly worth spending a little more to stay here. The finely pruned golf course gives way to a patchwork palette of greens and browns with splashes of bracken and forestry in the distance and when the morning sunrise breaks through the mist it’s clear to see just why this room is so popular.

The room itself is furnished in an 18th-century periodic style, with a hard-wood antique bed being a predominant feature. Earthy tones reflecting the magnificent views are splashed all throughout the room with mahogany furniture and avocado-coloured armchairs. A pair of beautiful antique-style curtains separate the bedroom from the window/living area and add a further injection of grandeur style.
This is an ideal and cosy hub to ebb away your stress, read a book in the armchair and just take in the atmosphere.

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Highbullen Hotel Devon

The Spa

Whilst staying at Highbullen Hotel, access to their spa and leisure facilities are included and well worth a visit. The spa includes a sauna, pool and hot tub- with the hot tub offering breathtaking views whilst you sit back and relax. Whilst this isn’t somewhere you could spend a whole day, it is an ideal way to unwind after a busy morning exploring the grounds.

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Dining

Hughbullen offers two main dining options for your stay and I would recommend you try both. Cellars is a more informal choice in an ambient and cosy room beneath the Hotel. Here you can observe the chic, contemporary decor, revel in the fascinating history the hotel holds and sit back and just take in the atmosphere. Just off of Cellars is the Billiards room – a beautiful and comfortable area to relax and enjoy a drink and game or two. Menu choices vary from pastas and pizzas to grills and fish options and with prices averaging at about £10 a dish it won’t break the bank either. highbullen Hotel Devon
The other restaurant, The Devon View, offers a more fine dining option. This restaurant was situated below our room so offered the same spectacular views. Devon View chefs create their menus using ingredients sourced from an extensive variety of local produce to create a wonderful dining experience and the restaurant can offer intimate dining as well as private dining facilities for entertaining and special occasions.
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Breakfast is served in the Devon View Restaurant and if you can get a table by the window to watch the sun rise over the hills, make sure you do. It’s well worth it.
There are a range of continental options (the pain au chocolat are divine) as well as other hot bites such as a full English, porridge and Haddock with poached egg. Breakfast at Highbullen is not one to be missed!
highbullen Hotel Devon

Things to do

Highbullen is host to an 18-hole USGA specification golf course, tennis courts, croquet, fishing and shooting so there is more than enough to keep you occupied on site. If you wish to venture out, the Hotel is surrounded by pretty Devon villages, country pubs and gardens. (Castle Hill and RHS Rosemoor gardens are both worth visiting.) The beaches of the North Devon coastline are a short drive away and a beautiful destination to take a picnic or simply go for a walk.
 For a wonderful and unforgettable stay right in the heart of Devon look no further than Highbullen.
Great Little Breaks’ Devonshire Dining Retreat costs from £135 pp (based on two sharing) including two nights’ luxury accommodation at the Highbullen Hotel, Golf & Country Club, a bottle of Prosecco on arrival, a full English breakfast each morning, and a three-course dinner on the second evening. Visitwww.greatlittlebreaks.com or call  01905 792801
Natasha Colyer
Natasha Colyerhttps://seeninthecity.co.uk
My name is Natasha and I am the Editor and Founder of Seen in the City. I have always loved to express myself creatively, most particularly through my writing, and after working for a number of other companies including Vogue and My Chic City I decided to head out on my own and Seen in the City was born. You can contact me on natasha@seeninthecity.co.uk

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