A picturesque drive down a leafy country lane in Devon will bring you to the secluded splendour of Burncoose House, part of the Caerhays Estate. We visited as a party of six for a full weekend, and enjoyed a holiday we’ll never forget.
The driveway has gravel parking for multiple vehicles where as the lawn stretches languidly onto the private forest that is yours to explore at will. Beyond the trees there is an expansive lake and island but we won’t travel there just yet.
The huge oak double doors greet you as you arrive, securing the property and framing an entrance that takes the breath away as soon as you step inside. Tastefully decorated to reflect the era of the building, it’s immediately obvious that this is a property with all modern comforts supplied.
We headed straight to the kitchens while the children explored and found a local artisan hamper waiting for us. The kitchen was equipped with everything needed for a pleasant stay, for an instant hot water tap to a dishwasher, a large fridge freezer, two ovens and a microwave. An informal breakfast table sat adjacent to the kitchen island making this instantly a place we’d all gather at the beginning and the end of the day.
As we explored downstairs we found a large dining room, decorated tastefully with a huge mahogany dining table and chairs. A drawing room, with a large TV and soft comfortable sofas. A conservatory complete with exotic plants and a pool table plus a disco light, an office with another TV and a library of books, a utility room, table football and a hot tub squeezed in the back. The hot tub was already up to temperature and we couldn’t wait to step in.
Upstairs is vast with seven large bedrooms and a small studio for a nanny or au pair. Each room has an ensuite and a television that is easy to control. The bathrooms are equipped with crystal decanters of bubble bath, that softened the skin and smelt divine, while the beds wear crisp white cotton sheets and provide the best night’s sleep.
The whole property is steeped in history, and although it’s not far from amenities, it seems as though you’ve entered your own small paradise, deep in the woods. It’s secluded and private, yet open enough to provide the perfect base for a family and friends get together.
The children adored a long game of hide and seek while practicing their moves in the conservatory with the disco ball. We took a walk into the forest and found the vast lake and spotted wildlife galore.
It’s the ideal spot for bringing multiple groups of people together, as the house is so large no one feels on top pf the other, yet there’s still intimacy in the communal areas such as the kitchen and drawing room.
Sunday Woman highly recommends Burncoose House for a leisurely stay, a honeymoon, a hen weekend, a wedding, a family Christmas and a friend’s weekend away.