Hotel review: Highbullen Hotel, North Devon, England

Most people who know me know I love the great outdoors and expansive coastlines and I have a penchant for country manor houses - especially those with a relaxing spa and an abundance of oversized sofas that invite you to curl up with a good book and glass of red, post outdoor adventure, of course.

After my recent visit to the breathtaking Isle of Anglesey in North Wales for the Zest Life retreat, a trip East to the northern coastline of Devon seemed like the perfect next step in my exploration of the wonderful UK isle.
 
The vibe and location
 
Located in North Devon, Highbullen Hotel is the ideal base for exploring Exmoor and beyond.  Dating back to 1879, this contemporary manor house set within a sprawling 127-acre estate boasts magnificent views across the Mole Valley and Exmoor National Park. Exceptionally inviting, this classic country manor offers sumptuous living quarters and a relaxed atmosphere combined with modern luxuries, making it the ideal place for a much needed respite, and when ready, the perfect spot to explore North Devon.

The rooms
The country house lobby offers classically decorated drawing rooms off the main hall and invites you to drop your bags at the front desk and sprint to find your best viewing spot.  

 The main building, a Victorian Arts and Craft manor house, is home to 12 beautiful bedrooms, all individually decorated with their own charm.  The spectacular award-winning Loft Suite comes complete with its own steam room and infrared sauna, while a further 30 bedrooms can be found throughout the Estate in The Courtyard, Gardener’s Row, Golf View and Stable Cottage.  Highbullen also offers four luxurious self-catering cottages.

The Loft Suite

It’s the little touches that make each room welcoming; the classic William Morris style fabrics, beautiful floral and old English styled rooms, very super comfy beds, with a higher than normal level, definitely made me feel like a princess in a castle; a room with a view.   Each room has tea and coffee making facilities and bright airy bathrooms with ample space to indulge in those well needed self-spa moments; a lovely hot bubble bath while enjoying cosmetic minis from The White Company.  There was even a spot to carefully rest my iPad and catch up on Netflix - bliss.

The Spa
The spa and leisure centre at Highbullen Hotel is a dream, especially in the warmer months, which provide plenty of possibilities to enjoy the outdoors.   A short walk from the main house, facilities include seven all-weather tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool and an 18-hole golf course set in a wooded parkland. Indoors, guests can make use of a 20-metre indoor swimming pool with a sauna, steam-room and Jacuzzi. 

Highbullen Hotel has partnered with leading skincare brand, ELEMIS to offer a wide range of wonderful spa treatments.   I indulged in the pool, steam and sauna before enjoying a great ELEMIS collagen facial, hoping to erase some of the years!  It was a very calming, enjoyable treatment, so much so I almost fell asleep and needless to say, my skin felt exceptional for a few days afterwards. I will definitely be diving into one of those treatments again very soon.

Food and Drink
There are plenty of dining options at Highbullen.  Formal dining takes place in the  2 AA Rosette Devon View Restaurant, under the careful watch of head chef Stephen Walker.  The elegant dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows, granting spectacular panoramic views.  The menu showcases seasonal and local produce with a modern British theme across all dishes.  An extensive wine list offers wines from the old and new worlds and staff can suggest wine pairings.   We enjoyed a night in the restaurant and dined on the a la carte menu and enjoyed a delicious selection of courses.  The chef served up an amuse-bouche of tomato soup, with snippets of coriander, a burst of flavours and rich tomato flavour and creativity point of view.  We followed this with a choice of steak, and local Hake with spring green risotto, served with care and consideration; an impressive bouquet of flavours

Highbullen recently opened Laura Ashley The Tea Room. Designed in the distinctive Laura Ashley style, the room accommodates 74 covers, providing guests with unrivalled views bringing together the quintessence of England: the timelessness of afternoon tea, elegant country living and one of the most iconic English brands. This space is converted into The Supper Room between 6pm and 10pm daily.  The casual dining menu here includes a wide style of dining options that will entice everyone including; ‘small plates and sharing platters’ priced from £4.50, ‘big eats’ priced from £12.50, ‘pizza and pasta’ priced from £11.00, ‘salads’ and ‘desserts’ priced from £6.50.
 
We enjoyed the Champagne Afternoon Tea, I requested a gluten free option and it was exceptionally a like for like with my dining partners non-gluten free option and the staff were very accommodating.

​Champagne afternoon tea - don't mind if we do!

The Local Area
Highbullen Hotel’s location in North Devon is the ideal base for exploring Exmoor and beyond.  The walks in this area are particularly spectacular in the warmer months when the sun sets later in the day, allowing more time to discover this magical part of Devon. 

​Travelling further afield
With the coastal resort of Ilfracombe only a short drive away, we recommend a trip to see the old Victorian bathing tunnels and beaches, the Damien Hirst Verity statue or indulge in some real Devon ice cream from Hockings; a local family run business, of course after a classic paper-wrapped portion of fish and chips.  And if you are in the car, take the coastal road on to Croyde, a route that's not be missed for some of the best views of the coastline.
 
There is an intimate green charm to walks around Exmoor. The Moors also provide plenty of myth and legend to explore. But walking here is a joy and walkers will encounter subtle blends of prehistoric past and wilderness present. Highbullen can provide written and mapped walk details for 6 walks local to the hotel.

The verdict
With its exceptional location, this hotel may be suited for the traveller with a penchant for classic country comfort teamed with adventure for the outdoors.

The details
Bed and Breakfast is priced from £110 per room per night

Highbullen Hotel
Chittlehamholt
Umberleigh
North Devon
EX37 9HD 
​
www.highbullen.co.uk

Best bits
The Laura Ashley team room and afternoon tea, perfect sweet treat whist gazing out onto the Exmouth moors and imagining the possible.
 
Worst bits
Staff being a bit more attentive at breakfast time when separate items not necessarily of the set menu were ordered, this would have really tip topped the stay for me.
 
Most suited for
Those wanting an escape to the country, a location to beat many to explore the North Devon coastline.

Rosanna Head
* During my visit I was hosted by the lovely team at Highbullen Hotel. All opinions are my own. Photography courtesy of Highbullen Hotel. 

Our experience overall 
The property: ★★★★★
Ambiance: ★★★★★
Food & Drink: ★★★★★
Staff friendliness / attentiveness:  ★★★★★