For those seeking an authentic English retreat, few destinations embody refinement, charm, and natural beauty quite like Lympstone Manor. Nestled on the tranquil Exe Estuary in Devon, this elegant country house hotel and vineyard offers the perfect balance of coastal serenity and countryside splendour. Michelin-starred dining, luxurious guest rooms and suites, cosy and comfortable shepherd huts, and sweeping estuary views come together to create a sanctuary of sophistication and relaxation.
A Haven of English Elegance
The magic of Lympstone Manor begins the moment you arrive. Surrounded by 28 acres of parkland and vineyards, the Manor overlooks the Exe Estuary, a landscape of tranquillity and timeless charm.
Each of the 21 individually designed rooms and suites reflects the beauty of Devon’s landscape, blending soft, natural tones with luxurious textures and elegant detail. For a more secluded stay, the Shepherd Huts nestled at the foot of the vineyard offer a uniquely indulgent countryside experience, perfect for those who wish to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying every modern comfort.
A Celebration of Season, Place, and Heritage
At the heart of the Lympstone Manor experience is its Michelin-starred restaurant, where Chef Owner Michael Caines MBE celebrates the best of Devon’s seasonal produce. Locally sourced ingredients, fresh produce, and locally caught seafood are transformed into dishes that capture the flavours of the region, paired beautifully with an exceptional wine list including wines from the Lympstone Manor Estate vineyard, which flourishes on the estate’s south-facing slopes.
Lympstone Manor, originally known as Courtlands House, dates back to the 18th century and owes much of its character to the Baring family, prominent merchants and bankers who extended and enhanced the property from the 1760s onwards. The Barings, founders of the renowned Barings Bank, transformed the once modest Georgian farmhouse into an elegant residence. They introduced sweeping verandas, parkland landscaping, and formal gardens that still influence the estate’s character today. Their vision shaped both the house and its surrounding landscape, creating the foundation for the manor’s enduring beauty and historical significance.
Lympstone village as we know it today was formed from three Domesday manors: Leveneston (Lympstone), Notteswille (Nutwell), and Sowden. The Saxon lord Saeward, recorded in 1086, once ruled Leveneston, from which the name ‘Lympstone’ evolved through various spellings over the centuries. During Saxon and medieval times, the village grew as a coastal trading hub, attracting wealth, development, and occasional raids due to its strategic position.
Beyond the estate, Devon’s rich history and heritage await exploration. The nearby cathedral city of Exeter offers centuries of architectural beauty and vibrant culture, while Plymouth’s historic waterfront recalls the voyages of the Mayflower and the spirit of maritime discovery. The surrounding landscapes tell their own timeless story, from the rugged wilderness of Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, to the dramatic cliffs and beaches of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that reveals 185 million years of Earth’s history.
City & Coast
For those wishing to combine city and coast, Lympstone Manor’s City & Coast: The Ultimate Luxury Getaway offers the perfect itinerary pairing the energy of London with the restorative calm of Devon’s countryside.
This curated escape invites you to enjoy two nights at The Stafford London, a haven of classic British elegance in the heart of St James’s, followed by two nights at Lympstone Manor. Whether you begin amidst the cultural vibrancy of London or the peaceful beauty of the South West, this seamless collaboration between The Stafford London and Lympstone Manor promises the perfect balance of luxury, heritage, and discovery.
A Journey Worth Taking
Reaching Lympstone Manor is wonderfully straightforward, whether travelling from within the UK or from further afield. From London Paddington, guests can enjoy a direct train to Exeter St David’s in approximately two hours, providing one of the most effortless routes to Devon’s picturesque coast. On arrival at Exeter St David’s, Exeter Central, or Tiverton Parkway, private transfers or executive cars can be arranged for the final part of your journey, delivering you to the Manor’s door in comfort and style.
For air travel, Exeter Airport is just a 20-minute transfer from the hotel and offers convenient connections from London City Airport, Manchester, and Glasgow.
US transfers now make travel from North America remarkably smooth, passengers can fly to and from Exeter Airport to major cities including New York, Chicago, and Toronto, with a brief stop in Dublin. Travellers are pre-cleared by US Customs in Ireland, and their luggage is seamlessly transferred, allowing for an effortless arrival experience. This route not only simplifies international travel but also provides an opportunity to enjoy a short visit to Ireland alongside your Devon trip.
Bristol Airport is around an hour and a half away, while London Heathrow connects easily to Paddington Station via the Heathrow Express, making onward travel by train both efficient and enjoyable.
The Lympstone Manor Reservations team are always available to assist with personalised travel itineraries, ensuring every detail of your journey is seamless and tailored to your preferences.
Explore, Unwind, Belong
Devon invites exploration at every turn. Wander along the South West Coast Path, discover hidden coves, or meander through market towns filled with independent shops and tearooms. Return to the comfort of the Manor for a fireside afternoon tea or a glass of Lympstone Manor’s own Classic Cuvee as the sun sets over the estuary.
Lympstone Manor is more than a destination, it is a feeling of escape, a sense of belonging, and a celebration of the very best of English hospitality. Whether for a restorative break, a romantic retreat, or a gastronomic journey, this is the art of slow living, beautifully refined.
Find out more and book your stay here: lympstonemanor.co.uk/stay
