Bovey Castle is an imposing Edwardian mansion, converted to a lavish country house hotel near the village of Moretonhampstead in the Dartmoor National Park. It is one of Devon’s, if not the UK’s, most elegant hotels, and captures the imagination like no other. Set in its own extensive grounds amidst the brooding, melancholy splendour of Dartmoor, Bovey Castle is the perfect destination for those looking to leave behind the vexations of everyday life and retire awhile to a place of calm and relaxation; a place that seems so far away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world; and a place of unique character and charm, which harnesses the elegance and luxury of a bygone age, adds a touch of modern convenience, and delivers a satisfying package that has visitors flocking from all over the UK (and beyond) to experience its delights.

Built for Viscout Hambledon - the son of affluent businessman WH Smith – for his private residence in 1906, Bovey Castle was crafted with no expense spared or corners cut. It is apt, then, that its renovation and transformation to a country house hotel one century later should similarly be an exercise in grand design and bold statement, with the very highest quality fixtures and fittings used throughout. A somewhat eclectic melting pot of styles, Bovey Castle’s remarkable interior draws on influences from medieval, art deco, post-modern and Victorian schools of thought. The result is a hotel with a unique and charming, if slightly eccentric, character.

There have been no shortcuts taken when it comes to facilities at Bovey Castle either; the hotel’s 65 rooms are sumptuous and beautifully appointed, each with its own unique design and each full of thoughtful touches; there is also a highly commended restaurant, in which a menu of sublime dishes is presented and served in elegant surroundings; and, as with many of the most sought-after countryside retreats these days, there is a veritable wealth of leisure and spa facilities. Bovey Castle features a challenging 18-hole golf course, which was designed as a sister to the esteemed Gleneagles and Turnberry championship courses. Not only are golfing aficionados catered for at Bovey Castle, but also those looking for a soothing and relaxing place of serenity and calm – the hotel’s recently added Spa facility offers a host of spa, health and beauty treatments to allow you to indulge yourself and drift away. Add to this a seemingly endless list of outdoor pursuits such as archery, fishing, clay pigeon shooting and some rather more extreme activities, and you have a very impressive package for luxury leisure breaks, set off by the dramatic and beautiful surroundings of Dartmoor.