Knole Farm at Bridestowe review by Jill Pendleton.

Knole Farm, Bridestowe, Okehampton EX20 4HA. Telephone 01837 861241

Quite frankly, I don't know how Mavis Bickle fits all that work in.
Her welcoming farmhouse B&B is as tidy indoors as it is out.

Her large garden is very well tended and has an absolutely superb private view across beautiful Dartmoor.
With benches for guests to sit outdoors and a large conservatory with comfy chairs that overlooks her lovely
garden, of which she is justifiably proud. The perfect spot to enjoy coffee after one of her evening meals.

This is a working farm and Mavis is a keen gardener who clearly thinks about making her guests feel utterly welcome. Everything is well considered. Bedrooms have quality wallpaper and fabrics. It's comfortable, clean and fresh.

This large room has 2 singles and one double bed. So perfect as either a double or a twin. with plenty of space to move about. All bedrooms look out over the garden and come with tv and en-suite shower room or en-suite bathroom.

The family room has a chic bathroom has fabulous red wallpaper, a bath and a shower, and is utterly gorgeous

This lovely room above, with curved bay window has a full sized double and a single side by side, and Mavis is
happy for this room to be used as a twin, so if one partner is, er ... how shall we say, portly, (overweight ?) this is the perfect solution. Or if a guest with a child, that they would like in the same bedroom, this too fits the bill.

Another double en-suite room is at the front of the house, plus this dedicated single room with good sized bathroom.
You won't find one of those irritating noisy mini fridges in your bedroom, oh no, for your fresh milk,
you will find a proper fridge that was designed with bedrooms in mind. Quiet fridges make for happy sleepers !
My pal Pat and I called in on Mavis one morning in June after she had served full English breakfasts and given the bedrooms a thorough daily cleaning. I liked all of the impressive bedrooms.

The breakfast menu offers everything you could want on your cooked breakfast, grilled bacon, egg, sausage, grilled tomaties, mushrooms, fried bread, baked beans and hash browns. No stupid note that you may take 4 of the choices listed. I do so hate it when landladies are mean minded. If you don't want the Full English then how about salmon fish cakes with scrambled or poached egg? or grilled kippers. Mavis's kitchen is a typical farm kitchen.

If you fancy porridge, or prunes, a boiled egg or a yogurt, maybe some fruit juice. It's all here for you.
We did have a chat about the evening meals and all agreed that holidaymakers love the usual home made puddings.
Real stuff like bread and butter pud, apple pie, sponge puddings. I find that farmer's wives know all about decent portions, so I can tell you now that you won't go hungry at Knole Farm.

There is a stained glass window panel in the front door at Knole Farm. It is inscribed with the word perseverance.
From the look of all the hard work at the house, it was a good word to choose.

Robert and I take time off at the end of the season. We're able to watch the local forecast and nip off for 2 or 3 nights especially in the autumn when Dartmoor has such wonderful colours on show. So now that I have seen the comfort inside Mavis's wonderful bed and breakfast - (Mavis has been on my website for years, but I have only just managed to organise visit with full diaries on both sides! ) I think that we shall be booking in, provided that there is a room available.

Pat also waxed lyrical about Knole farm to her husband later that evening. She said it was the nicest bed and breakfast that I have taken her to. Maybe they should come with us for a stay.Mind you I won't be at all surprised if it's full when we ring. This is a very popular award winning B&B with high accolades from all quarters, and I say, it's very well deserved.

Bed and Breakfast at Knole Farm is £30 for one night and £28 for 2 nights or more. Dogs are welcome to stay.
Knole Farm website. Back to the Dartmoor Accommodation website.