Penpark, a Country House B&B near to Ashburton
Jill Pendleton's 2010 review of this charming bed and breakfast.
I have to tell you that I loved absolutely everything I saw on my visit to Penpark B&B on the south of Dartmoor.
I had promised to go and visit last year but things got in the way, and just when Madeleine Gregson thought I was
never coming, I managed to nip down on a very dull weather day in April. The drive in was covered in primroses
and as we drove through the gates, I had to make a mental note not to take too many pictures.
Designed in the 1920's by Clough Williams Ellis, the flamboyant creator of Portmeirion in Wales, (famous seaside
village seen in The Prisoner series on tv) I honestly think that if Clough were to call in today, he would be delighted
at how Madeleine and her family have utterly retained the style and class of the building.
Impressive both outside and in, it's the age of family home that many a Noel Coward play could be set in.
With large tastefully furnished rooms, the guest's sitting room has windows on three sides, deep comfy settees,
floral drapes, a pile of quality magazines, a handsome fireplace and gracious trimmings to match.
Add the modern day must, a big screen tv, and hey presto, the perfect sitting room!
This is a house that says 'relax, stay a while, play a game of tennis. What would you like for breakfast ?'
It's a warm bathroom, it's fresh flowers and find yourself a quiet spot in the garden to read a good book.
The bedrooms are all in keeping with the building and all have private or en-suite bathrooms or shower rooms.
I feel sure that CWE would forgive the Gregsons for updating the kitchen (below). This is a room for a serious cook.
And I feel sure that guests are well cared for in the breakfast department. I have known about Penpark since my days of running the tourist Information Centre in Chagford and had often seen the aerial shot of the house on her literature.
I'm so glad to have visited the house and finally met up with Maddy herself. She works so hard in the garden and
at making guests feel welcome. This is a bed and breakfast that I can wholeheartedly recommend to holidaymakers
who wish to find a top quality, quintessentially English family home. National Trust members will love it I know.
This lovely room on the ground floor opens straight out onto the garden through 2 sets of double doors.
It has a double bed complete with patchwork quilt, and a double sofa bed (foreground in the photo) should you need it. It's called the garden room and is entirely seperate with your own table and chairs for 4 outside.
Two things I must just mention. The exceptionally pretty garden is stunning and must have a mention all of it's own.
If your bedroom doesn't overlook the far reaching view, then it overlooks the garden. Either option, lucky you !
And should you wish to play tennis whilst you are here, please remember to pack your auld pumps, as tennis shoes are requested. I am seriously thinking about booking a few days here in the Autumn, because I know for sure that
the 5 acres of garden will be well worth seeing. Take my advice ...... it's not as expensive as the bigger hotels on Dartmoor, but it certainly is as good as any I know. Book it. You never know, I might bump into you !
The cost for B&B in a double or twin room is £38 per person for one night. Reduced to £35 for two nights or more.
There is a single supplement of £10 for a single making it £48 for one night and £45 per night for two or more.
Penpark B&B, Ashburton, TQ12 6LH Telephone: 01626 821314, Email.
To see more of my reviews click below
All photos by me Jill Pendleton of www.dartmooraccommodation.co.uk
