Brighton Place decor

Don’t know about you, dear reader, but I have got pretty ticked off with rain over the last few months. There has been far too much of the wet stuff falling all around. Things got so grim, I even jetted off in search of sunshine a couple of times. However, that was then. This is now.

Now, those grey days are behind us (touch wood) and summer is bursting out all over. Like a badger with a basket full of buttercups. Which is always something to celebrate.

And what better way to celebrate than by going off for a few days in a particularly pretty part of the UK? in this case, I’m talking about the South Hams. Two reasons why I chose this part of the country. Firstly, it’s very pretty. As mentioned above. Secondly, there is a really lovely little bed and breakfast place I know of down there, full of knick knacks and loveliness. Though, to be fair, calling it a bed and breakfast place is a bit like saying Paul McCartney has written a couple of songs. But more of that later.

Brightham House

For now, the important thing is that I’ve been there before and have been looking for an excuse to make a return visit for ages. Struck me this was the perfect opportunity. So booked my wife and I in for a few nights and set off in search of paradise, South Hams style.

Getting There

Is easy, if you’re coming down the M5, you go past Exeter and head for Plymouth, turning left just before you get there. If you’re coming from the south, just go past Plymouth and turn right. Either way, it’s a mighty fine section of countryside to pass through.

Plymouth lighthouse

South Hams

If you’re not familiar with the considerable charms of South Hams, allow me to paint a picture with words. Imagine rolling green valleys, estuaries nestled among them, the spaces between sprinkled with winding country lanes leading to gorgeous little market towns.

Any gaps around the edges filled with fields of many colours, a patchwork quilt of crops, meadows and tractors doing whatever it is tractors like to do best. Tractoring? All in all, it’s worth the journey just to get an eyeful of the landscape, to see just how lovely Devon can be when it feels like it.

mirror and decor

Brightham House

Brightham House, our boutique, beautiful, B&B destination is snuggled down in a sleepy village which sits quietly in the middle of all this gorgeousness. Which makes it the perfect place for a base, when you set out to explore. But more of that later. First thing to note is that there is a private car park at the rear of the property. Which is always handy.

some of the decor

Passing through a wooden gate, you wander through the garden, a leafy tranquil treat which leads you past assorted seating, some sunny, some shady, along with a whole heap of other treats, before leading you into the house itself.

garden bench

The moment you step across the threshold you can sense the love, care and attention to detail that has gone into each and every single aspect of the place. For a start, everywhere you look there is something delightful going on with the decor.

The breakfast room, lounge, hallway and bar are alive with fairground miscellany and quirky touches.

breakfast room

Bedrooms

There are 8 bedrooms, each styled, themed and decorated immaculately. They each also have their own en suite. Looking round our room, couldn’t help feeling slightly jealous.

bedroom

Everything looks and feels top quality and done to perfection. No idea how Scott and Alistair achieve such amazing results every time, everywhere. But they definitely do.

Dog Friendly?

Of course it is! Scott and Alistair have two small but perfectly formed fluffy friends of their own, and 3 of the bedrooms are very much, dog friendly.

Breakfast 

Wise men say you should breakfast like an emperor and whilst staying at this boutique B&B beauty, you definitely do.

fullenglish at the accommodation

There’s all the usual suspects on offer, from cereals to full english. But all of them have been given a touch of extra added tastiness.

First morning I went for avocado with poached eggs on toast, but here, it been upgraded with the addition of locally caught crab. Just the thing for any self respecting emperor to munch on in the morning.

avocado and poached egg breakfast

Food fabulous food

Not content with making top notch breakfasts, Scott & Alistair also offer weekly pop ups, featuring guest chefs. Whilst we were staying, there was an Italian Feast evening. We went along and were treated to six, (count ‘em!) superb, slap up courses of Italian genius.

Italian Feast

The breakfast room was filled with happy diners, some who were staying guests and some who had come just for the feast. We finished off proceedings with shot glasses of Scott’s home made, and heavenly, limoncello.

Bar

The bar is a sweet self service snug. Run on an honesty system, you help yourself to what you want and sort out payment later.

bar

There are board games too, if that’s your thing. 

The Garden

Is a great place to catch some rays, sip your life away and admire all the fine stuff on display.

The Hot Tub

Looked great. Very inviting. Sadly, we didn’t have time to try it out, but it’s on our bucket list for next time. (You won’t be surprised to learn that most people who visit come back again. And again.)

hot tub

E-Bikes

There are also a couple of E-bikes available to hire, if you fancy setting off on two wheels.

E-Bikes

Out and About

Thing about being in the middle of so much cracking scenery, is that it doesn’t really matter which way you turn when you head out and about. Every road takes you somewhere nice, so is well worth travelling down. Another bonus is that most of the towns, villages and picturesque coves you want to see are only a few minutes drive from the front door.

We generally found ourselves heading out to somewhere lovely, spending some happy hours exploring it, before heading back to Brightham house for a spot of chillaxing. All before jumping back in the car to visit the next destination on our bucket list of beauty. In no particular order, here are a few of our favourite places.

Salcombe

Is the nearest town and also has to be the first place you visit. It is famously pretty, fabulously expensive and full to bursting of posh, pricey, upmarket shops. Both independents and chains.

Salcombe

Whether you are looking to shop till you drop, stroll along sandy beaches, clamber along the coastal path or just hang out in a cafe watching the world go by. This is the one for you. When the clouds clear, it’s also sunshine central.

Kingsbridge

Another attractive town just minutes away, this one sits at the end of an equally attractive estuary.

Kingsbridge

You can either stroll along the waters edge, enjoying the sight of boats bobbing about, or climb the hilly High Street to browse the boutiques. Either way, big thumbs up all round.

Hope Cove

A sandy cove, with plenty of parking and a couple of very fine pubs side by side, serving fine food and excellent beer.

Hope Cove

Since it faces west, this sheltered spot is the perfect place to watch the sun go down. It’s also good for sea swimming, if that’s your thing. (Or is that just me?)

Conclusion

As holidays go, this one ticked every box. Fab chunk of countryside. Big tick. Pretty places to visit, explore and enjoy? Even bigger tick. Incredible, unique and outstanding, accommodation? Biggest tick in the ticket bucket. Quite frankly, I’ve no idea how these two boys do it. Every single little piece of the puzzle is perfect. The food, the welcome, the level of hospitality.

And that’s before you even contemplate the constant and complete attention to every little detail. If I tried to do as much as they do, I’d be worn out and grumpy within days. But they manage to stay at the top of their game for months on end each and every year. Outstanding. Very much above and beyond. It’s no surprise they’ve won almost every prize out there and so many of their guests are returning happy customers. What’s not to love?

Basically, staying there is like visiting a pair of mates who have great taste, refined palates and an abundance of talent in most things. Oh, and who never cut corners when it comes to creating the perfect conditions for life to be fabulous. 

FAQs

How do I book?

Through their website at Brightham House.

How much does a room cost?

Double rooms from £140 a night with discounts on stays of 5 nights or more.

How much does the Italian Feast cost? (And when is it on?)

The six course taster menu is £45 per person. It’s every Thursday, running from May to September.

When is Brightham House open?

They’re open from Easter until the end of September.

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