Short stay: Highbullen Hotel, North Devon, UK

Highbullen Hotel sits high on a ridge in North Devon with views across 127 acres of beautiful country towards Exmoor. Built in Victorian Gothic style in 1879, the interior of the house with its tiled floors, elegant carved staircase and grandiose fireplaces plays tribute to the skills of the late-Victorian Arts and Craft movement.

The main house features 12 large rooms five of which are Manor House Feature Rooms. For The Sir Laurence Olivier Room on the ground floor and the four rooms on the first floor think crystal chandeliers, epic proportions, grand country views and wide, wide beds. Often used for honeymooning couples, The Louise Seize Room sets the tone for regal opulence.

The welcome

There’s a warm, small hotel welcome from the friendly staff. Most live locally – and have done so for many years – so it is worth listening to their advice on where to sample the local ales and ciders as well as where to visit.

The room

Highbullen is a…