OYO 30412 Orestone Manor

This country house hotel housed in a Georgian manor is surrounded by lovely green grounds with beautiful views of the sea. A sprawling manicured lawn is bordered by a wreath of trees, flowering bushes, and shrubs, while picnic tables provide seating here and there. Interiors are tastefully decorated and full of character. A giant vintage map presides over the lobby, where patterned couches provide seating on a Persian-style rug. Lovely hardwood floors and light-colored walls make the spaces feel fresh and clean. A grand and beautiful fireplace in the lounge, accompanied by burgundy-hued seating and a crimson rug, encourages lingering. 

The family-run property has a warm and inviting atmosphere, and with only 14 guest rooms, it's a quiet and tranquil spot ideal for those seeking a peaceful vacation. The clientele comprises mainly leisure travelers on a seaside break -- both couples and families -- and most of the guests are from the U.K. There aren't many features, though the hotel has plans to refurbish an outdoor pool in the garden. 

The hotel is situated in the quaint seaside village of Maidencombe on the South Devon coast of the English Riviera. The property's beautiful grounds give glimpses of Lyme Bay. It's a quiet area with not much in the immediate surroundings, but there are lovely coastal paths nearby that weave along the gorgeous coast, while Maidencombe Beach can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot (but it's a steep walk back to the hotel). The Torquay Golf Course is a four-minute drive from here. 

Area attractions include Babbacombe Model Village (five-minute drive or 17 minutes via bus), Torre Abbey (12-minute drive), Living Coasts zoo (16-minute drive), and Dartmoor National Park (33-minute drive). Torquay's center and marina can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, or it's a 50-minute bus ride. The nearest bus stop is just down the road from the hotel (a five-minute walk), while the closest train station is about an 11-minute drive. Exeter International Airport is a 30- to 40-minute drive, depending on traffic.

Rooms here are immaculately clean and well maintained. The spaces are individually decorated, all bedecked in a tasteful style that gravitates toward the traditional, yet is full of character. Handsome wooden furnishings are paired with fine fabrics and textiles, including patterned curtains and canopies on four-poster beds as well as attractive rugs. Interesting art adorns the walls and the spaces are full of small, stylish details like pretty lamps, vintage writing desks, or charming patterned wallpaper. Top-floor rooms have sloped ceilings that give them a cozy vibe, plus they offer the best sea views. Rooms are spacious, and all offer at least two chairs for seating around small tables, while some have larger sitting spaces with sofas. All but two rooms offer views of the sea.

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, telephones, irons/ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Some of the Specialty Suites have private outdoor hot tubs, as well as extras like separate living rooms and kitchenettes. Bathrooms are stylish and modern, with attractive tiling and hardwood floors in some, or charming details like vintage-style fixtures. They're outfitted with shower/tub combos or pretty clawfoot tubs, while some have both walk-in rainfall showers and separate soaking tubs. Fluffy robes and toiletries are provided.

One of the highlights here is the hotel's restaurant, which serves tasty fresh fare with an emphasis on local ingredients -- some of which are culled from an on-site garden. It serves lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea, plus the lounge also offers an all-day menu, while a full English and continental breakfast is included in rates. The restaurant is popular with locals and hotel guests alike. Alfresco dining on the terrace is possible, weather permitting. The dining spaces are also available to rent for various banquets and events, plus the hotel offers meeting and conference space.

Beyond this, there's not much else in terms of on-site features. The grounds are beautiful and offer a lovely place to relax in outdoors and take in the views, or guests can linger around the fireplace in the inviting lounge. There are no fitness or wellness facilities on-site -- but the beach is within walking distance and there are lovely coastal paths for hiking nearby. Wi-Fi is free throughout and there is parking on-site.

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