With snooze space for 20, Merryhill Manor is where elegance and modern living combine to bring you a true escape from the stresses and the hubbub of city life. It’s so enchanting, it feels like you’ve stepped into another world, a Shangri-La in the Devon countryside! With a pool, sauna, tennis court, games room, gym, yoga/dance studio and 5 acres of landscaped grounds there’s everything you need to keep everyone smiling throughout your stay.
Downstairs
Pootle slowly up the drive, park, up, get out, have a stretch. And just look at those views. Ain’t that glorious? Then in you go, through the porch into a large reception hall – note the piano for evening singsongs. Off to the right is the drawing room; elegant, light and airy, and so country house style. Next to it is the dining/living room, with an equally gorgeous seating area and a long oak table where you can easily picture your celebration feast. Love that big horse painting! Love those drapes!
Next to the dining room is the domestic kitchen, a lovely homely room with an Aga and a scrubbed pine table. But this is only one of the kitchens, remember – follow the hall round and there’s a proper commercial kitchen with all the bells and whistles; cooking for a large group becomes stress free, if you hire caterers they can work undisturbed, away from the reception rooms.
Upstairs
On the first floor, off a wide landing are Bedrooms 1-6; 4 of them are ensuite, 2 of them share a Jack and Jill bathroom. Bedroom 1 has a solid oak four poster bed and a rather striking Art Deco style bathroom with possibly the biggest bath you’ve seen – and it’s stainless steel!
On the second floor are Bedrooms 7-10 and a family shower room. All of the bedrooms are individually styled, some in classic period style, some more modern, but all equally lovely, and most with far-reaching views that are a delight to wake up to.
Outside
The gardens and grounds at Merryhill Manor are what make it so captivating. 5 rambling acres, perfectly landscaped and so much fun to explore. Paths meander round and about, with secret nooks and surprises at every turn. Dine alfresco on the terrace at the side of the house, have cocktails on the front terrace, wander down to the lawn for croquet, pause by the fountain, have a peek inside the Victorian grotto.
Tuck your towels under your arm and head to the heated saltwater pool, fantastically Mediterranean style in its own walled courtyard with a summer house with terrace above, a sauna, and a pagoda. Heated by solar, it’s available for use from late May to the end of August, or longer if the weather is good.
Or grab your rackets and head off to the all-weather tennis court, hidden behind high hedges, where you can stage your own mini Wimbledon, rounded off with what else, but strawberries and cream?
In the courtyard at the back of the house a modern building is home to a laundry room, and the gym on the ground floor. Upstairs are the yoga/dance studio and the games room/snooker room where sofas and bookcases give a ‘gentlemans club’ vibe.
Tearing yourselves away from this dreamy piece of heaven in Devon won’t be easy; what will be is enjoying the luxury of being together in beautiful surroundings. Moments will become memories, yours to keep forever.