03/17/2004 Entry: "Bovey Castle opens hotel"

Dartmoor Luxury Hotel
A hotel described as “England’s ultimate luxury destination” opens in England’s West Country on April 8. Bovey Castle, an Edwardian mansion built in 1906 for Viscount Hambledon, son of the bookseller W.H. Smith – overlooking a championship golf course in Dartmoor National Park – has been transformed into a prestigious holiday retreat.

“It will have the ambience of a permanent house-party of the 1920s and 30s: a touch of Agatha Christie, the Orient Express and Hercule Poirot all rolled into one,” says Mr de Savary, whose past projects have included Skibo Castle in Scotland and the St. James Club. With its vaulted, oak-beamed Cathedral Room including its own minstrel’s gallery; and a 1920s Palm Court dining room boasting hand-painted Chinese wall coverings, no expense has been spared in the restoration.

Bovey’s 65 individually designed bedrooms and suites are decorated in elegant period style; there is a piano-bar serving 142 different cocktails, an extensive wine cellar; an indoor pool, cinema and, from June, a spa featuring saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, treatment rooms and a gym. Also opening in June is the championship golf course, designed in 1926 to rival its twins at Gleneagles and Turnberry.

Restored by Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie, the 6,600-yard, par 70 course has a thatched halfway house, river bridges and landscape follies.

As well as facilities for corporate and conference guests, families are welcome, with the 150 staff ensuring that every whim of the “cash rich, time poor” guest and his family can be indulged: from personal tuition in fly-fishing, bee-keeping and falconry, to archery, tennis and equestrian pursuits all on offer.

Weddings can be accommodated at a local 13th century church, with a yellow 1936 Rolls-Royce used to ferry happy couples in style.

Rooms cost from £180 to £950 per night (excluding tax; June – Oct.) with introductory rates in April and May, from £145. Breakfast is £18 and dinner £45 per person.

Bovey Castle, 186 miles south-west of London at North Bovey, Devon TQ13 8RE (nearest airport/rail station: Exeter). Tel: 01647 445016.

Website: www.boveycastle.com