A Jacobean Manor tucked away in its own secret valley.
Hidden away in a wooded hollow just beneath the wild tors of Dartmoor, Lewtrenchard is a house virtually untouched by time. The original manor was mentioned in the Domesday Book, but today’s impressive Jacobean dwelling, set in its own shrub filled gardens and surrounded by peaceful parkland, dates from the early 1600’s.
Over the years it was home to a series of colourful characters; James Gould, one the earliest adventurers to trade on the Chinese mainland, Edward Gould the compulsive gambler and suspected murderer, and the Reverend Sabine Baring Gould, celebrated hymn writer and novelist who composed “Onward Christian Soldiers” at the desk that still stands in the front hall. This house, steeped in history, is large enough to be imposing, yet not so grand as to be unwelcoming. Stepping over the ancient slate floor in the impressive hallway you immediately feel very much at home.
Each of the historic bedrooms has its own unique character, whether it be burnished oak panelling, exquisite ornamental plasterwork, rich fabrics, antique furniture or superb views over the garden and parkland – in one you’ll even find the original bed of Henrietta Maria, wife of the hapless Charles I. The new bedrooms at Lewtrenchard Manor are simply fabulous; pass through original, centuries-old oak doors to beautiful, cosy and luxuriously spacious Suites and Superior rooms that fit so perfectly with the age of this finest of Jacobean houses and are a tribute to the very best in contemporary design; the colour schemes are inspirational. The bathrooms are also a feature of all the new rooms, being so agreeably contemporary and spacious, as are the views of cloister, dovecote, fountain and gardens.
Falconry
It’s most likely that, centuries ago, the owners of Lewtrenchard Manor used hawks for hunting. It’s most appropriate, therefore, that guests can once again experience at close hand the ancient art of falconry. Our Head Falconer, Martin Whitley, with his stunning team of eagles, hawks, falcons and owls, can provide a wide range of hawking activities to suit everyone, available both in the grounds of Lewtrenchard Manor and with the infamous backdrop of Dartmoor National Park at Martin’s headquarters at Puddaven Farm, near North Bovey. Falconry displays never fail to entertain and enthrall guests and hawk walking is a magical way to see the countryside whilst handling and flying the birds; an amazing opportunity to gain first hand experience in the ancient art of falconry.
Our special falconry packages include a falconry experience, either half a day or a whole day, which you will end with a walk through the beautiful Lew-trenchard estate, flying the hawks. We also have a Hawk Walking break when you can make the most of this beautiful house and the superb food. For the guests who would like to take their experience a stage further, we can organise half or full days of real falconry, enjoying the Sport of Kings, hunting with hawks, when you can watch in awe as our hawks pit their wits against their natural quarry, the rabbit, as well as other quarry, over prime hunting ground. You will experience such a thrill as the hawks work as a team with the dog and ferrets to hunt their prey.
At Lewtrenchard, diners are treated to a dining experience that is without equal in the South West. Created by Chef Patron, Jason Hornbuckle, one to the UK’s top, award-winning chefs, food is always meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. Jason now has a large following in the region and a reputation for superb cuisine that’s spreading nationwide.
