A Grand Devon Escape - Boringdon Hall Hotel
Boringdon Hall Hotel: History, Luxury and Michelin-Star Dining
Every region has a small clutch of grand hotels whose names and reputations are well known to most local people. They are the places to which we doff our collective cap — the venues which host our big social events and special occasions — the hostelries where we expect the best to simply be the best. Best bib-and-tucker, best food, best service, best accommodation etc etc…
I can think of half-a-dozen such hotels in the South West peninsula, and recently I was fortunate enough to stay a night in one such establishment and enjoy a truly outstanding dinner.
Luxury and Heritage at Boringdon Hall, Near Plymouth
Boringdon Hall Hotel, near Plymouth, is one of the West Country’s grand hotels — it has an outstanding reputation as well as a well-known chef and a much-celebrated spa. Another way of describing the place would be to say it’s a living piece of history — a magnificent manor that has evolved from a grand family home to one of the most celebrated luxury destinations in Devon and the South West of England.
A Manor Steeped in History
The history of the old manor stretches back nearly a thousand years, with its first mention in the Domesday Book. Later, the estate was acquired by the Parker family in the 16th century, a lineage that would become the Earls of Morley. It was during this period that the magnificent old mansion began to take shape. The family’s wealth and influence allowed them to create an impressive Tudor and Jacobean masterpiece.
Not surprisingly, that local swashbuckler, Sir Walter Raleigh, was a friend of the Parker family and a frequent visitor, and the room he’s said to have slept in — with its intricate plasterwork and oak panelling — is still a feature of the hotel today.
A Fusion of Old and New Design
As you drive up into the hills above Plympton and turn off into the hotel drive, you are confronted with all this historic glory. There’s the impressive Great Hall, with its soaring ceiling and a magnificent fireplace, but behind the ancient frontage there’s a surprise.
That is because the house is built on a hillside, and modern architects have cleverly designed an almost futuristic extension which climbs the contours, hiding a state-of-the-art spa complete with a heated swimming pool, as well as an upper floor restaurant and a new wing of comfortable suites.
From Neglect to Rebirth
Strange to think that this extraordinary estate, situated just a couple of miles outside Plymouth, was once left dormant and decaying for decades. It would have become a sad ruin, but in the 21st century it was acquired by the Nettleton family, who embarked on an ambitious project to restore its former glory while introducing all that modern luxury and comfort.
The major restoration was one of those labours of love — the family carefully set about preserving the Hall’s historic features, from its leaded windows to its original fireplaces, while integrating elements of contemporary design and technology.
The result is a blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. The historic rooms, with their four-poster beds and antique furniture, offer a sense of stepping back in time, while the newer wings provide the sleek elegance you’d expect from a five-star hotel in Devon.
The Gaia Spa: A Sanctuary of Wellness
A major turning point in Boringdon’s rise to prominence came with the creation of the award-winning Gaia Spa. The owners say this was a game-changer in Boringdon’s long history.
The architects were asked to retain a connection to the natural environment which stretches away to the southern foothills of Dartmoor National Park, while designing a sanctuary of wellness and relaxation. They’ve incorporated natural materials and light to reflect the surrounding landscape.
It’s quite something: you’re just minutes from a city of over 250,000 people, yet standing on the very edge of Dartmoor. After a sumptuous afternoon tea at Boringdon Hall, my wife and I drove up for a quick two-hour walk in one of Dartmoor’s most beautiful corners — a reminder of how perfectly this place blends indulgence and nature.
Michelin-Star Dining at Àclèaf Restaurant
Boringdon Hall has also become a culinary destination in recent years. I first went there nine years ago when the restaurant had just been taken over by a new, very young head chef called Scott Paton. The food was marvellous then, and it is even better now.
Scott is still there, and since 2023 has been the proud holder of one of the highest accolades in the culinary world — a Michelin Star.
“In my 20 years of cooking it’s always been a goal to achieve a Michelin Star,” he told me. “Since joining Boringdon Hall and receiving the faith and trust from the directors, that goal became so much closer after the launch of our Àclèaf restaurant. We pushed so much harder, not just for the star, but for all-round excellence.”
“I’ve never worked with a team who drive themselves so hard, so for that I’m so delighted. The Michelin Star rewarded the team with recognition for all their hard work.”
Fine Dining Menus Celebrating the South West
The Àclèaf fine dining restaurant offers a sophisticated menu that champions local and seasonal produce. The chefs combine classic techniques with innovative flair, creating dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
These are meals for special occasions (see below for our tasting menu experience).
Afternoon Tea and Relaxation
But I must not forget the large and lovely afternoon tea at Boringdon Hall. Locals and visitors are now regarding this multi-tier of sweet and savoury delights as something of an occasion — and a very popular one it is too. A special festive afternoon tea is being launched this month.
Like I say, though, you might want to plan a walk on nearby Dartmoor to work off the indulgence — or perhaps simply enjoy a long afternoon of relaxation in the Gaia Spa.
Sidebar 1: Seasonal Menus with a Michelin Chef
Boringdon’s Àclèaf restaurant offers a choice between the signature four-course tasting menu (£130 per person) and the newly introduced seven-course tasting experience (£180pp), each featuring optional wine or sparkling wine pairings from the cellar.
Chef Scott Paton says of his new seasonal offering:
“Indulge in the essence of autumn with a menu showcasing the finest sustainable ingredients from the South West. Savour the rich, earthy flavours of wild venison harvested from Devon estates, paired with the delicate, pristine brill from Brixham. Each dish is a celebration of seasonality, crafted to elevate the natural brilliance of these ingredients into a harmonious and unforgettable dining experience.”
The menu includes delights such as tuna with truffle and sesame, local crab with curry and mango, turbot with langoustine and green chilli, quail with celeriac and Puy lentil, venison with pear and whisky, and a Comice pear with blackberry and cinnamon.
I am happy to go on the record and say that the dinner at Àclèaf was one of the best autumnal feasts in Devon I have enjoyed in a long time.
Boringdon Hall: Where Devon’s Past Meets Modern Luxury
With its historic architecture, Michelin-starred dining, luxury spa, and proximity to Dartmoor National Park, Boringdon Hall is one of the best hotels in Devon for those seeking a getaway that combines heritage, indulgence, and natural beauty.
Whether you come for a romantic weekend, a spa retreat, or a culinary celebration, Boringdon Hall offers the kind of experience that lingers in the memory — a perfect marriage of Devon’s past and present.
