DINE
Your Place in the Country by Helen Tilliott at Garfield House
Garfield House is a unique country house retreat offering luxury ensuite accommodation and gourmet meals, all delivered with panache and a personal touch.With wonderful views, rambling gardens and easy access to Dartmoor this is a spectacular place to stay, relax or learn.We also offer a range of activities, workshops and courses to both residents and visitors
The South Hams of Devon has so much to offer: with Dartmoor to the North - very much in the press recently thanks to Steven Speilberg’s film War Horse, and with the beaches and pretty coastal towns of Salcombe and Dartmouth to the South. The breadth of stunning scenery and amenities is endless. Whether you are looking for a seaside holiday with the children or a more adventurous activity holiday, Devon has it covered.
We are also lucky to have so many excellent restaurants and pubs serving very good. I would highly recommend The Millbrook Inn at South Pool.The food there is excellent and the bar well stocked with good local beers and wines. Be aware though, that this pub is on the estuary and gets very busy at high tide it’s worth checking out the tide time tables!
Another good day trip out is to Beesands to the beautifully renovated Cricket Inn, good fish on the menu here, in fact on a summers day you can eat out on the sea wall watching the small fishing boats bobbing on the water and the catch being hauled on to the beach. Since I moved to here 13 years ago Devon now can boast so many really good food establishments. There is some notable shopping to do in South Devon for those with taste and individuality.The town of Ashburton is a Mecca for foodies, and for lovers of antiques and vintage bric-a-brac.The fish deli is a prime example and let’s face it if you are in Devon you must try the local fish. If you are looking for trendy clothing and art then head to Salcombe - Amelia’s Attic is a must.
There are many bonuses to this slower pace of life, in particular the warm welcome and generosity that is shown to all who visit. However if you are shopping even in a local chain supermarket expect them to finish a conversation before they serve you. Everyone knows everybody else and as a rule not only what you do but what you are going to do next. A TV celebrity and former pop star who stayed at Garfield House in the summer loved the whole idea that even in a supermarket the assistant advised her that “Sparkling wine is much cheaper than Champagne and you can’t really taste the difference”. And then promptly ID’d her for, as she pointed out,“I don’t know you from Adam!” our celeb was thrilled - it was her 30th Birthday last year! There are however more and more of us that have left London behind and thanks to the internet can live in Devon and work. Come visit and enjoy I can assure you on the way home you will still be contemplating whether you could live and work in this beautiful piece of England.
Garfield House - “Your Place in the Country” a unique place to stay, offering excellent food, fine wines and many activities. We are on the edge of Dartmoor and just off the A38 Expressway. See us on the Handpicked in Devon website Page 22
www.handpickedindevon.co.uk