Dunkery Beacon Country House
Built at the dawn of the Edwardian era as a men-only hunting lodge, and with views to the eponymous beacon, this smart but unstuffy hotel is an ideal base from which to explore Exmoor. More
Good Hotel Guide Review
Built at the dawn of the Edwardian era as a men-only hunting lodge, and with views to the beacon after which it was named, this smart but unstuffy hotel is an ideal base from which to explore Exmoor. It is ‘a consistent beacon of excellence’, writes a reader whose walking group stays annually. ‘We had a super room with a four-poster and a big bathroom,’ relates a trusted Guide regular. Styling is a pleasing blend of traditional and contemporary. Some suites have a separate sitting room. Thoughtful extras include fresh milk, a coffee machine or cafetière, Keiji toiletries. Hosts John and Jane Bradley garner high praise, he as chef, she the wine expert and a warm presence front-of-house. Menus are devised around local and home-grown produce. ‘The cooking is top-notch. I had sea trout in a mussel and saffron sauce – so good I had it twice!’ And for dessert? ‘I mentioned that I didn’t really eat pudding, apart from summer pudding, so they made one specially for me.’ Great breakfasts, a star-spangled dark sky (the hotel has a Newtonian telescope), and deer safaris are among the many attractions. (Andrew and Hannah Butterworth, Peter Anderson)
Hotel details
Address
Wootton Courtenay
Somerset
TA24 8RH
England
Telephone
01643 841241
Bedrooms
8. 1 on ground floor.
Open
11 Feb–27 Dec, restaurant Wed–Sun pm.
Facilities
lounge, restaurant, breakfast room, in-room TV (Freeview), limited mobile phone reception, ¾-acre garden, unsuitable for disabled.
Background music
in restaurant in evening.
Children
not under 10.
Dogs
allowed in 2 suites (£5 per night, max. 2 dogs), not in public rooms.
Credit cards
MC, Visa.
Prices
B&B doubles from £115, singles from £85. À la carte £37. 1-night bookings refused Fri/Sat and on all stays in peak season (but check for late availability).
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