Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa

Business Details

Luxury Country House Hotel & Spa in Dartmoor, Devon

Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa is a family-run establishment nestled in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, offering a unique blend of rural charm, timeless elegance, and heartfelt hospitality. Established in the 1890s, our hotel has welcomed guests for generations, providing a sanctuary where luxury harmonises with the tranquillity of countryside living. We cater to those seeking peaceful retreats, romantic getaways, or adventures amidst Devon's rolling hills and moors, ensuring every stay is seamless, soothing, and memorable.

Our dedicated team, many of whom have served for over a decade, combines deep local knowledge with exceptional service to create a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel's award-winning spa, two-AA-rosette restaurant, and individually styled rooms reflect our commitment to excellence. With a history steeped in tradition and modern comforts, we invite guests to reconnect with nature, loved ones, or themselves in a setting of unparalleled beauty.

Services

Accommodation Fine Dining Spa Treatments Event Hosting Guided Tours

Highlights and features

We offer over 120 years of hospitality experience in Dartmoor
Our award-winning spa provides year-round relaxation with hydrotherapy pool
Two-AA-rosette restaurant featuring seasonal local cuisine
Complimentary spa access from arrival to departure
Family-run with 20% of staff having over 10 years' service

Website

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Services

Luxury Accommodation

Our 18 individually styled bedrooms combine countryside charm with modern elegance. From classic rooms to luxurious suites, each space features plush furnishings, sumptuous beds, and panoramic moorland views. All rooms offer free spa access from arrival to departure, with priority upgrades available for direct bookings. The family-run ethos ensures personal touches throughout your stay.

Award-Winning Dining

Our two-AA-rosette restaurant showcases Devon's finest seasonal produce. Led by Head Chef Michael O'Donnell since 1998, the kitchen creates creative menus featuring local ingredients. Guests enjoy hearty breakfasts, exquisite evening meals, and afternoon teas in an inviting atmosphere with attentive service. Wine pairings enhance every culinary experience.

Luxury Spa

The tranquil spa offers tailored treatments and wellness facilities including a hydrotherapy pool. Open from 7:30am to 5:00pm daily, it provides a sanctuary for relaxation with stunning Dartmoor views. Direct bookings receive early access and 10% off treatments, with complimentary access included in all stays.

Countryside Packages

Tailored packages combine accommodation with dining and spa access. The Dartmoor Explorer includes breakfast, dinner, and walking guide from 115 per person. Seasonal offers like the Summer Staycation feature 100 dining credit and spa access from 225 per night, while winter packages include spa privileges and gourmet meals.

Local Exploration

As experts in Dartmoor, we provide complimentary 'Short Walks on Dartmoor' guides for guests. The hotel's location offers immediate access to Haytor, Pullabrook Woods, and Emsworthy Mire. We recommend scenic routes, historical sites like Castle Drogo, and local experiences including steam train journeys and the Round Robin excursion combining rail, boat, and bus.

People

Richard Hassell

Owner

Fourth-generation Devon hotelier leading daily operations since 1998. Richard preserves the hotel's traditional charm while introducing modern comforts, ensuring a seamless blend of history and contemporary luxury for every guest.

Michael O'Donnell

Head Chef

Award-winning chef with over 25 years at Ilsington. Michael crafts seasonal menus celebrating local ingredients, maintaining the restaurant's two-AA-rosette status through creative culinary excellence that showcases Devon's finest produce.

Questions

What packages are available for Dartmoor stays?

We offer Dartmoor Explorer (from £115pp/night), Summer Staycation (£225pp/night), and Dartmoor Discovery (from £195/room/night) packages, all including meals and spa access.

How can I book directly for best rates?

Visit our website to book directly and receive lowest price guarantee, free spa access, and priority room upgrades when available.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and cash payments at reception. Payment terms vary for packages and special offers.

Are there discounts for local residents?

Yes, residents with TQ, EX, or PL postcodes receive 20% off bed & breakfast stays during midweek periods.

What spa facilities are included in stays?

All guests receive complimentary spa access from arrival to departure, including hydrotherapy pool, with 10% off treatments when booked directly.

How do I reach the hotel from Exeter?

From Exeter, take the A38 towards Plymouth. Exit at Newton Abbot/Bovey Tracey, then follow signs to Liverton and Ilsington for 4 miles. Avoid satellite navigation after leaving A38.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Vicky Moss-Crump

Jun 02, 2022 Report

We visited the spa as a anniversary treat. Massage experience for my partner and I were completely different, my partners massage was not enjoyable at all. We had food as part of our package and the food was poor, they were trying to be high end and failed. We had a champagne package, but asked not to have the champagne as we were driving and they still charged us extra for a soft drink. We contacted the hotel and got fobbed off. I would not recommend and we will not be returning.

Warwick Addison

May 15, 2022 Report

Great hotel. Some nice touches such as; cotton wool, disposable bags in bathroom, usb chargers in the bedside sockets. Food is outstanding. Spa facilities excellent, treatments exceptional. Grounds, gardens and views all fantastic. Only one negative thing to say about this brilliant hotel and that is the WiFi is a little slow. Other than that, I can't fault it.

Jaime Lovett

Apr 21, 2022 Report

My partner and I, and our dog stayed at this beautiful hotel for 2 nights, and may I say how lovely it was! The staff were very helpful and accommodating, the room was clean and well presented with a very comfortable bed, and the spa was just wonderful. To top it all, I had a massage with Adele, and oh my gosh, I have to say she is one of the best I have been to. so good that we booked my partner in the next morning before we left! Adele - Absolutely amazing lady! I can't recommend her enough! So yes, we had a lovely time, and wish we could have stayed longer!

Kuldip Khosla

Mar 31, 2022 Report

Thank you all for organising our Diamond Wedding Anniversary party and making our stay so enjoyable. The hotel and its facilities are as good as ever. Everyone in our party of over 30 was very much impressed with the food throughout our stay, it was superb, so please convey our appreciation and compliments to the chef. We and our guests were very impressed by the welcome we received from the hotel staff. They were all attentive, helpful and polite especially Sheila, Cameron and David.

Anne Louise

Feb 28, 2022 Report

Very comfortable and clean bedrooms, friendly and helpful staff, amazing food, beyond brilliant neck, back and shoulder massage with Kim, fabulous spa. The hotel staff and kitchen went over and above providing me with delicious vegan food. All in all a really fantastic weekend, thank you.

Jackie Whittaker

Feb 13, 2022 Report

We stayed this weekend for a family party. The hotel and staff couldn't have been more helpful, both in the lead up to the event and during the event itself. They provided a separate room for eating which with three young children was fantastic and meant everyone could relax. The spa was great and enjoyed by all, rooms spacious and comfortable and very clean. Highly recommend.

Francois-Xavier Padiolleau

Feb 10, 2022 Report

Spent 2 nights on a long weekend. The service is very attentive. We brought our bicycles and the manager was willing to keep them. Thank you very much. The swimming pool area is beautiful, although I'm not sure why the windows of the pool are obstructed with a transparent sticker when the view behind would make the pool even more attractive. My wife and I had massages and we really enjoyed them. The therapists are attentive and adjust the firmness of the massage to your liking.

Breakfast is mastered. Delicious Devon tradtional breakfast. Nice warm croissant. Breakfast is not to be missed. Had dinner one evening at the restaurant. The food was good but sometimes too salty for our liking. The hotel room is nice. The beds were too soft for us, but we've yet to find a hotel bed we like in the UK. If there were half stars I'd put 4.5, but there aren't so it's a 5.