Pros

  • Family-run former nineteenth-century coaching inn is cozy
  • Set in peaceful and serene nature-rich surroundings
  • Traditionally-styled rooms come with free Wi-Fi
  • Known for the cool treehouse accommodations available
  • Cozy restaurant includes decent a la carte dining
  • Bar offers local ale, cider, and wine
  • Full cooked breakfast included in the rates
  • On-site practice fishing lake
  • Beauty salon offers numerous services
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Cons

  • Decor is a bit dated in some areas
  • Food is relatively expensive
  • Might feel too remote for some
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Bottom Line

The Fox and Hounds Country Hotel is a mid-range, 20-room property occupying a former coaching inn in the heart of the North Devonshire countryside. The setting is genuinely scenic and serene with lush greenery and plenty of wildlife, including fishing on-site. While rooms are clean and well-maintained, the traditional decor can feel a little dated in places; the tree-house accommodation, however, is superb. The bar and restaurant are cozy with a good selection of local food and drink (which can be pricey). Overall it might be a little remote for some, but for others its a great spot for a secluded weekend surrounded by nature.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Fox and Hounds Country Hotel

Scene

This former coaching inn makes for peaceful country retreat surrounded by nature.

Housed in a coaching inn dating back to the late 19th century, the Fox and Hounds Country Hotel is certainly the place for a quintessentially English country getaway. Run by the Culverhouse family since 2007, the property feels relatively fresh, while a liberal scattering of antique furnishings throughout keep the vibe traditional (and a bit dated at times). Set away from the road on six acres of parkland, it's particularly peaceful and serene, surrounded by an abundance of flora and fauna, including local deer, pheasants, and even otter down at the nearby river. Plentiful salmon there, too, make it popular with fishing enthusiasts, while the seclusion attracts couples for quiet weekends. The hotel is a frequent venue for weddings. 

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Location

Set in the lush and scenic surrounds of the North Devonshire countryside

The hotel is nestled among the lush greenery of Eggesford Barton in the North Devon countryside. The immediate surroundings include rolling fields, ancient forest, and the picturesque River Taw that flows nearby. While there's not much in the way of specific tourist attractions nearby, there are plenty of nature walks and fishing, shooting, and horse-riding trails to explore. The nearest town is historic Chulmleigh, just over five minutes away by car, while Eggesford Station is just a few minutes away on foot; it's a stop on the famous Tarka Railway connecting to Dartmoor, Exeter, and the Exmoor coast.

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Rooms

Rooms here include one with Devon's largest four-poster bed, as well as a cool treehouse room.

The hotel has 19 rooms, each individually decorated, though all following traditional country styling with antique furnishings, patterned wallpaper, and carpeted floors. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs, while some superior rooms included four-poster beds -- the bridal suite even features the largest four poster bed in Devon at 7.5ft wide. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained with traditionally-styled fixtures and wall-mounted -- though good quality -- bath products. Fox and Hounds, though, may be best known for the Treetops Treehouse; built in a 200-year-old oak tree overlooking the fishing lake, this option includes luxury-finish interiors, a well-equipped kitchen, a wood-burning fireplace, and a superb copper bathtub.

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Features

Free cooked breakfast and genuine local ales in front of the fire

A full English/Devonshire breakfast is served each morning in the cozy pub-style restaurant; it's included in the room rate. The hotel's eatery also serves excellent -- if a little expensive -- food for lunch and dinner with ingredients largely sourced from local farms. The bar also serves genuine real ales, local ciders, and even Devonshire wines that can be enjoyed by an open fire. Guests can also learn to fish at the garden's practice lake before moving on to the salmon in the nearby river. Brides-to-be will also find an on-site beauty room and hairdressing salon, but there's no gym.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Fox and Hounds Country Hotel

Scene

This former coaching inn makes for peaceful country retreat surrounded by nature.

Housed in a coaching inn dating back to the late 19th century, the Fox and Hounds Country Hotel is certainly the place for a quintessentially English country getaway. Run by the Culverhouse family since 2007, the property feels relatively fresh, while a liberal scattering of antique furnishings throughout keep the vibe traditional (and a bit dated at times). Set away from the road on six acres of parkland, it's particularly peaceful and serene, surrounded by an abundance of flora and fauna, including local deer, pheasants, and even otter down at the nearby river. Plentiful salmon there, too, make it popular with fishing enthusiasts, while the seclusion attracts couples for quiet weekends. The hotel is a frequent venue for weddings. 

See More Scene

Location

Set in the lush and scenic surrounds of the North Devonshire countryside

The hotel is nestled among the lush greenery of Eggesford Barton in the North Devon countryside. The immediate surroundings include rolling fields, ancient forest, and the picturesque River Taw that flows nearby. While there's not much in the way of specific tourist attractions nearby, there are plenty of nature walks and fishing, shooting, and horse-riding trails to explore. The nearest town is historic Chulmleigh, just over five minutes away by car, while Eggesford Station is just a few minutes away on foot; it's a stop on the famous Tarka Railway connecting to Dartmoor, Exeter, and the Exmoor coast.

See More Location

Rooms

Rooms here include one with Devon's largest four-poster bed, as well as a cool treehouse room.

The hotel has 19 rooms, each individually decorated, though all following traditional country styling with antique furnishings, patterned wallpaper, and carpeted floors. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs, while some superior rooms included four-poster beds -- the bridal suite even features the largest four poster bed in Devon at 7.5ft wide. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained with traditionally-styled fixtures and wall-mounted -- though good quality -- bath products. Fox and Hounds, though, may be best known for the Treetops Treehouse; built in a 200-year-old oak tree overlooking the fishing lake, this option includes luxury-finish interiors, a well-equipped kitchen, a wood-burning fireplace, and a superb copper bathtub.

See More Rooms

Features

Free cooked breakfast and genuine local ales in front of the fire

A full English/Devonshire breakfast is served each morning in the cozy pub-style restaurant; it's included in the room rate. The hotel's eatery also serves excellent -- if a little expensive -- food for lunch and dinner with ingredients largely sourced from local farms. The bar also serves genuine real ales, local ciders, and even Devonshire wines that can be enjoyed by an open fire. Guests can also learn to fish at the garden's practice lake before moving on to the salmon in the nearby river. Brides-to-be will also find an on-site beauty room and hairdressing salon, but there's no gym.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Cable

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Pets Allowed

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.