Pros

  • Charming thatched-roof farm dating back to 15th century
  • Plenty of farm animals including goats and rare-breed hens
  • Located around fields, farmland, and stone quarries
  • Quirky rooms with rural views
  • Hearty breakfast included in the room rate
  • Snug lounge with open fire and local ales
  • Art workshops and classes available
  • Free Wi-Fi
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Cons

  • No restaurant on-site
  • No restaurants, pubs, or shops in walking distance
  • Some rooms feel rickety
  • Early morning animal noises can disrupt light sleepers
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Bottom Line

Sampsons Farm Country Hotel is a mid-range Bed and Breakfast-style lodging housed in an ancient farmstead dating back to the 15th century. While the location is a little off the beaten track -- a car is vital -- the pretty surroundings make for pleasant country walks. The old buildings mean some quirky rooms and a farm location means animal noises, though only enough to bother the lightest sleeper. There's no full restaurant, but the eggs at breakfast couldn't be fresher.  All in all its great for those wanting a genuinely rustic experience. If a pastoral scene isn't desired, there's always a Premier Inn up the road. 

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Oyster Hotel Review

Sampsons Farm Country Hotel

Scene

Family-run working farm dating back to the 15th century

While many hotels may contain the word "farm" in their name, Sampson's Farm is a genuinely fully functioning farmstead complete with all the noises -- though few of the smells -- you'd associate with farm life. Occupying a 15th-century farmhouse (older than Shakespeare), it's the picture of rural Devon with a lovely thatched roof, inglenook fireplaces, and ancient oak beams. The business has been in the Bell family for three generations, and it's presently owned and managed by Nigel, who's happy to share its rich history with guests. Artworks by Nigel's wife, Sarah, can also be found throughout the hotel (many of which are available to buy). The distinctive property also includes a converted barn, luxury cottage, and self-contained apartment, while for animal lovers -- and children -- there's plenty of farmyard animals to visit including rare-breed chickens and ducks. 

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Location

Off the beaten track in South Devon's Newton Abbot and close to Dartmoor

The hotel is located in the parish of Newton Abbot in the district of Teignbridge in South Devon. Set at the end of a small country lane, the farm is certainly off the beaten track and surrounded by fields, farmland, and stone quarries. There's no restaurants or pubs within walking distance, though the pretty River Teign is nearby and there are plenty of pleasant walks in the area. The nearest town is Kingsteignton (until recently the largest village in England) and the A38 and A380 highways nearby mean easy access by road to Exeter (30 minutes) and Plymouth (45 minutes). The vast moorland of Dartmoor National Park is also just 15 minutes by car. The local Newquay Cornwall Airport is an hour an a half away by car.

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Rooms

Quirky and rustic rooms with breezy decor, free Wi-Fi, and some animal noise

The farm offers a range of accommodation including guest rooms, suites, and apartments spread across converted barns and ancient thatched cottages (which tend to be smaller). Decor varies, though it's generally fresh and breezy in light neutral tones, pastels, and a mixture of rustic-style and modern furnishings. Basic amenities include flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi, while some rooms overlook goats and chickens (which can mean an early wake up call for light sleepers). Room are cozy and mostly well-maintained, though can feel a little ramshackle and lacking polish in places. Apartments also include kitchens for self-catering. 

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Features

Farm-fresh eggs for breakfast and local ales by a log fire -- though no on-site restaurant

A breakfast consisting of farm eggs, fresh fruit, and homemade marmalade is included in the rate and served in the farmhouse dining room. There's also a snug lounge for cozy evenings in front of a log fire where they also serve a selection of locally-brewed ales and ciders, and a West Country cheese board with homemade chutneys. There's no restaurant on-site, however, and the nearest dining options are a short car ride away. Art workshops and classes -- run by one of the owners -- are available but should be booked in advance.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Sampsons Farm Country Hotel

Scene

Family-run working farm dating back to the 15th century

While many hotels may contain the word "farm" in their name, Sampson's Farm is a genuinely fully functioning farmstead complete with all the noises -- though few of the smells -- you'd associate with farm life. Occupying a 15th-century farmhouse (older than Shakespeare), it's the picture of rural Devon with a lovely thatched roof, inglenook fireplaces, and ancient oak beams. The business has been in the Bell family for three generations, and it's presently owned and managed by Nigel, who's happy to share its rich history with guests. Artworks by Nigel's wife, Sarah, can also be found throughout the hotel (many of which are available to buy). The distinctive property also includes a converted barn, luxury cottage, and self-contained apartment, while for animal lovers -- and children -- there's plenty of farmyard animals to visit including rare-breed chickens and ducks. 

See More Scene

Location

Off the beaten track in South Devon's Newton Abbot and close to Dartmoor

The hotel is located in the parish of Newton Abbot in the district of Teignbridge in South Devon. Set at the end of a small country lane, the farm is certainly off the beaten track and surrounded by fields, farmland, and stone quarries. There's no restaurants or pubs within walking distance, though the pretty River Teign is nearby and there are plenty of pleasant walks in the area. The nearest town is Kingsteignton (until recently the largest village in England) and the A38 and A380 highways nearby mean easy access by road to Exeter (30 minutes) and Plymouth (45 minutes). The vast moorland of Dartmoor National Park is also just 15 minutes by car. The local Newquay Cornwall Airport is an hour an a half away by car.

See More Location

Rooms

Quirky and rustic rooms with breezy decor, free Wi-Fi, and some animal noise

The farm offers a range of accommodation including guest rooms, suites, and apartments spread across converted barns and ancient thatched cottages (which tend to be smaller). Decor varies, though it's generally fresh and breezy in light neutral tones, pastels, and a mixture of rustic-style and modern furnishings. Basic amenities include flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi, while some rooms overlook goats and chickens (which can mean an early wake up call for light sleepers). Room are cozy and mostly well-maintained, though can feel a little ramshackle and lacking polish in places. Apartments also include kitchens for self-catering. 

See More Rooms

Features

Farm-fresh eggs for breakfast and local ales by a log fire -- though no on-site restaurant

A breakfast consisting of farm eggs, fresh fruit, and homemade marmalade is included in the rate and served in the farmhouse dining room. There's also a snug lounge for cozy evenings in front of a log fire where they also serve a selection of locally-brewed ales and ciders, and a West Country cheese board with homemade chutneys. There's no restaurant on-site, however, and the nearest dining options are a short car ride away. Art workshops and classes -- run by one of the owners -- are available but should be booked in advance.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Basic Television

  • Cribs

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

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.