Preston, Newton Abbot, United Kingdom | (618) 248-8274
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
No restaurant on-site
No restaurants, pubs, or shops in walking distance
Some rooms feel
rickety
Early morning animal
noises can disrupt light sleepers
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
