Monkton Court House: Your Fairytale Devon Escape (B&B, Upottery)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the whimsical world of Monkton Court House: Your Fairytale Devon Escape in Upottery. Forget those sterile hotel reviews – this is going to be real. And trust me, after spending a few days there, I've got opinions – and a whole lot of fairy dust still clinging to my eyelashes.
Let's be honest, the promise of a "fairytale escape" is a HUGE ask. Can a B&B in Devon actually deliver that? Well… mostly, yes. Mostly.
(First Impressions: A Deep Breath of Devon Air &… Are Those Cobwebs?!)
The drive to Monkton Court House is already magical. Winding lanes, rolling hills, cows staring at you like you're invading their tea party… bliss. As you pull up to the house, it’s genuinely breathtaking. Think picture-perfect thatched roof, rambling ivy, and an air of, well, aged charm. Let's just say, the "rustic" aesthetic is on full display.
Accessibility: This is where my fairytale bubble slightly wobbled. While they do list "Facilities for disabled guests," I'd REALLY recommend phoning ahead and getting the nitty-gritty details. The website doesn’t scream "wheelchair accessible," and you definitely get the impression that navigating those charmingly uneven floors could present a challenge. (Minor gripe: Accessibility needs far more prominent information upfront. Come on guys!)
Check-in/out [express/private/24-hour Front Desk]: Check-in was smooth as clotted cream. They offer a "Contactless check-in/out," which during these times is a massive relief. The front desk is 24-hour. So you will have someone present for any of your needs.
Getting Around (Car Park [free of charge] & More): Thank heavens for free parking! There’s ample space. Not exactly a 'car power charging station' kinda place, mind you – think more “horseshoe on the cobbles” rather than Tesla central. Airport transfer & taxi services are also available. Consider them.
(The Room: Castle Chic &… That Mysterious Stain?)
Now, the rooms. Oh, the rooms. They're stunning! My room was like something out of a romantic novel. Think four-poster bed draped in luxurious fabric, huge windows with views to die for, and all the cozy trimmings. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- Quick side note: The "Additional toilet" option isn't a given in every room, so check when booking if this is a must-have!
- Quirky observation: There was a slightly peculiar stain on the carpet. Now, it could have been anything… a spilled dram of mead? A rogue chocolate truffle attack? The mystery only added to the charm (or, you know, the slightly-less-than-perfect-but-still-glorious charm). I'm a sucker for a bit of character.
(Food, Glorious Food! A Love Letter to Devon Cuisine… With a Few Hiccups):
The food at Monkton Court House is a highlight. Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Breakfast! Oh, the breakfast! A full English, with local sausages that practically sang on my tongue. The buffet was overflowing with fresh fruit, pastries, and enough options to satisfy even the pickiest eater. There is also alternative meal arrangement.
The dinner menu was equally impressive, with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. I opted for the roasted duck which was heavenly.
- Anecdote: One evening, the service at the bar was a little slow, but the staff were so genuinely friendly and apologetic, that it just added to the “I’m on holiday” vibe.
- Downside: The "Asian cuisine in restaurant" was not on offering at the time.
(Relaxation & Pampering: Spa Dreams & Sauna Shenanigans):
Okay, this is where the "fairytale" really kicked in. Monkton Court House has a dedicated spa area. It's not HUGE, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm. Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]
- Confession: I had a massage that was transcendental. Seriously, I think I floated out of that room.
- Pool area: The outdoor pool, which I sadly didn't get to experience. However, looking at photos, it adds a touch of luxury and a welcome way to relax.
(Things to Do: Beyond the Bathrobe):
Don’t just sit around in your bathrobes all day (tempting as it is!) Upottery and the surrounding area are bursting with things to do. Exploring the stunning Devon countryside is a must.
- Recommendation: Go for a walk, visit the local farms.
- Minor gripe: There isn't a dedicated list of "things to do" provided, so you'll need to do your own research.
(Cleanliness and Safety: Masks, Sanitizer & Peace of Mind):
Let's talk about the elephant in the room – or, rather, the virus in the air. Monkton Court House takes hygiene SERIOUSLY. They have anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas. Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
- Good stuff: The staff are vigilant about mask-wearing and sanitizing stations are everywhere. I felt incredibly safe and relaxed.
- Anecdote: I accidentally dropped my phone in the muddy car park. The staff were amazing and helped me clean it.
(Internet & Tech: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Everywhere!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hooray! I could happily upload Instagram stories from my breakfast table.
- Minor hiccup: The internet speeds aren't lightning fast, so don’t expect to download entire movies instantly. But for checking emails and posting dreamy photos, it's perfectly adequate.
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
(For the Kids: Babysitting and More!):
For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- Good for families: The place is family-friendly.
(In Conclusion… A Devon Dream, with a Few Imperfections.)
Monkton Court House: Your Fairytale Devon Escape is a beautifully unique experience. Yes, it’s got a few quirks, and the “perfection” you’d expect from a top-tier hotel isn’t quite there. But the charm, the location, the food, and the spa more than make up for it. It's the kind of place where you can truly disconnect from the world and, for a little while, believe in magic.
My honest rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Escape to Paradise: Pegaso B&B, Valeggio sul Mincio's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfect travel itinerary. This is… well, this is my trip to Monkton Court House B&B in Upottery, UK. Prepare for the glorious mess that is real life.
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious Struggle for Wifi
Afternoon (ish) - The Treacherous Descent: Okay, let's be honest, the flight was fine. Pretty standard. But the rental car situation? Don't even get me started. The GPS, bless its little algorithmic heart, tried to navigate me through what I'm pretty sure were sheep pastures. We’re talking tight lanes, hedges breathing down the car's neck, constant fear of meeting a tractor. Then…finally! Upottery. And Monkton Court House. It's gorgeous, seriously. That ivy… swoon.
Late Afternoon - The Wifi Wars: The first mission? Connect to the internet. Essential. You know, for…research. And definitely not just scrolling through Instagram. The B&B owner, bless her heart, pointed me towards a strategically placed router in the dining room. Let the games begin. Hour one: buffering hell. Hour two: more buffering hell. Finally, after yelling at the screen (quietly, because manners), I managed to send a single email. Victory! Or, you know, temporary truce. I'm still not sure how the 10000% percent of British things work
Evening - Dinner and a Glimpse of Heaven: Honestly, I was ready to just collapse. But the dinner! Oh, the dinner. The owner is an amazing cook, and I could taste the love in every bite. Local produce, beautifully presented. And I am convinced that the lamb fell right off the bone. The house wine helped. A lot. And then… the peace. Just the quiet and a view of the countryside. Seriously, I sat by the fireplace and just… breathed. I might have shed a tear or two. Don't judge.
Day 2: The Great Dunkeswell Adventure (And My Near-Death Experience With a Cream Tea)
Morning - The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing (Almost): Well, I was planning on going to Honiton to see the main street, but I accidentally slept in. Okay, not accidentally. I needed the sleep. Today is all about slow living. Breakfast was amazing, again. I saw a robin on the window sill…it's the little things.
Mid-morning - "I Must Go Deeper" The Dunkeswell Abbey Exploration: The ruins of Dunkeswell Abbey, just a short drive away. It's beautiful, even in its broken state. Imagine the stories within those stones. I spent an hour or two just wandering around, imagining the monks. The quiet was deafening, in a good way. I even think I felt a presence, or maybe I just needed a nap.
Afternoon - The Cream Tea Catastrophe: NOW, the real drama. Cream tea. It's a must in the UK, right? Well, I found a cute little tea room in Honiton , and thought, "How bad can it be?" Turns out… potentially life-threatening. The scones were piled high with clotted cream AND jam. And the tea. I'm not sure what happened, I ate it all so quickly. I am certain an oxygen mask wasn't far off. I may have to add more of those to my next itinerary.
Evening - Upottery Pub Perfection: I felt a little sluggish so I decided to relax and grab dinner in the local pub. The owners were wonderfully kind, and I was surrounded by friendly locals. Simple, comforting food, and a good pint of ale. It was a perfect ending to the day.
Day 3: The Farewell and the Promise of Return
Morning - Last Breakfast and the Sad Goodbye: This time, it's been the perfect way to end the trip. This whole place, and the wonderful people who run it.
Mid-morning - The Drive and the Memories: Before I left, I had another drive around those narrow roads. I felt a sense of nostalgia so strong that it made me actually cry.
Late Morning - The Departure: Tears and hugs, I'm saying goodbye to the B&B and everything that comes with it. From the moment I arrived, it was like an embrace. The scenery, the food, the people; it has all made an imprint on my memory. I will never forget this trip.
Post-Trip - The Aftermath: I'm already planning a return trip. Seriously. And next time, I'm going to actually remember to buy some local souvenirs. And maybe, just maybe, I'll invest in a GPS that doesn't lead me into sheep pastures.
Monkton Court House: Your Fairytale Devon Escape? (Hold my cider...) – FAQs, Rambles, & Raw Truth
Is Monkton Court House really as fairytale-y as it looks in the photos?
Okay, so the pictures? Yeah, they’re gorgeous. Seriously, Instagram goals. And yes, *parts* of Monkton Court House *are* fairytale-y. Think rolling hills, stonework that whispers of centuries… and the resident cat, Barnaby, who’s basically a fluffy, ginger Prince Charming.
But life, and ancient buildings, aren't perfect. That “fairytale” charm comes with a few… *quirks*. Like, my room? Beautiful four-poster, mind you. But the floorboards creaked like a banshee was doing the tango every time I shuffled to the loo in the middle of the night. And the shower? Let's just say it had more personality than some of my exes (temperamental, cold at first, then unexpectedly HOT). It’s not a gleaming hotel, it’s MORE interesting than that. More alive.
What's the food like? Is it… *good*?
Oh, the food. Buckle up, buttercups. Breakfast is included, and it's a proper Devon breakfast. Think locally sourced sausages, black pudding that'll convert you, and eggs cooked *exactly* how you like them. Honestly, I ate so much on the first morning, I nearly needed a wheelbarrow to cart myself around.
Dinners? You can book them in advance. And you ABSOLUTELY SHOULD. One night, I had the roast lamb. Dear GOD, the roast lamb. It fell apart at the slightest glance. And the gravy… I’m not exaggerating, I’m pretty sure I licked the plate clean. Okay, I *might* have used a piece of bread to mop up the last drop. Shush. But seriously, it’s home-cooked, hearty, and filled with flavor. It feels like a hug from your Great Aunt… who happens to be a culinary genius.
But! (There's always a "but," right?) There was one evening… they were out of the dessert I *really* wanted. Heartbreak. Utter heartbreak. They improvised with something else, which was still delicious mind you. But… the pang of wanting that specific Sticky Toffee Pudding… that stayed with me. Perspective, People! Still, 9/10. Delicious.
Is it easy to find? And where the heck is Upottery anyway?
Finding Monkton Court House? Yeah, it's not *exactly* on the M25. Upottery, bless it, is tucked away in the Devon countryside. Think winding lanes, hedges taller than a house, and the overwhelming scent of… well, Devon. Cow, mostly. Lovely, but potent.
My satnav tried to send me down a track that looked suspiciously like it was designed for goats. Twice. Twice! Eventually, I trusted the handwritten directions from the website (yes, I printed something! Shocking, I know!), and I arrived safe and sound. Just be prepared to do a bit of "countryside negotiating" with the local wildlife (and the occasional tractor). Embrace the adventure! It’s half the fun.
Is it romantic? Perfect for a proposal?
Romantic? Absolutely! The setting… the views… the crackling fire in the hearth (if you're lucky enough to be there in cooler weather)… it's all utterly swoon-worthy. I saw a couple looking gloriously loved-up, strolling hand-in-hand across the lawn as the sun went down. Cue the violins! A proposal? Yeah, I could absolutely see it. Just… maybe check that the bride-to-be isn't *too* afraid of spiders, because, you know, old house charm.
Actually… (and this is embarrassing) I witnessed a proposal! A nervous chap, ring glinting, down on one knee… she said YES! Then they both started crying (me too, I'm a sap), and they kissed… and then a wasp decided to crash the party! It buzzed right into his ear. I felt so bad for the guy! He didn't miss a beat (and she didn't run away), he swatted, brushed it off, and they just carried on celebrating. So, romantic? Yes. Flawless? No. And that, my friends, is what makes it memorable.
Can I bring my dog? (Please, please tell me I can!)
Yes! Thank the heavens, YES! Monkton Court House is dog-friendly. And not just "dog-tolerating," but genuinely dog-loving. I swear, I saw more happy tails wagging than humans smiling (and the smiles were pretty darn big). The grounds are a doggy paradise, there were a few muddy paws, and general doggy chaos. My own dog, if I had one, would have had the time of his life. They have treats. Bowls of water everywhere. And genuinely welcoming owners who seem to love a good puppy cuddle. Check in advance about specifics (rules, space), but don’t be shy! It’s a huge selling point.
What else is there to *do* in the area? Besides eat and swoon?
Okay, so you *could* spend your entire stay glued to the armchair with a book, and I wouldn’t blame you. But Devon is *amazing*. The Jurassic Coast is a relatively easy drive, and it's breathtaking. Amazing beaches. You can go fossil-hunting! (I didn't, because I was busy eating, but you *could*!). There are charming little towns to explore, pubs galore (needed after that driving!), and enough walking trails to satisfy even the most energetic hiker. The local village, well, is charming, with a pub that is a real community hub.
But do not, I repeat, DO NOT expect Michelin star dining. It's proper, honest, slow-paced Devon life. And that’s the beauty of it. It’s a place to unwind, to breathe, and to maybe, just maybe, escape the real world for a few glorious days. The lack of things to "do," in a way, is it's greatest achievement.
So, would you *really* recommend it? Be honest!
Alright, here's the raw truth, unfiltered and unvarnished: YES. Absolutely. Yes. Flaws and all.
It's not a flawless, sterile hotel experience. It's alive. It's full of character. It's real. It's friendly owners. It's a warm welcome. It's creYour Stay Hub
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