OARE MANOR: AN EXCLUSIVE HOLIDAY RESIDENCE ON EXMOOR
Described as a jewel between the moor and the sea Oare Manor is an historic residence located in the stunning Oare Valley in the heart of Exmoor National Park, the setting for the classic story of tragic heroine Lorna Doone. Following a two-year no-expense-spared refurbishment project, the impressive property now features a stunning Victorian interior with sumptuous furnishings, valuable antiques and paintings, classic Victorian baths and all modern conveniences, and is available on selected dates for exclusive use by discerning parties of up to 14 guests.
The manor house, which provides first-class accommodation in a tranquil, secluded setting, is referred to in the Domesday Book of 1086 and, in part, dates back to the early 11th century. However, the majority of the existing stone property with its distinctive gables was built in the 19th century, when it became the Manor House of Oare.
Once home to the Exmoor Hunt, complete with kennels which have since been converted into accommodation for the live-in butler and housekeeper, the property has a number of stables that may be used by guests wishing to bring their own horses with them when they stay. In fact, the manor house, where King Edward VII – then the Prince of Wales - stayed in 1863 during a hunt on Exmoor, continues to welcome pets today, too. There is even a dedicated dog shower and fur dryer, perfect for cleaning up after long, muddy walks!
Oare Manor is available on either a self-catering basis or, with prior notice, a local chef can be appointed to cater for guests during their stay. A full vegetable garden and small holding provide home-grown produce and fresh eggs on a daily basis, while home-made meals can also be arranged in advance and fresh lobster can even be delivered to the door, direct from the morning’s catch at Lynmouth Bay.
Comprising seven superb double bedroom suites and one twin-bedded room, each with sumptuous décor, original artwork and fine antique furnishings, Oare Manor combines outstanding interiors with state-of-the-art technology, including a Bose sound system throughout, WIFI, plasma televisions in each bedroom, digital on-demand Freesat TV, telephones and DVD players.
Other features of the house include a helicopter landing area, an outdoor jacuzzi, open fire places, a large breakfast room plus a more formal dining room for up to 16 guests and a 30ft kitchen with four ovens.
Owners, Jane and Tony Robinson, have carefully selected a mix of antiques and eclectic artwork that help to make Oare a welcoming retreat and add to its exclusivity. Among the most unusual pieces is a replica of the bed designed by Napoleon for Josephine in the master bedroom suite; one of only three known to exist in the UK.
Among the highlights of a stay at Oare Manor, guests may choose to try their hand at clay pigeon shooting, play croquet on the lawn, wander the gardens of the 30-acre estate, listening to the gentle trickle of the stream and looking out for signs of wildlife, or take advantage of the property’s direct access on to Exmoor to enjoy walking, cycling or horse riding in the area. A guided Exmoor Safari is a must and, for those interested in field sports, pheasant and partridge shoots and fishing trips may also be arranged locally.
Then, why not luxuriate in one of the deep, free-standing baths, complete with handmade toiletries, make the most of the vast library of books, CD’s and DVDs, take afternoon tea curled up on the mammoth day bed on the terrace, or indulge in a reflexology or massage treatment?
Evenings may be spent relaxing in front of an open fire with a drink from the honesty bar, challenging friends in the games’ room, playing the piano and enjoying dinner under the clear night-skies, free of pollution, in one of three outdoor dining areas.
An overnight stay at Oare Manor starts from £3000 for full occupancy (14 guests) and includes the services of the Housekeeper and Butler.
Six-day breaks for up to two couples start from £4500 on a self-catering basis, with each extra couple being charged an additional £1000. So for seven couples, prices start from £226 per couple per night.
All breaks can be fully tailored to suit the requirements of individual parties.