The Great House B&B Exmoor

Pre-breakfast, anyone?

I don’t know about you, but this gives me all the Downton Abbey vibes - did you know a tray was taken up for the Lady of the house to have a light snack in bed before going down to a proper breakfast after being dressed by her Lady’s Maid?

Those days are long gone, but at least you can sleep like Lord of the Manor when you choose luxury bedlinen, like this finest Egyptian cotton sateen from .
It’s 500 threadcount, long staple, single ply which simply means it’s the best you can get, and is so smooth it actually feels like you’re wrapped in silk!

If you want a bit of Downton in your bedroom, just use code THEGREATHOUSEEXMOOR at checkout to get an EXTRA 15% off or click on the link in our profile.

I was putting away the glasses from last night when a thought occurred to me - why does a drink from a crystal glass seem to taste nicer?
Is there any science behind it, or is it all in the mind?
Maybe it’s like drinking tea out of a bone china cup and saucer; it’s not just about the drink, it’s also about HOW you drink it.
I know I enjoy the ritual of pouring tea from a proper pot into a bone china teacup, and whisky into a heavy crystal glass, which is why it’s all you’ll find when you stay here.

Is it just me…?

SWIPE to see our tiny but fabulous Bar.

An angle of the Dunster Suite rarely seen, because all our rooms are about the statement beds and restored fireplaces!

SWIPE for the ‘Before’.

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Hello, my name is Sheila and I’m addicted to fabrics. A Fabraholic.

There - I’ve said it.

It’s a Love/Hate relationship - I love the choice but hate having to choose, if you know what I mean?

This is the grown-up part of our Family Suite - the kids get their very own bunk room.

I made the headboards in ‘Magnolia’ by (tutorial in highlights).

Cushion is made from ‘Imari Vase’ fabric in Emerald by

Valance is made in ‘Kiki’ fabric from

WHAT Pomp and Circumstance keeping traditions alive for the coronation of King Charles III!

Long live the King!

We’re taking bookings for Sunday Roast on Easter Day - SWIPE for menu.

Only it won’t be on a wooden platter, it will be on bone china plates with proper silver cutlery.
Can you imagine the mess the gravy would make on the tablecloth…?

Our Wednesday Pop-Up has finished until October, BUT….we’re doing a roast dinner for Easter Day, so why not let US do the hard work and join us for a special two-course lunch!

BOOKING ESSENTIAL by 8th April

We threw open the front door yesterday, for a couple of hours; it felt lovely to let the fresh air in once again.

Whilst I embrace long, dark Winter nights hunkering down by the fire, the clocks going forward really make a difference to productivity, I find.
Lighter nights mean more gets done in the garden for a start, and I really enjoy that as everything springs to life after lying dormant for six months.

Anyone done the first mow yet?
We’ve been holding fire so the bees get their first nectar from the dandelions that pop up, but I’m secretly desperate to see a nice neat lawn again…

#🏳️‍🌈

Today, I will be mostly making cakes for tomorrow’s Afternoon Teas…book now!🍰🫖🧁

Mmm, breakfast in bed, please!

This is our Lorna Doone Suite - possibly our most romantic room, featuring a Kingsize bed with a half-tester canopy.

All furnishings are bespoke as is the incredible full-wall mural, handpainted by the talented who also painted the Chinoiserie in our Dining Room.

Who fancies waking up in here?

Paint is Setting Plaster by
Headboard in Rockbird by
All other fabrics from

Sometimes, less is more.

Take our staircase, for example, which is specifically mentioned on the Grade II Listing. An exemplary piece of craftsmanship surviving over 300 years thus far, it includes a rare integral concertina dog gate at its base, just visible to the right.

Imagine 3 centuries of patina acquired by countless people descending the stairs…it would amount to criminal vandalism to sand it down and refinish it!!

Taking advice from Historic England, we *just* gave it a good clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cloth, left it to dry, then brushed on a couple of coats of oil to nourish and protect the wood.

Oh, and we bucked the trend by changing the threadbare runner to a classic red one, thereby elevating the status of this grand staircase to its former glory, in all its imperfect perfection - conserving, not restoring.

Look how well Tess is camouflaged in the ‘before’ photo!

Happy Mother’s Day to all you wonderful ladies out there!
We had a cancellation for Afternoon Tea today, if anyone fancies a last minute treat😃

That’s it. The 4 tog quilt is going back on tonight after a restless night of doing the Hokey Cokey with the 10 tog, sweating like a pig in a butcher’s shop.
Please tell me there’s no more snow forecast and that I can dust the flip flops off, too..?

It’s official!

Although we already have a great reputation for our inclusive hospitality, we are ‘Proud’ to announce that we have completed a course that recognises our commitment.

EVERYONE is welcome and free to be themselves here - no matter who they are or who they love.

SWIPE to see our daughter’s wedding and guests who have become firm friends🏳️‍🌈

+ 🌈

MOTHER’S DAY💐🍰🫖

Afternoon Tea in our Chinoiserie Dining Room - bookings now taken!

OUR TINY BAR

As we gear up for our next Murder Mystery tomorrow night, our little ‘Speakeasy’ will come into its own - quite apt given the 1930s era themed event.

Measuring a bijou 7’7” X 6’11” it is, nevertheless, THE most popular spot in the house!

Whatever the occasion, parties always end up in here, aided by Spotify and disco lights and fuelled, inevitably, by copious quantities of the intoxicating liquor held within.

The record for the most people that can squeeze into this minute space stands at 17 - photographic evidence attached!

SWIPE to end to see the ‘Before’.

It’s all in the detail: puddled curtains, cosy sheepskin, antique furniture - no room ‘template’ here.

Every room is unique, designed with passion and respect for the architectural history of this wonderful old Grade II Listed building.

Sure, she’s creaky and showing every bit of her 330 years, but she’s ageing well and improving more as each year passes, in my eyes.

You can’t escape the history in this house - it envelopes you like a warm blanket.
Come and see for yourself and fall in love, just like we did❤️

LOVE IS….Getting laced into your corset on your wedding day🤪

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Last chance to book for our special Valentine’s Day pop-up restaurant ❤️❤️❤️