Kennard Hall is a very special place to stay for holidays and short breaks in Devon; such a handsome Victorian house, standing high on a hill in immense private grounds and parkland, with spectacular views over the beautiful Exe Valley.
The House
In you go, through the rather grand vestibule at the back of the house into the hallway. On your left is the kitchen with original Parquet flooring and gorgeously green paintwork; next to it is the dining room- more Parquet, ornate plasterwork of cherubs and roses, stained glass and twinkling chandeliers. Straight ahead is the snug, next to it the drawing room, round to the right is the beautifully carved oak staircase, and then a cloakroom, utility and loo.
By the stairs, steps lead down to the basement and to the soundproofed movie room with an 86” screen and a huge U-shaped sofa. Next to it you can play pubs in your very own private and soundproofed bar.
Bedrooms 1-5 are on the first floor and have a modern traditional look. Bedroom 1 is a suite with 2 rooms and an ensuite bathroom, so it’s great for a family. Bedrooms 6-9 are on the second floor and have more of a mid-century feel with a backdrop of fabulous colours; all have ensuite shower rooms, Bedrooms 7-9 have room for extra guest beds (extra charge – see Extras page). Also on this floor is the games room; play pool and table tennis, lounge on sofas and beanbags.
The gardens are lovely, with meandering paths and walkways, vast lawns and woodlands to discover. The pool is on the terrace at the West side of the house and is heated for use from Easter to the end of October; next to it is the hot tub, which can be used anytime of year.
What joy, how divine it is to be here – the peace, the quiet, the far reaching views, and the luxury of being together…
Local Area
Tear yourself away from Kennard Hall if you can. Go for a leisurely amble around Bampton, a dear little town just 2.5 miles away, with local stores, an excellent butchers and bakers shop, and the award winning Swan Hotel.
Mosey over to Tiverton for a ride along the Grand Western Canal on one of the few remaining horse drawn barges in the country; hire boats to take to the waters, wander along the towpath; when you get back have a drink on the floating Duck’s Ditty Cafe-Bar.
Dulverton is nice too, with its quaint tea shops and down by the river, The Bridge Inn - good for a pub lunch. This is the gateway to Exmoor National Park, so off you go, exploring the heathery heaths and the wooded river valleys; look out for wild ponies roaming free on the rufty-tufty moors, watch buzzards soaring overhead, spot red deer contentedly grazing. Go to Tarr Steps where the ancient clapper bridge crosses the River Barle, stroll along the riverbank at Watersmeet, see the chocolatey-box thatched cottages that stand around the green at Selworthy. Puff your way up to Dunkery Beacon for views that stretch for miles – it’s the highest point on Exmoor so you can imagine...
And if you wanted, you could go to the sea because the Somerset coast isn’t far; spend an afternoon on the sands at Minehead or Blue Anchor happy as larks.