0202

Kitley House

Near Plymouth, South Devon

Deluxe

Historic country house hotel taking steps to conserve its environment

DESCRIPTION

Kitley House is an elegant country house hotel set in 600 acres of pasture and woodland. It lies in its own private estate between the villages of Brixton and Yealmpton, approximately six miles from Plymouth in South Devon.

The 500 year old Grade I listed building is approached by a mile long tree lined drive and has an unusual claim to fame: “old” Mother Hubbard - its housekeeper - wrote her rhymes for the children of the family.

There are 19 spacious bedrooms and suites, most with panoramic views. They include 2 with four posters and the ground floor Hubbard Suite which is suitable for disabled guests. All have modern facilities with en suite bath and shower, telephone, satellite TV, radio, trouser press and hair dryer.

The restaurant, with its Modern British menu and emphasis on friendly rather than stuffy service, variously operates in 3 rooms. The Library, all burgundy, ornate marble pillars and open fire, overlooks the Trout Lake and in summer opens out onto the Terrace; the Regency with views over the Fountain Garden; and the smaller Drawing Room.

GREEN FEATURES

The hotel has taken a number of environmentally friendly measures which have also cut costs. For instance it installed a more efficient heating system and low energy light fittings.

Recycling of bottles and card has been stepped up and waste consequently reduced. Rather than using chemical cleaning products it now uses eco-friendly ones as well as chemical free toiletries in dispensers.

The breakfasts have been acclaimed for their healthy produce sourced from regional suppliers.

The estate has been designated a County Wildlife Site. This followed an extensive survey of the Lake and Surrounding Grassland and illustrates the priority it gives this. In the grounds additional new scrapes lakes (shallow ponds) have been created to help with biodiversity (“more bugs = more plants = more mammals & birds = more bugs .....”).