Kerswell Farmhouse B&B

Kerswell Farmhouse Boutique Bed & Breakfast is a 400-year-old South Devon longhouse that takes its name from its wells and cress beds which are fed by nearby springs. Located in a beautiful and secluded part of the South Hams between Totnes and Dartmouth and set in 5 acres of rolling countryside it enjoys spectacular, uninterrupted views towards Dartmoor.

Hosts Graham and Nichola Hawkins are there to welcome guests when they arrive at this luxury Devonshire farmhouse. Graham ran The British School of Kuwait for 17 years and also has an interest in modern art and fine wines. Nichola was an interior designer before coming to Devon and is a most accomplished cook with a fine repertoire of dishes featuring local Devon fayre to tempt her guests.

Four double bedrooms have individually designed en suite bathrooms with White Company toiletries and the single has a private bathroom. Each bedroom is fitted in English oak and furnished with an elegant blend of antique and contemporary pieces and original artwork. Generously sized beds are fitted with sumptuous pocket-sprung mattresses, luxurious White Company cotton sheets and goose down duvets. Other features enjoyed by all rooms include free Wi-Fi internet access, individually controlled under floor heating, a well-stocked tray with selection of teas and ground coffee, flat screen HD/Digital TVs with DVD playing facilities, fine cotton bath robes, hair dryer, fresh flowers and a selection of modern novels and magazines.

On request, arrangements can be made to provide special treats such as Champagne, flowers and local hand-made chocolates.

From the Devonshire Cream Tea offered to guests on arrival to the breakfast spread enjoyed on the morning of reluctant departure, a signature feature of a stay at Kerswell Farmhouse is the enjoyment of an excellent cuisine based on carefully selected local produce. The South Hams of Devonshire is an area ideally located to take advantage of excellent farm-reared lamb, pork and beef, and some of the best game estates, fisheries and shell-fish beds in the country.

A Devonshire breakfast menu has been created to offer the traditional fare of McCabe of Totnes pork sausages and bacon, Yonder Parks Farm free-range eggs and Devon field mushrooms. As alternatives Dartmouth Smokehouse haddock, kippers or smoked salmon with scrambled free-range eggs are offered.

Dinner may be booked on Friday and Tuesday evenings, served by candlelight in the Old Farmhouse Dining Room. In her menus Nichola seeks distinctive flavours which reflect the seasons in our rural setting in the heart of South-West England.

As well as the Old Farmhouse Dining Room our Garden Room is available for dining, with its extensive views across rolling farmland to the expanse of Southern Dartmoor which in summer is often bathed in the brilliant reds, oranges and purples of seemingly endless sunsets. Drinks may be taken before dinner on the terrace or by the log fire in the drawing room. Nichola will be delighted to discuss special menus.

On other evenings and for lunches, there is a splendid selection of inns and restaurants in the area including our local The Maltsters Arms on the riverside at Tuckenhay and the Ferry Boat Inn on the shore of the Dart Estuary at Dittisham. There is also fine dining at The Seahorse and Angélique restaurants in Dartmouth

The gardens and fields around Kerswell Farmhouse may make guests reluctant to step further afield, but Dartmoor is on the doorstep and close by there is the South Devon Coast Path, South Hams AONB, the creeks of the Dart Estuary, the resorts of Torbay, Dartmouth in its bustling seafaring setting, the ancient town of Totnes, Brixham fishing harbour and Ashburton with its antiques centre as well as Blue Flag beaches, steam railways, historic houses, castles and gardens aplenty, all within easy reach.

In part of the Barn at Kerswell Farmhouse there is a small art gallery with work by an exciting range of British artists for sale including local painters Fran Gynn and Paul riley, potters Peter Sparrey and Marianne de Trey and photographer John Northcott.

For the adventurous Graham offers day-long treks and guided tours in the locality, each with a special theme including Conan Doyle’s Dartmoor and The Hound of the Baskervilles, Agatha Christie’s Devon, Preparations for D-Day in the South Hams and Tin Mining on Dartmoor. Graham and Nichola can also arrange for guests to go canoeing, sailing, cruising, fly-fishing, riding or golfing.