Thurlestone Hotel - the Grand Dame of South Devon

Guest Blog Post - Mark Turner

South Devon is one of my favourite places on earth. I grew up here, and the twisting, narrow country lanes of the South Hams signal that I'm home.

Recently, we decided to trade the city hustle for the salty air of the coast. Our destination? The legendary Thurlestone Hotel.

We arrived in the classic British seaside weather, rain and wind, but it was December. Overlooking Thurlestone Bay, the weather didn't matter. The warm embrace of this historic property makes you forget the grey skies immediately. We had arrived at the UK’s oldest family-run hotel.

A Century of Coastal Heritage

The Thurlestone Hotel is a rare survival of the golden age of British travel, remaining the UK’s oldest family-run hotel after 125 years of Grose family stewardship. Originally a 1700s farmhouse, its transformation began in 1896 when Margaret and William Grose began hosting golfers. By the Roaring Twenties, the property had evolved into a sophisticated seaside landmark, eventually serving as a Royal Marines officer depot during WWII.

Its dramatic coastal setting has long seduced the cultural elite; Agatha Christie drew literary inspiration from the surrounding cliffs, and Noël Coward famously extended a three-day visit into a three-week stay. Today, it stands as a testament to a pioneering family legacy, blending Victorian spirit with modern coastal grandeur.

The Room: Superior Sea View Suite

We stayed in a Superior Sea View Suite, and if you are travelling with family, this is the game-changer.

The layout strikes the perfect balance between luxury and practical parenting. The main bedroom is spacious and light, thanks to a stunning double-aspect design looking out over the Atlantic. Crucially, there is a separate sleeping area for up to four children. It flows perfectly, you get intimacy, they get independence, and nobody is tripping over suitcases.

Room Highlights:

• The View: A private, sea-facing balcony. Even in the rain, watching the waves crash against the rocks is hypnotic.

• The Coffee: A Nespresso machine for that essential morning hit.

• The Bath: A proper deep-soaking tub with premium toiletries.

• Service: Old-school efficiency, including 24-hour room service.

Dining: Pub Grub vs. Fine Dining

At The Thurlestone, you don't have to leave the property to get two completely different dining experiences.

1. The Village Inn (The Relaxed Option) This is a 16th-century building with exposed beams that actually predates the hotel. It’s got that perfect "local" vibe—great for a pint of ale and fresh seafood after a beach walk. It’s unpretentious, rustic, and very comforting.

2. The Trevilder Restaurant (The Event) For dinner, we dressed up for the Trevilder. It holds 2 AA Rosettes, and you can tell why. It’s traditional in the best way—crisp white tablecloths and attentive service. The menu focuses on local sourcing (think Salcombe crab and Devon lamb). The food was exquisite, and despite the grandeur, the atmosphere remained warm rather than stiff.

The Voyage Spa

The hotel features a comprehensive spa with an indoor pool, laconium, sauna, and steam room.

After a long, busy season, some of the facilities were due for some repairs. The steam room was out of order during our visit, and a feature of the hydrotherapy pool wasn't working. However, the hydrotherapy jets that were working were incredibly powerful (strong enough to part my chest hairs!). 

The Silver Lining: The treatments were exceptional. My partner, Kate, has MS, which we mentioned in the pre-treatment brief. The masseuse tailored the treatment specifically to suit Kate’s needs. It was heavenly for her and punctuated our stay perfectly.

The Verdict

The Thurlestone Hotel manages to be grand without being intimidating. It has plenty for the active traveller (golf, tennis, squash), but it excels as a place to simply be.

Whether you are there for the history, the food, or just to watch the sea from your balcony, it is a destination in its own right. It’s clear why the Grose family has been successful for over a century; they understand hospitality.