The Shippen

The bathroom at The Shippen was outstanding. We've stayed in many 5 star hotels, but none had a bathroom as luxurious, and it even inspired us to update our ensuite at home. The kitchen and living room were another highlight, with lovely views and a comfortable flow between the two. We hired bikes in town and enjoyed the Drakes Trail cycle path, followed by an even better stop at the pub at the end of the ride. We spent a perfect week here and loved every moment, despite the weather. The private setting made it feel like a real home from home, and the cottage was cosy, clean, well maintained, and equipped with everything we could need and more. The kitchen was extremely well equipped. After the journey, the welcoming bread, scones, jam and clotted cream were much appreciated. Tavistock is a short drive away, and we loved its historic town centre, with a good mix of cafes and shops. Even during half term it never felt too busy or crowded. Our first experience of Dartmoor, where the famous ponies roam free, was lovely. Thanks for such a relaxing holiday. We'll definitely return. A true 5* experience.

A real home from home for a family stay, with comfort, quiet and all the facilities we could want, including wifi, TV, excellent cooking facilities and comfy beds. There’s also handy bike storage and drying space in an out-building. We made good use of nearby Drakes Trail for walks and cycling, and there are plenty of country pubs close by for delicious meals out. It was a perfect base.

The cottage itself was great, comfortable and homely, and shops including Tesco, Lidl and Morrisons are close by. The bathroom stayed nice and warm with underfloor heating, and there's a dryer in the garage for quickly drying laundry. The owners were friendly and even came over when our hoover bag broke. The surroundings are beautiful, with a walking and cycling route nearby, only ten steps away. The downside for us, especially with dogs and a love of walking, was that the route can't be accessed from the grounds. That piece of land belongs to the residents of the Manor, so Shippen guests can't use it. To reach the path you have to cross the A386 or detour around the Estate grounds and fields. We stayed for one week in Sept 2019 at Grenofen. The cottage was great, but access to the lovely surroundings was less convenient.

A cosy home from home in a lovely part of the world. The owners were fantastically knowledgeable and had great ideas for things to do, and there was plenty within reach.