good for you

A 17TH century country house, set on the border of Devon and Cornwall - it is hard to find more picturesque country than this. Surrounded by scenery both tame and wild, as well as historic houses, gardens and archaeological sites, Percy's itself is a pastoral paradise where glossy labradors will lead you on walks through the woods and hedgerows for some mushroom or berry-picking before you head out to explore the nearby Cornish coast, steeped in Arthurian legend, or head to the lake for a spot of sailing, or perhaps do an Elizabeth Bennet and take a peak at an aristocratic country manor.

A word of warning - while the country air is as healthy as can be, don't come to Percy's if you're on a diet. The organic treats on offer include everything from free-range pork and home-raised lamb to dangerous desserts featuring berries from the estate's woodlands. Eating is a highlight at Percy's, whose all-organic restaurant has been receiving accolades and prizes for several years.

good for england

The main eco-feature of Percy's is that you'll be fed almost exclusively on what grows naturally and organically on the property, or what is caught off the nearby coast. Hotels that grow their own food and rely only on local providers for what they can't grow at home help the environment by reducing the carbon emissions created by transport. At the same time, they support local farmers and fishers. Percy's owners can boast more, as they have carefully cultivated habitats for native plant and animal species, and are cultivating plants from heirloom seeds, while a planting frenzy has seen 60,000 trees grow to offset carbon emissions.

Rooms

Food

Tina Bricknell-Webb's award winning cuisine is one of the highlights of any stay at Percy's.

Most of the ingredients on the unfussy modern English menu come straight from the estate - free range and organic pork and lamb, along with game meats, wild mushrooms, fruit from the orchards and berries from the woods, and fresh vegetables and salad greens from the kitchen garden.

There are two dining areas, a new, airy extension featuring oak floors, Douglas fir doors, an ash & zinc bar and pine beams, while the cozy older building has lower ceilings, solid oak-backed chairs, crisp table linen, glass-domed butter dishes and a woodburning stove. The entire restaurant is a no-smoking area.

The cooking is fresh and seasonal, and the restaurant is committed to using exclusively organic and locally supplied ingredients. Tina's natural affinity and daily connection with the land ensures that her succinct menu includes the best and freshest local and home-grown produce.

Her home reared lamb is a marvel of organic farming, the marbled meat offering an outstanding flavour. A wide selection of seafood is bought at the daily local fish auctions at nearby Looe, while freshly laid eggs from the estate's Black Rock chickens are collected each day, as are ochre yoked Indian Runner duck and goose eggs. The home-grown vegetables, herbs and salad leaves are picked two hours before service, whilst organic duck and chicken are sourced from Exmoor. At certain times during the year a number of wild mushrooms including ceps, wood hedgehog and honey fungus are collected from the woodlands. Game is also in abundance and roe deer and rabbit taken straight from the Estate often feature on the menu.

Percy's home-reared free-range and organic pork is another culinary highlight, providing excellent fillets, loins, sausages, terrine, hams & bacon, along with salami, Parma ham, rillettes and authentic pork pies.

If you can bear to eat them after seeing the dear little piglets and lambs running about the estate, Percy's sells meat boxes to take home with you.

Special diets are willingly catered for, especially vegetarians and those who prefer gluten and wheat-free and/or dairy-free foods. Please give notice.

Lunch starts from UK£20, while a three-course dinner is UK£40.00 (sample menu included below).

Percy's restaurant has won several awards and accolades, including 17th place in the Independent's 50 best UK gourmet restaurants; winner of best Sunday lunch at the 2005 OFM Awards; Johansen's 2003 European restaurant of the year; the Saturday Times' 2002 restaurant of the year and 2003/2004 organic restaurant of the year.

sample menu

starters

Lightly spice seafood chowder with fresh coriander

Grilled goat's cheese with tomato cro¸stade, marrow, bean & onion chutney

Wild mushroom & chicken liver parfait with sage & coriander seed toast_

Seared Cornish squid and scallops with dill, honey & mustard dressing

Ham hock terrine with caper berry vinaigrette

Cornish crab salad

Summer salad of avocado, broad bean and bacon

mains

Oven roasted home-reared lamb, cooked pink, with rosemary jus_

Breast of Barbary duck, cooked pink with orange & thyme glaze

Pan-fried monkfish with julienne of vegetables & ginger, saffron sauce

Oven roasted loin of organic pork with sage & juniper glaze

Grilled duo of John Dory and turbot with b´arnaise_sauce

Fresh cod in a spring onion & coriander batter, served with tomato jus

Steamed fillets of lemon sole with white wine & parsley sauce

cheese course

Daylseford cheddar (cow), Penystone (cow), Caerphilly (cow), Shepherd's Crook (sheep), Dorstone Ash, Harborne Blue (goat), Sharpham (cow)

desserts

Chocolate, prune, hazelnut & armagnac tart with cassia bark ice cream

Mixed berry meringue with _lavender ice cream, toffee sauce and toasted nuts

Lemon tart with rosemary ice cream and raspberries

Cardamom & lime cr me brul´e with shortbread biscuits

Strawberry shortcake with whipped cream and white chocolate ice cream _

Special diets are willingly catered for, especially vegetarians and those who prefer gluten and wheat-free and/or dairy-free foods.

Three courses - £40.00

Features & Facilities

• All rooms have king size beds with large feather pillows, Egyptian cotton bedlinen, wide screen televisions, direct dial telephone, modem point, DVD player and a selection of films.
• Bath robes, towels, flannels and toiletries come as standard throughout as does complimentary mineral water. Tea and coffee making facilities are also provided with a cafetiere for fresh coffee, teas and fresh milk housed in a fridge.
• For the last three years, both the RAC and ETC have awarded Percy's 100% for meticulous housekeeping.
• Working Farm.
• Free broadband internet.

awards

• 2005_Gold certificate in the National Clean Air Award For establishments securing freedom from tobacco smoke.
• Gold Award for the Hotel as part of Visit Britain's National Quality Assurance Standard.
• Runner up in the Food Manufacturing & Marketing Awards for Percy's Wild Mushroom & Chicken Liver Parfait and Rosemary Ice Cream.
• Observer Food Monthly Annual Awards Winner of the 'Best Sunday Lunch' category for Great Britain.
• Percy's awarded 'Investors in People' status In recognition of an ongoing commitment to developing and nurturing staff relations and individual skills.
• Retain RAC Gold Ribbon Awarded only to Hotels, Townhouses and Restaurants with Rooms that offer nothing less than the very finest. Winners of the Gold Ribbon offer a truly exceptional experience in comfort, cuisine, customer care and service.
• One of the Independent's Top 10 UK Organic Restaurants. Ranked 17th in the 50 Best Gourmet Restaurants in the UK by the Saturday Independent.

Local Info & Activities

the estate

The 130-acre Coombeshead Estate has plenty of wonderful wildlife, pretty hedgerows and lovely views to enjoy, and lots of opportunities for beautiful walks, accompanied by one of the estate's black Labradors.

It's a picture-perfect vision of an English country scene, with sheep and horses grazing peacefully on the pasture, endearingly muddy piglets capering about, woodpeckers pecking, and buzzards soaring above. The mixture of new and mature woodland provides the perfect habitat for squirrels, rabbits, badgers & deer. Foxgloves adorn the sides of the shadowy woodland and contrast brilliantly with the open, undulating fields. A mixture of long grasses, buttercups and soft rushes encircle the calm waters of the trout lakes, with dragonflies buzzing above their waters. Just three species short, the Estate is very close to being a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) for the variety of species this habitat supports.

The landscape becomes increasingly more dramatic as you venture further from the hotel. As you look down the Carey valley, stretching towards the horizon, pastel coloured fields spread out, and the historic Brentor Church marks the start of the rugged wilds of Dartmoor beyond. At night the setting is just as enchanting, with millions of stars filling the clear sky. A rare snowfall is a particularly magical sight for those lucky enough to catch it.

For those interested in how the estate is working to preserve heirloom seeds and encourage native species, Percy's 60-acre woodland is well worth exploring. Created with a 'Food from the Forest' theme, it includes trees and shrubs such as juniper, rowan, crab apple, hazel and elderflower planted among mixed broadleaves such as beech and oak, which encourage a crop of wild mushrooms. The woodland includes a 1-acre Bramley apple orchard taken from the original eighteenth century rootstock. The Estate is Soil Association registered, and provides game together with lamb and pork. The extensive and diverse kitchen garden ensures a year-round supply of fresh herbs, salad leaves and vegetables for the restaurant.

beyond the estate

Situated on the border between Devon and Cornwall, Percy's makes an excellent base from which to explore the Westcountry. A wide range of watersports, including fishing, sailing, surfing and canoeing are available at the coast and on nearby Roadford Lake, and there are a range of landscapes and villages to explore, as well as many interesting local sights. Percy's is happy to pack fresh hampers for guests heading out on day trips.

Several golf clubs are nearby, including at St Melion, Holsworthy, Ashbury and at Launceston. Other attractions worth visiting include the National Marine Aquarium in historic Plymouth, the nearby Otter Sanctuary at Launceston and Dartington Crystal at Great Torrington. The picturesque village of Clovelly in North Devon is full of historic interest, and you can ride on the scenic cliff railway that links the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth.

the coast

Within thirty minutes' drive of Percy's, the spectacular land and seascapes of the Cornish Coast are yours to explore. The north Cornish harbour and village of Boscastle are well worth a visit, while further south you can explore Tintagel, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur. Set on its own adjoining island, under constant attack from the thundering Atlantic, the impressive remains of the 13th century castle, together with Merlin's cave, are quite stunning. A walk around the narrow, paved streets of the working fishing village of Port Issac offers the opportunity to enjoy a lunch of freshly caught fish.

The unspoilt golden beaches around Rock and Daymer Bay offer long, peaceful walks as far as the eye can see. Hidden amongst the sand dunes is the lovely St. Endoc church where you will find the last resting place of the former poet laureate, Sir John Betcheman. A small passenger ferry regularly crosses the estuary, allowing those on foot to visit the vibrant town of Padstow. Moving down the coast is the world- renowned surfing spot, Newquay, while further inland lies the historic city of Truro with it's magnificent Cathedral.

The contrasting, less exposed South Coast also has many of its own beauty spots and cozy inlets. The naval town of Dartmouth and Salcombe in southern most Devon are both charming places to spend a few hours. On the other side of Plymouth are the picturesque towns of Polperro and Fowey. The historic port of Charlestown is an unspoilt delight, with its carefully restored long ships coasting by.

roadford lake

Just two miles from Percy's, Roadford was completed in 1990, and with a surface area of more than 730 acres, is one of the largest inland waters in the South West. The stunning vistas over the lake make it a haven for walkers, bird watchers and watersports enthusiasts alike. The northern third of the lake has been designated as a Special Protection Zone to allow wildlife a safe haven and to protect wintering birds.

Set is glorious countryside just across the lake is the Angling and Watersports Centre. Recognised as an official training centre by the Royal Yachting Association, the centre hires out a wide range of equipment including rowing boats, canoes and sailing dinghies is available, together with safe training areas in which to practice. Windsurfing and archery, power boat lessons and taster courses can also be arranged to suit all ages and abilities. Roadford is nationally renowned for it's fly-fishing and boasts both natural and stocked brown trout.

Situated on the eastern and northern fringes of the lake, bird watchers will enjoy the two bird hides overlooking wildlife ponds. With Dartmoor providing a spectacular backdrop, the network of footpaths and bridleway suits visitors of all ages and abilities. A path specially surfaced for wheelchairs leads from the main car park to the birdhide at the Coombepark inlet, a distance of about 1 mile. The licensed Tea Rooms transform some of the region's finest local produce into mouthwatering regional dishes and serves a tempting selection of freshly baked cakes and pastries.

dartmoor

Percy's is lucky enough to be surrounded by both Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor. While both lend themselves to excellent walks, it is the unusual, almost mystical landscape of the latter that really fascinates people. As one of the last true wildernesses to be found in England, it uniquely combines fertile woodland valleys with windswept granite tors that form many fantastic shapes. Covering some 368 square miles it has a wealth of archeological sites, diverse wildlife and stunning panoramic views.

Once within the Dartmoor National Park, regardless of which direction you take, you will find plenty to delight the eye and stimulate the imagination. Lustleigh and Buckland in the Moor are outstanding examples of delightful, well preserved, traditional Dartmoor towns, as is the famous Widecombe in the Moor. The spectacular reservoir and giant dam at Burrator provide the perfect backdrop for invigorating walks around the water's edge, through the woodlands or up onto the surrounding moors. At a dramatic height of 1,130 feet and visible from most of West Devon, Brentor is an awe-inspiring prominent local landmark. Perched at the summit of this volcanic outcrop is the 12th century Church of St. Michael from which you can savour unrivalled views of the surrounding countryside.

Of the many other places to visit in and around the moor, some of the most memorable include the ancient stannary town of Tavistock, Buckfast Abbey, Dartmeet, Lydford Gorge, Postbridge, Becky Falls, Haytor and Hound Tor.

national trust properties

The National Trust immaculately maintains a number of beautiful historical properties throughout Devon. A trip to the stunning Lydford Gorge is especially worthwhile, or you can follow in the footsteps of Sir Francis Drake at the fascinating Buckland Abbey. __

Saltram House is a remarkable George II mansion, complete with its original contents and set in an attractive landscape park on the outskirts of Plymouth. Robert Adam worked here on two occasions to create the magnificent state rooms. There is exquisite plasterwork throughout, and three rooms are decorated with the original Chinese wallpaper. The house contains fine period furniture, china and pictures, including many portraits by Reynolds and Angelica Kauffmann. The superb 18th-century gardens contain an orangery, the Chapel Art Gallery and several follies, as well as beautiful shrubberies and imposing specimen trees.

Buckland Abbey is tucked away in its own secluded valley above the River Tavy, and was originally a small but influential Cistercian monastery. The house, which incorporates the remains of the 13th-century abbey church, has rich associations with Sir Francis Drake and his sea-faring rival, Sir Richard Grenville, and contains much interesting memorabilia from their epoch. There are exhibitions on Buckland's 700-year history as well as a magnificent monastic barn, an unusual herb garden, delightful estate walks and several craft workshops. Recent developments include a hand-crafted plasterwork ceiling in the Drake Chamber, the Cot Lane rural crafts area and a new Elizabethan garden. _

Lydford Gorge 11/2 miles long and can be viewed from a circular walk, which starts high above the river and passes through attractive oak-woods before dropping down to the spectacular 30m-high White Lady waterfall. The path then proceeds along an enchanting riverside walk through the steeply sided ravine, scooped out by the River Lyd as it plunges into a series of whirlpools, including the thrilling Devil's Cauldron.__

At the heart of this riverside estate, the house at Cotehele was mainly built during 1485 and 1627 and was a home of the Edgcumbe family for centuries. Its granite and slatestone walls contain intimate chambers decorated with tapestries, original furniture and armour. Outside, the formal gardens overlook the richly planted valley garden below, with a medieval dovecote, stewpond and a Victorian summer-house, and an 18th-century tower above. At the Quay there are interesting old buildings housing an art and craft gallery and an outstation of the National Maritime Museum. The restored Tamar sailing barge, Shamrock, is moored alongside. A network of footpaths through the estate provides a variety of riverside and woodland walks of interest to both nature lovers and those interested in industrial history.

Other properties in Devon well worth visiting include Killerton House, Castle Drogo, Finch Foundry and Knighthayes Court. Neighbouring Cornwall boasts the magnificent country houses of Lanhydrock and Antony and also the renowned gardens of Trelissick, Glendurgan and Trengwainton. The Trust also owns 119 miles of one of Europe's most spectacular coastlines, including the romantic fishing harbour at nearby Boscastle.

the eden project

Set against the backdrop of a disused Cornish Quarry, the Eden Project near St Austell is a garden for the 21st century - two massive bio-domes built into the sides of a crater, housing flora from literally every corner of the globe. Only a forty minute drive from Percy's, one dome houses a dry climate, and the other a more humid and fertile one, the diversity of plant life is fascinating.

For those who enjoyed the Eden Project, the fascinating Lost Gardens of Heligan can be found near the town of St. Austell, on Cornwall's south coast.

royal horticultural society garden, rosemoor

Set deep in the North Devon countryside, RHS Garden Rosemoor is a garden of national importance, donated by Lady Anne Berry to the RHS more than a decade ago. Since then the original eight acres have been greatly developed. The RHS has added to the large range of plants collected by Lady Anne, with new features such as the Formal Garden, extensive herbaceous borders, herb and cottage gardens, a potager, the Foliage and Plantsman's Garden and extensive stream and lakeside plantings. Recent additions include the Mediterranean and semi-tropical plantings and the Winter Garden. The garden's most popular feature is its extensive rose garden. The garden often hosts events, including art exhibitions and workshops, horticultural lectures and walks, family events, craft fairs and musical events.

In its picturesque wooded valley, RHS Garden Rosemoor is glorious in early autumn, with plenty of seasonal colour and interest. It is during this time that Rosemoor's now well known festival takes place. Opening on the 7th of September, the 2003 programme of events and activities is one of the most comprehensive, combining horticulture, food, music, arts and crafts. The Festival opens with the Artists' Garden exhibition, displaying paintings inspired by nature and the flora and fauna of the countryside. "A Taste of the West" on the 15th September will offer visitors scrumptious local produce, bringing together the very best of West Country food and drink.

Sustainability

Sustainable features and practices at Percy's include:

• an organic restaurant that serves ingredients grown and raised seasonally, organically and humanely on the property
• what the estate does not provide is purchased from local suppliers, fishers and growers.
• Percy's Estate owners, Tina and Tony Bricknell-Webb, have carefully planted habitats for native plant and animal species, and are cultivating native plants from heirloom seeds. This includes 26 hectares of mixed broadleaves where "foods of the forest" grow freely - berries, fruits and mushrooms, in particular. This woodland is 3 species short of becoming a Special Site of Scientific Interest for the range and number of species it contains.
• While recycling is difficult and expensive for country estates, Percy's does its best to reduce waste and is attempting to coordinate recyclables collection amongst neighbouring hotels.
• 60,000 trees were planted on the estate to help offset the hotel's carbon emissions.

Getting There

Percy's is located 4km FROM St. Giles-on-the Heath, near Virginstow in Devon.

from launceston:

Take the A388 towards Holsworthy. At St.Giles-on-the-Heath turn right. You will find Percy's 2.2 miles on the right.

FROM ROADFORD LAKE: Continue along the A30 past the Okehampton turn off until you see the large brown sign marked 'Roadford Lake.' Take this exit. Turning right at the junction, follow this (unnumbered) road for approximately 4 miles firstly crossing Roadford Lake and then passing through Grinacome Moor until you reach the junction of Ivyhouse Cross. With Ivyhouse School to your left, turn left here and then follow the road for approximately 2 miles until you see Percy's on the left.

FROM HOLSWORTHY: Take the A388 towards Launceston. When reaching St.Giles-on-the-Heath turn left. Percy's is 2.2 miles on the right

FROM TAVISTOCK THROUGH LIFTON: With the Ambrosia factory (on your right), turn left on to THE OLD A30. Go through Lifton, past the Arundell Arms (on your right). Just before a Petrol Station on the left, there is a turning marked YEAT 1/4 mile. Turn right there. Travel along that road for 1.1 miles, then turn left under the motorway bridge towards Liftondown and Cross Green. Travel 1.2 miles to a T junction and turn right towards Broadwood / Ashwater. Travel 2.7 miles to a T junction. You will see a blue cottage and red telephone box opposite. Turn left. Percy's is 0.6 miles on the left.

BY AIR: airports are located at Plymouth, Newquay and Exeter.

BY RAIL: the nearest mainline station is Exeter St.Davids.

The Hotel is happy to arrange transfers - please enquire on booking with The Good Travel Company.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

dinner, bed & breakfast rate:

Tarragon & Lavender Rooms £145.00 p/per, p/night, Dinner, B&B. Based on two people sharing.

(3 night midweek package: £350.00 p/per, p/night, Dinner, B&B for Mon, Tue & Wed nights)

Thyme, Lovage & Chervil rooms £135.00 p/per, p/night, Dinner, B&B. Based on two people sharing.

(3 night midweek package: £325.00 p/per, p/night, Dinner, B&B for Mon, Tue & Wed nights)

Basil, Sage & Dill Rooms £125.00 p/per, p/night, Dinner, B&B. Based on two people sharing.

(3 night midweek package: £325.00 p/per, p/night, Dinner, B&B for Mon, Tue & Wed nights)

Corporate Rate £150.00 p/per, p/night, Dinner, B&B, based on single occupancy.

bed & breakfast rate:

Tarragon & Lavender Rooms £105.00 p/person, p/night B&B based on 2 people sharing.

Thyme, Lovage & Chervil Rooms £95.00 p/person, p/night B&B based on 2 people sharing.

Basil, Sage & Dill Rooms £85.00 p/person, p/night, B&B based on 2 people sharing.

Corporate Rate £110.00 p/person, p/night, B&B single occupancy.

TWO NIGHT STAYS: Guest staying for 2 nights are given a £12.50 per guest / per night discount from the dinner, bed and breakfast rate. This offer is available 7 days per week.

• No children under 12 are welcome

booking & cancellation policy

• Bookings are confirmed on payment of a 15% deposit, 10% of which is non-refundable. The remaining 85% is payable on departure from hotel.
• Cancellations made at any time up until 48hrs before arrival will incur a cancellation fee of 10% of entire cost of stay.
• Cancellations made 48hrs or less before arrival will incur a cancellation fee of the total cost of stay.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.