Lympstone Manor: Five Years On
Firmly established as one of the finest country house hotels, this month, Lympstone Manor celebrates five years since launch, and is showing no signs of slowing down its evolution. Late Spring 2022 is set to bring the launch of the hotel’s highly anticipated outdoor swimming pool and neighbouring Pool House Restaurant & Bar, as well as the unveiling of the vineyard’s first wine, Triassic Pinot Noir, following the planting of 17,500 vines in 2018. The news follows swiftly after the hotel’s launch of six exquisite shepherd huts last year and Chef Owner Michael Caines’ appointment as UK & Ireland Delegate for Relais & Châteaux.
Chef Owner Michael Caines commented, “I feel an immense sense of pride as well as extreme gratitude for the support we have received since we opened our doors five years ago. I set out to create somewhere very special, that combines exceptional luxury with ultimate comfort, where people can come to relax, unwind and be looked after. So much has already been achieved – Michelin star, membership to Relais & Châteaux, 5 AA Rosettes, the planting of the Lympstone Manor Vineyard, the addition of the shepherd huts, and now the first release of our first wine and launch of the swimming pool and Pool House Restaurant & Bar. It’s all a remarkable accomplishment and my team has been immense in helping to achieve this. The past two years have been particularly challenging for everyone, hopefully we are now emerging to brighter days.”
The Swimming Pool and Pool House Restaurant & Bar…
With sweeping views across the hotel’s vineyard and Exe estuary, Lympstone Manor’s new heated outdoor pool spans 15mx5m and is surrounded by spots to soak up the sun and relax. Nestled between the new pool and existing tennis court, the hotel has also created an open lawn for wellness activities including yoga classes and croquet pitch. Set slightly back from the pool is the new Pool House – home to showers and changing rooms, and a more casual food and beverage offering in comparison to that found in the hotel’s main house, as well as a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen and bar and seating area. Open from 11am-3pm and 5pm-8pm daily, the Pool House Restaurant & Bar will offer everything from brunch items, snacks and nibbles to enjoy poolside, salads, pastas, local seafood, grilled meats cooked over coals and section of homemade desserts, as well as an extensive wine and cocktail list. The Pool House Restaurant & Bar can host up to 40 guests indoors and 60 alfresco and will be available for private functions and events.
The Wine…
Michael has long been passionate about the evolution of English wine and when plans got underway for the launch of Lympstone Manor, wine was always going to be a focus given the hotel’s enviable southwest-facing parkland overlooking the Exe estuary. In 2018, Michael and the team planted 17,500 vines (Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay) with the aim of making some of the finest English sparkling wine in Devon and in 2020, the first harvest took place. In partnership with Lyme Bay Winery, two wines were produced – a standalone Pinot Noir and a traditional English sparkling wine. It is with much anticipation and excitement that May 2022 will welcome the unveiling of the Pinot Noir ahead of the sparkling wine’s launch in 2023. With a nod to the ancient stretch of coastline on which the vineyard has been created, Michael has named his wine first, Triassic. It will only be available to purchase at the hotel and full tasting notes will become available post the wine’s launch.
This year marks stage two of the hotel’s development with further plans underway for its evolution in 2023 and beyond. More information to follow as details become available.
The Michael Caines Collection currently comprises of Lympstone Manor, The Cove in Maenporth, The Harbourside Refuge in Porthleven, as well as Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant and Café Patisserie Glacerie on the Exmouth Sideshore.
Nightly rates in the main house at Lympstone Manor available from £395 per night including breakfast and based on two sharing. Bookings available online at www.lympstonemanor.co.uk.