Fingals Hotel, Devon
Coombe, Dittisham, Dartmouth
I don't like to gush over places but Fingals is a breath of fresh air - I hope that Richard and Sheila don't mind my saying that it's not quite perfect, which makes it exactly so. There's loads of things to look at, a huge enclosed garden for the kids to scrabble about on - or dine in - and a marvelous chilled out quirky atmosphere to enjoy.
The sitting-room, in the old manor farm kitchen comprises oak beams, wood panelling, antique carpets and an old inglenook fire it's a room to get to know people or shut yourself off in a newspaper - either way it's a good adult zone. Dinner is served in the original wood panelled dining-room on one long table. This informality soon helps conversation flow as you get to know your fellow guests - should you need quiet time there are many nooks and crannies to hide in! A smaller dining-room is available if you fancy a good sit-down family meal - or you are a little concerned that Ted might start launching peas at someone!
All of the food is sourced locally, is fresh and is as organic as possible - a vegetarian option is always available. It's preparation and serving of also has a very good reputation. A thoughtful early high tea for children is available at around 6pm (that's Fingals time which essentially means if you ask I feel sure you'll get it when required!) costing £10.00. Children can also eat a full dinner en famille at a discounted £20.00 (under 16). Otherwise the adult a la carte dinner costs £30.00 and can be taken on the long guest table or separately if preferred.
Bedrooms are all very interesting and comfortable - and as much as I dislike the word comfortable it's true, in fact the whole place is. There is a charming family suite for larger families which has inter-connecting rooms giving you a break from the kids at night. Children are also welcome to share your double room if necessary at a cost of £15 per night including breakfast. Those under 3 stay for free with a one-off charge of £15 for their bed or cot. There are some lovely options if only 2 of you and a little one are holidaying so take a look around. The 'Stream Room' is particularly lovely with luxury bed, sofa, high quality sound system (run by your iPod) and flat screen TV are complimented by a double ended bath set against windows overlooking the stream below.
Alternatively you might self-cater in the lovely barn which sleeps four with a double and twin room in the eaves. The barn provides plenty of space and freedom to organise yourselves - it does though importantly leave the option of your popping into the hotel to eat - it's always nice to have a get out clause and why cook if you don't have to?
With regards to baby-sitting Richard says "yes babysitters can be arranged but actually baby monitors work v well and the hotel is small ... it really is only necessary maybe to have a babysitter if someone is staying in the self-catering barn or millhouse".
I ‘borrowed' a chunk of a review for the hotel: Fingals is for people who work hard all week and want to relax, enjoy good food, convivial drinks, lively conversation, walks in the beautiful countryside surrounding the hotel, excursions to nearby Totnes and Dartmouth, a swim in the pool and a good night's sleep.
We might meet you there …