The Elmfield, Devon
Torrs Park, Ilfracombe
Since finding The Elmfield, a lovely restored Victorian villa, in December 2007 the Brewers have been busy creating their ideal holiday destination for us all to enjoy. Being "independent" it's a pleasing on-going process rather than a complete facelift: that's no bad thing as the hotel is a charming, personal and stylish place to be. And if some should say "style has no substance" then the lovely bedrooms (with crisp bed-linen), ethical toiletries, licensed bar, dining room, games room, indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi and sauna and programme of workshops and activities, organised for children of all ages during the school holidays, provide that.
Accommodation
The Elmfield has 10 individually styled bedrooms, including 2 family suites, 2 fabulous four poster rooms, 4 deluxe rooms and 4 double rooms. All are ensuite and have flat screen TVs with freeview, DVD and CD player. All are stylishly decorated and furnished.
The family suites comprise an en suite room just for parents (if you prefer) with a fabulous bed and luxurious essentials and an adjoining second room, again en-suite, with it's own flat screen TV.
Other rooms may have children's beds and cots put in them - check when booking.
Facilities
The Elmfield isn't a "dump the kids and disappear" establishment - this is a place that has popped up with the recognition that some of us like being with our kids and want to enjoy similar holidays as we may once have had.
And Matt and Zoe have made it easy for you to have fun together. Guests not only have full use of the hotel facilities but may also take advantage of the privileged access considerately arranged to local attractions - or simply grab a bucket and spade or bait and head off crabbing. A deliciously stocked picnic hamper can be arranged for your planned day out; an in-room treatment may be arranged for your return.
The main building houses the games room with pool table, bar skittles, darts, plenty of toys and children's books, the family lounge, as well as the fully licensed bar and dining room.
The Lounge is a cosy place to take time out. However, it also has its own cine-screen (out of view when not in use) where you can watch a movie or the latest match (I did say home from home!) - wine/beer is optional. Should you lose the battle completely you may even end up in a WII or PS3 larger than life tournament.
The Bar is considerately (in my opinion) an adult only haven and is open from 6pm - midnight. Cocktails, fine wines and champagne, draft and speciality beers and ciders are served for you to enjoy, sit, relax and regale. Baby monitors work from your bedroom should you wish to have a quiet beer.
Outdoors the gardens offer plenty of space to relax. Alternatively the pool house (open between 10 am - 6pm) holds the year round heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and mini-gym. The gardens are terraced which means that the outdoor play area provides space for the kids to run riot whilst you can remain relatively undisturbed - result!
There are lots of places to visit nearby and heaps of things to do - ask!