Thurlestone Hotel - Coastal Grandeur and Family Legacy

The Thurlestone Hotel boasts a rich and fascinating history, one that elegantly interweaves a celebrated local dynasty, the Grose family, with the golden age of the British seaside holiday. 

The site originally served as a working farmhouse in the 1700s, a rustic anchor in the landscape long before the arrival of the leisure class. In 1896, in the waning years of the Victorian era, Margaret Amelia and William John Grose journeyed from Cornwall to Thurlestone, bringing with them a pioneering spirit. Seeing the potential in the newly opened Thurlestone Golf Club, they began hosting paying guests, mostly golfers, at their farmhouse, which they later named Thurlestone House.

As the Roaring Twenties swept in, Thurlestone House evolved to meet the insatiable appetite for the Great British seaside holiday. During the 1920s and 30s, the property underwent a metamorphosis, expanding and modernising to embrace a new era of travel. 

Like so many of England’s grandest establishments, Thurlestone played its part when the clouds of war gathered. In 1941, it served with distinction as an officer training depot for the Royal Marines, trading its leisure-seeking guests for the brave men preparing to defend the realm.

The hotel’s unique charm proved a fertile muse for the legendary Agatha Christie, who found inspiration for several of her mystery novels within the area's dramatic landscapes. Thurlestone’s spell also seduced Noël Coward; intending to visit for a mere three days, the playwright found himself so enchanted that he lingered for three weeks.

Today, it remains the oldest family-run hotel in the UK, a testament to over 125 years of stewardship. 

The Journey to South Devon

South Devon is one of my favourite places. I grew up here; Devon holds a particular and comforting familiarity for me. Our journey took us along the narrow, twisting country lanes of the South Hams, a journey that builds anticipation before culminating at our destination: The Thurlestone Hotel.

The approach emphasises our escape from the hustle of city life into the warm embrace of Devon. You can feel your worries ebb away with each passing mile. Actually, it was raining and cold, but I’m sure you get the point. 

The hotel is perfectly nestled on the cliffs overlooking Thurlestone Bay. We arrived at the property, greeted by the salty tang of sea air and the cry of gulls. 

Our Stay: The Superior Sea View Suite

Perched where the rolling hills of South Devon meet the rhythmic pulse of the Atlantic, the Thurlestone Hotel has long been a bastion of English seaside sophistication. Yet, for those who demand a harmonious blend of parental privacy and unbridled luxury, the Superior Sea View Suites stand as the property’s undisputed crown jewel.

The first thing that strikes you upon entering is the light. These suites are defined by a rare double-aspect design. From two distinct vantage points, the panoramic vistas of Thurlestone Bay unfold in a dramatic tableau of turquoise waters and rugged cliffs.

The generously proportioned main bedroom serves as a sanctuary for adults, while a dedicated, separate sleeping area, capable of accommodating up to four children, ensures that the younger members of the party have their own domain. It is the ultimate antidote to the cramped quarters of traditional family travel, offering a seamless flow that balances intimacy with independence.

Step through the glass doors onto your private, sea-facing balcony. This is perhaps the suite’s most seductive feature, a front-row seat to the setting sun, while the salt air drifts up from the shore below.

Inside, the aesthetic bridges the gap between traditional British hospitality and contemporary chic. The "At a Glance" amenities read like a wishlist for the discerning traveller:

• The Bath: An opulent retreat featuring deep-soaking tubs, separate showers, and a suite of premium toiletries.
• The Essentials: Nespresso machines for that first, quiet caffeine hit of the morning, supplemented by fresh milk and premium tea selections.
• The Service: From the direct-dial telephone to the comprehensive 24-hour room service, every whim is catered to with old-school efficiency.

Residing in a Superior Sea View Suite serves as a passport to the Thurlestone’s facilities. Spend your mornings at the Voyage Spa, a sanctuary of contemporary wellness. It features a superb indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, laconium, steam room, and sauna. Sadly, the steam room wasn’t working, and one of the features of the hydrotherapy pool wasn’t working, but the hydrotherapy jets were plenty strong enough to part my chest hairs. 

The treatment menu is extensive, perfect for soothing muscles after a walk along the South West Coast Path.

Kate has MS, which was identified and discussed during the pre-treatment brief. The masseuse then tailored the treatment to suit Kate, which was heavenly. It was a fantastic experience and punctuated our stay superbly.

Complementing this is the Voyage Spa. For the active guest, the hotel offers a par-3, 9-hole golf course that challenges you with its coastal winds and rewards you with stunning vistas. There are also tennis, badminton, and squash courts, ensuring that guests of all ages are entertained.

Culinary Excellence: Dining at Thurlestone

Dining at the Thurlestone Hotel is a real treat, with distinct options to choose from, each with its own personality: The Trevilder Restaurant (2 AA Rosettes) or the rustic, 16th-century charm of the Village Inn. 

The Village Inn is the more informal, relaxed dining option. A 16th-century building with exposed beams and a history that predates the hotel itself, it offers a diverse menu of classic comfort food and fresh local seafood. The atmosphere is informal and relaxing, making it ideal for a pint of local ale and a hearty lunch after a morning on the beach.

The Trevilder Restaurant is the hotel’s fine dining destination. The restaurant focuses on modern British cuisine, utilising local and seasonal ingredients from Devon’s land and sea, including Salcombe crab and local lamb.

The atmosphere at the Trevilder is upscale and classy, beautifully recalling the glamour of traditional hotel dining. It features a grand setting with crisp white tablecloths and a sophisticated vibe. Our personal dining experience was a fantastic occasion, a combination of exquisite food, superbly prepared and presented.

The Thurlstone Hotel possess an impressive and richly deserved collection of awards, including 4 AA Stars and 2 AA Rosettes, which they have won for ten consecutive years, signifying high-quality dining.

The Hotel has also won a Gold Award at the Devon Tourism Awards, showcasing excellence in the region. 

For families seeking a sanctuary that doesn’t compromise on style, the Thurlestone Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a destination in its own right.