Plantation House

Plantation House – Plantation House

Overview

Plantation House is a boutique hotel and acclaimed restaurant set just outside Ermington, near Ivybridge in the verdant South Hams of South Devon. Housed in a former Georgian rectory, the property offers understated elegance and a tranquil setting that feels far from the bustle, yet is within easy reach of Dartmoor and the stunning South Devon coast. It's an ideal address for couples seeking a quiet gourmet escape or walkers looking to pair a scenic jaunt with memorable dining in truly welcoming surrounds.

Eat

The Plantation House restaurant is led by chef-owner Richard Hendey, whose consistently inventive cooking has placed the venue firmly on the South West's fine dining map. The kitchen has earned AA rosette distinction, reflecting a commitment to culinary precision and the best of local produce. Menus change frequently – sometimes daily – and draw heavily from Devon’s seasonal bounty: expect grass-fed meats, game in autumn, just-landed seafood, and vegetables from trusted farms. Dishes are modern British at heart, often with classic underpinnings and a flourish of well-judged creativity. The inviting dining rooms, softly lit and unhurried, are as suited to a celebratory tasting menu as they are to an unhurried Sunday lunch. Service is attentive but equally relaxed, ensuring a meal that feels like an occasion without being intimidating.

Sleep

This is a small and stylish retreat, with just eight individually decorated rooms that blend country-house comfort with contemporary ease. Expect excellent mattresses, crisp linens and thoughtful extras such as underfloor-heated bathrooms and fresh milk for your morning tea. Many rooms look onto the hotel’s gardens or rolling Devon countryside. Plantation House is well suited to couples or solo travellers seeking peace and space to unwind, though small groups have plenty of privacy too.

Retreat

The hotel’s location on the southern fringe of Dartmoor puts a world of walking right on your doorstep. The riverside trails of the Erme Valley are just minutes away, while the wild expanses of the National Park and the beaches of the South Hams – Bigbury, Bantham and Mothecombe – can be reached in under half an hour by car. Ivybridge station is around 3 miles away (about a 7-minute drive), making Plantation House a realistic destination for train travellers. After a day of exploring, the hotel's gardens and quietly inviting bar set the scene for a restful evening. All this makes Plantation House an excellent base for a food-forward weekend break in South Devon.