One of the things I love most about living in Devon is that there’s always a surprise at the end of a country lane… well, yes, sometimes it may be a slow moving herd of cows, but more often than not it’s a local pottery, a cosy pub or a large sprawling country estate. And that’s what we found on a cold December day when we were invited to Shilstone in South Devon.
The Estate
Shilstone is a magnificent Georgian Manor House and 500 acres estate tucked-away on the outskirts of Modbury, in the beautiful South Hams. The house is at the heart of the estate and has been sympathetically restored and extended by local craftsmen.
The estate is now a beautiful wedding venue with a café, restaurant, and gardens. The gardens have been meticulously manicured and landscaped for visitors to walk around and the team have also recently opened a local woodland walk, which I’m sure will be hit with the little ones and paws among groups.
We were invited to lunch in the estate’s café to sample the Christmas menu. The café is housed on the ground floor of a renovated barn, with the Devon Archives occupying the top floor (more about that later).
The Cafe
The café was warm, welcoming and bursting with festive cheer. The small, but perfectly formed menu offered festive drinks and specials which included a Gingerbread Latte, Mulled Apple Juice, Maple Roasted Parsnip Soup and Poached Pear, Hazelnut, Blue Cheese and Frisee Salad. Outside of the festive season the café serves light lunches and brunch dishes. We opted for the Smoked Turkey, Brie and Cranberry Sourdough Toastie and the Glazes Ham, Brussel Sprout and Potato Gratin Skillet.
Our food was delicious and clearly prepared with seasonal, fresh produce. The flavours of Christmas oozing out of every mouthful.
On to dessert and we were tempted with two French Hot Chocolates. These weren’t any hot chocolates, these were rich, velvety, heaven-in-a-jug hot chocolates (said in my best M&S advert voice). Served in pouring jugs, with a dollop of cream on the side, I was in chocolate heaven.
Moving on from the hot chocolate (if I must) the café is also home to a varied collection of old photographs, documenting the history of the area and the people working the land. The Devon Rural Archives is situated on the second floor above the café. This was a complete surprise to us, and I wish we’d had more time to have a more in-depth look around. The archives are packed full of reports and documents featuring Devon manor houses, landscapes towns and villages, which also include the Shilstone restoration.
We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon at Shilstone and will definitely be back to sample their famous Sunday lunch which is served in the Great Barn overlooking the gardens. It’s a fabulous place to while away a morning or afternoon surrounded by lush Devon countryside.
The Details
Cafe and Gardens open Wednesday – Sunday 10:30am – 4pm
Restaurant open Sundays midday – 3pm
Visit Shilstone Devon for more details and to book.
