An Award-winning, AA 5-Star GOLD Coastal bed & breakfast
What inspired you to start running a Bed & Breakfast?
After two years of searching for the right B&B, location and business opportunity, we discovered a beautiful Victorian Gentleman’s Summer residence converted into a B&B called Highcliffe House in Lynton.
Initially, we thought the house was too big for only the two of us to manage, so planned to view the house just to get inspiration. The minute we walked through the door, we both knew it was the home we had always dreamed of. From the grand staircase with a stained-glass window spanning two floors to the gorgeous high ceilings, the bedrooms adorned with beautiful antique furniture, to the absolutely stunning view of the coastline set 600 feet above sea level – it was meant to be! So, in 2016 we packed up the car, leaving our life in London behind, and headed off to our new adventure in Devon together.
What makes Highcliffe House so special?
Highcliffe House has a relaxing effect as soon as you walk in the door, which instantly puts you at ease and makes it feel like a home from home. We have focused on each of the five senses to ensure guests instinctively know they are somewhere special.
Throughout the house, you can hear the sound of discreet relaxing music, combined with the fragrance of our signature scent gently drifting on the sea breeze. The breathtaking views are a feast for the eyes as you rise from a night of restful sleep in an elegant and refined bedroom.
The best treat is one of our delicious home-cooked food in the dining room; with panoramic views of Lynton, Lynmouth bay and the surrounding Exmoor countryside.
What do enjoy most about being a B&B owner?
Living in such an amazing location in North Devon, being able to share our home with guests is really very rewarding. We both love hosting, cooking, helping guests plan their day, all in a relaxing, clean and peaceful environment; which really comes naturally to us.
It gives us such an accomplished feeling when our guests check-out and tell us they love the house, the food and thank us for making them feel at home and that they can’t wait to come again.
What are your favourite things to do in Lynton & Lynmouth?
Being in a remote area in the midst of the Exmoor National Park, we are lucky to be surrounded by amazing things to keep us occupied. Stunning scenery and walks, and a wide variety of historic homes and gardens to visit are our favourite pastimes. The local shops have everything from local arts and crafts, organic fruit and veg, to even gorgeous objects of desire for the home.
The local food is amazing! The restaurants offer so much choice. There is a cute Spanish tapas restaurant, a gorgeous old Inn set next to a river which serves authentic home-cooked Thai food and home-brewed beer, a tasty Mexican restaurant and even Middle Eastern & Mediterranean food.
In addition, there is a varied and excellent choice of cafés, pubs and hotels too which have amazing quality menus. Gluten-Free and Vegan dishes are in abundance, with most places happy to adapt dishes to the requirements of the customer.
