… about a mile from Battisborough Cross, at the end of a long tree-lined drive, is Alston Hall, a three-storey, detached country residence, built in 1906 as a rectory. Many facilities remain for your enjoyment from its more recent role as a country house hotel, including indoor heated swimming pool (38’ x 18’ x 3’6” deep) with pool chairs and French windows opening to an enclosed, lawned, walled garden (table/chairs, barbecue). Surrounding the house are 3 acres of well-kept grounds and gardens, mostly south-west facing, with superb uninterrupted views over rolling green fields to a glimmer of the sea and the Mewstone beyond. At the front and catching all-day sun, an outdoor swimming pool (38’ x 18’ x 8’2" to 3’6” deep, available 23 May to 11 September), vast lawns (croquet - mallets provided, tables/chairs positioned to take in those lovely views) bordered by a shallow sunken rose garden (unfenced) and children’s play area (swing, trampoline), shaded in part by lovely mature trees; also two all-weather tennis courts and steps down to further lawned area with plenty of space for cricket or kicking a ball around.  

A long drive brings you to the front of the house and gravelled terrace with steps up to heavy oak door into porch; grand oak-panelled entrance hall with stained glass windows, huge fireplace (woodburner), comfy sofas/chairs, window seats and piano; above, impressive galleried landing with more sofas/chairs. Off the hall, two further living rooms, one elegant, full of light, with stone-mullioned windows and garden/swimming pool views, TV/DVD; the other, more cosy with TV/Sky/DVD and door (lockable) to rear hall and the indoor swimming pool. Snooker room (full-sized snooker table, bar stools) overlooking the walled garden; ground-floor cloakroom (loo). Big dining room with long table seating 28 and two smaller tables (seating 6 and 4), with door opening to the front lawn. Adjoining is the kitchen with two cookers (large oven/grill/4-ring hob), two dishwashers, two microwaves, and plenty of fridge, freezer and food preparation space. Utility room (two washing machines, two tumble driers, fridge-freezer). Quiet office area with desk. 

Sweeping formal staircase from hall up to galleried landing and the vast master suite (6’ bed) with dressing room, huge en suite bathroom (suite with separate shower, twin washbasins) and lovely views over the garden to the distant sea; on this floor, eight more bedrooms, all good-sized with en suite bathroom (suite, shower over bath) and mostly garden views (some distant sea glimpses) – four double, three with interconnecting doors (all can be bolted and individually accessed), two twin, and two family rooms (double plus single). 

Further stairs to second floor and eight more bedrooms, all with en suite bathroom (suite, shower over bath), some with low/sloping eaves – four double, three twin and a family suite consisting of double and twin bedrooms with beamed arch between (no door), en suite bathroom and small seating area (steps up, sofa) in the ‘tower’. All bedrooms have TV. Both floors have rear staircase to ground floor. 

Arrival after 4pm. Professional catering and/or butler/maid service available, by arrangement (extra). Gardener attends three days a week. Damages Deposit £500. Beach and beautiful coastline, 2 miles; pub, 2½. Concessionary rates available for scuba diving at Fort Bovisand Dive Centre and golf/spa at Dartmouth Golf and Country Club.  

This is a hugely spacious and well organised place, excellent for family and extended family groups, special birthdays and celebrations at any time of year.  

Accommodation