Guests say
Alston Hall offers a unique experience with its spacious grounds, indoor and outdoor pools, and ample room for large gatherings. While some guests found the property to be a bit tired and in need of maintenance, the charm and character of the house, along with its well-maintained swimming facilities, were frequently praised. The location provides easy access to local attractions and the property's size and amenities are ideal for family celebrations and group holidays.
Reviews generally indicate that Alston Hall is kept clean, with specific compliments on the cleanliness of the pools and bed linens. However, some guests reported issues such as dead rats in the pool and a leak in the ceiling, suggesting room for improvement.
The property's location in Devon, near Plymouth, is frequently praised for its beautiful grounds and proximity to local attractions, beaches, and visitor spots. The scenic views and easy access to activities contribute to a positive rating.
Guests have mixed feelings about comfort; while some found the beds comfortable and the en-suite bedrooms a plus, others complained about poor water pressure, lack of heating control, and uncomfortable mattresses, indicating a need for updates.
The facilities, including swimming pools and space for activities, are highlights for many guests. However, numerous comments about inadequate kitchen facilities, broken appliances, and the need for general maintenance suggest that improvements are necessary.
There is insufficient information in the reviews to assess the level of thoughtfulness in terms of gifts or special touches provided by the hosts. Therefore, a score cannot be given for this category.
About this property
Alston Hall is a remarkable three-storey country house down a long drive a mile from Battisborough Cross. Originally a rectory and then a hotel, it is designed for comfort, fun and relaxation for huge groups of family or friends. The entrance hall, which doubles as a sitting room, has a wonderful feel of grandeur, with its oak paneling, stained glass, piano and wood burning stove in a massive fireplace, and a magnificent gallery above with more seats. You can spread out in two more comfortable sitting rooms. If you don't want to take advantage of the professional catering, the kitchen is fully equipped to cater for extensive meals to enjoy in the dining room with its long table supplemented by two smaller ones. You can even engage a butler or maid for true country house luxury. After dinner, head through to the snooker room, where you might have stashed your bottles in the bar. If you need quiet time, you will find a handy office with desk to escape to. And at the end of the day, drift up the elegant stairs to a choice of 18 bedrooms spread over the first and second floors, 17 of which have an en suite bathroom so no one has to queue. With its former role as a hotel, the house has all sorts of fabulous activities to enjoy, including an indoor swimming pool, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, a play area, three acres of lawns and gardens and an enclosed walled garden with barbecues. No one can complain they are bored! If you do want to venture beyond the grounds, you can find more activity at Fort Bovisand where you enjoy concessionary rates for scuba diving, as you do at Dartmouth Golf and Country Club where you can play a round or be pampered in the spa. Mothecombe beach on a stunning stretch of coast is just a couple of miles from the Hall and you can walk in either direction on the South West Coast Path. And in the unlikely event you tire of country house living, the bright lights of the lively city of Plymouth await. Alston Hall is a very special house to gather with friends and family.
Battisborough Cross is a tiny hamlet, one mile from the mouth of the beautiful River Erme estuary, the sandy beach at Mothecombe and from the open sea.
Accommodation
Over three floors.
18 bedrooms: 2 x family room with 1 x super king and 1 x single and en-suite bath, basin and WC, 1 x second-floor family room with 1 x king size with en-suite bath, basin and WC there is an interconnecting door into an adjoining twin room with 2 x single beds (suitable for families), 1 x super-king-size with dressing room and en-suite bath, separate walk-in shower, double basin and WC, 1 x super king-size with en-suite bath, basin and WC, 1 x second-floor king-size with en-suite bath, basin and WC, 2 x super king with en-suite bath, basin and WC, 1 x double with ensuite bath, basin and WC, 3 x second-floor super king with en-suite bath, basin and WC, 2 x twin with en-suite bath, basin and WC, 3 x second-floor twin with en-suite bath, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Dining room.
Utility.
Reception with woodburning stove.
2 x sitting rooms.
Snooker room.
Office.
Indoor swimming pool
Outdoor pool size - 38' x 18' x 8'2" to 3'6" deep
Indoor pool size - 38' x 18' x 3'6" deep
Central heating with wood burning stove.
Microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, TV with Sky sports, DVD, WiFi, Phone incoming calls only only.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair available on request.
Off-road parking for 40 cars.
Garden with tennis court, childrens play area, barbecue, unheated outdoor pool.
Three well-behaved dogs welcome first dog free a fee will be charged for extra dogs.
Sorry no smoking.
Shop 4.2 miles, pub 4 miles.
Note: The outdoor swimming pool is available from 26th May to 15th September.
Note: Check-in time 4pm.
Nearby points of interest
- Burgh Island
- Bantham Beach
- South Sands Beach
- Dartmoor Zoological Park
- Plymouth Gin Distillery
- Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park
Reviews (25)
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Adriana
Unfortunately, it feels under invested and in need of some care and renovation/maintenance. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay as we were celebrating a milestone birthday with family and friends but bearing in mind the size of the property and cost of the weekend, we had expected some basics such as a coffee machine or even a reasonable size cafetière (we had to bring along our own coffee machine), make sure there is sufficient cutlery (forks), and serving bowls, etc. We would also suggest Alston Hall should consider offering other basics such as small shampoo, soap, bin bags, loo rolls etc. Overall, a stunning property but dated interior (especially the bedrooms) and in need of maintenance to bring it back to its original glory.
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Iona
We had brilliant fun in the pool, in the house and in the grounds playing games. I was worried the pool would be cold but it was lovely and warm! We brought our own pre-prepared evening meals, which was just as well given the kitchen is quite small and the single large stove still a bit inadequate really. Really could do with an additional stove. Other than that, we had everything we needed, the rooms were clean and comfortable. As the photos show, the place could do with some maintenance/renovation/renewal works in places but the slightly run down feel kind of added to its charm for me! The grand staircase overlooking the lobby really makes the place!
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Gaynor
Highlights have to be the two pools, cleanliness and grand space! Gardens were wonderful for the dogs and people alike! Trudi and her team were amazing. Don't expect perfection but for the price, our family felt really lucky! Dropped a few points on maintenance and comfort. Some mattresses could do with replacing and a fair bit of maintenance but this would all take time and money and we understood this. Would love to return!