Northcote Manor: Then vs. Now

Northcote Manor, situated in the beautiful countryside of North Devon, dates back hundreds of years. In fact, in around 1000 A.D., the historic manor started as a monastery in which Benedictine monks and friars called the area home. The name ‘Northcote’ comes from the Old English words “norð” which means “North”, whereas the meaning “cot” translates to “cottage” or “shelter”.

Fast forward to 1539, the manor was owned by none other than King Henry VIII, who resided there for 21 years before he leased the manor out to Thomas de Soulemont, a renowned courtier. After Thomas de Soulemont lived there, the manor was granted with all its possessions to a man named John Lord Russell at Tavistock Abbey. This meant that the original building was slightly Southwest of where the current manor stands today.

The new manor was built in 1716 with most of the original Georgian architecture intact and in excellent condition, including the luxury quiet lounge and restaurant. The Northeast wing is Victorian and was built in the middle of the 19th century to provide additional space and rooms for families and their guests.

Many esteemed and famous figures have lived within Northcote Manor’s walls, including The Right Honourable Sir Stafford Northcote MP, the Melhuish family, Reverend Thomas of Wellington, Sir Harold Taggert Fourth Earl of Portsmouth, and Colonel Gracey. The Georgian manor was also passed by marriage from the families of Russell, Hankford, and Pollard before it became the property of Richard Babbage, an important figure in our local and national history.

It wasn’t until 1972 that Northcote Manor first opened its doors to the public to stay, and since then, it has been a well-respected country house hotel renowned for its luxury settings, indoors and outdoors.

Northcote Manor features a range of luxurious facilities and services that will make you feel like royalty, from spa treatments and mouth-watering dining experiences to fairytale weddings.

The spa is located in the gorgeous greenery of the North Devon countryside, where you can truly escape the bustle of everyday life. Guests will feel pampered and rejuvenated with our range of facials, massages, and treatments. Our facilities include a 12.5-metre swimming pool, a jacuzzi hot tub, a steam room, a sauna, a state-of-the-art gym and three treatment rooms for you to indulge in.

We are proud to offer a wide selection of Temple Spa products which are available for our guests to use within treatments or when using the spa facilities. Temple Spa is a luxurious British skincare brand produced with love and the best botanicals from the Mediterranean.

Here at Northcote Manor, we have an AA Rosette restaurant where we provide a unique dining experience for our guests. Our locally sourced food is created by our award-winning Head Chef, Richie Herkes, who always creates the most innovative, unique seasonal menus that make mouths water. You can join us for a light lunch, dinner, a traditional Afternoon Tea, or even a special occasion.

We are proud to hold gourmet events where we showcase our finest food and ingredients. Northcote Manor also provides private dining experiences in our exclusive dining rooms, so whether you have an upcoming family celebration or a corporate event, you can enjoy the company of others whilst we provide award-winning Devon dishes.

Our beautiful Georgian hotel is nestled in the heart of the emerald green Devon countryside, providing an outstanding backdrop for your special day. From characteristic bedrooms and suites to the simple touches of ivy and historical architecture, the manor has what every wedding needs. Wedding packages include our AA Rosette restaurant, lounges and all our bedrooms, and most importantly, full, private use of the manor.

We will also provide entertainment for weddings so that you and your guests can focus on having fun and making memories. Whether your special day is celebrated indoors, outdoors, or even in the Winter, we will give you a day to remember for the rest of your life.

To find out more about staying, dining, or partying at our historic manor, contact us.