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You are here: Home / Travel / Soar Mill Cove Hotel, South Devon – Review

Soar Mill Cove Hotel, South Devon – Review

October 30, 2018 by Kay Woolley 14 Comments

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Last Updated on December 28, 2018 by Fiona Maclean

An idyllic hotel and isolated beach in South Devon – Soar Mill Cove:

The West Country is an area I grew up in and still love to visit.  I know Cornwall particularly well, it makes it easy for me to explore and suggest places that shouldn’t be missed.   I’ve recently stayed at the Beach Hotel in Bude and Chapel House in Penzance both of which I would recommend for short breaks.

Devon is Cornwall’s nearest neighbour and apart from opposing views on the intricacies of clotted cream and jam on scones which we’ll come to later, for the most part, the two counties have a lot in common.  So, given the opportunity to review the Soar Mill Cove Hotel, in South Devon, I was more than happy to do so. I have fond memories of shopping trips to Plymouth and going to Dartmoor, when I was a child, but have never visited the area around Salcombe, part of the South Devon area of outstanding beauty.  And, it’s en-route back to London.

Sun setting Soar Mill Cove Hotel South Devon

I set off from Boscastle in Cornwall, where I have a holiday cottage,  slowly making my way to Soar Mill Cove by the scenic route, about seventy miles.  It took longer than I thought, the roads from the A38 were typical West Country style, narrow and winding.  I didn’t get lost though and arrived safely at the Soar Mill Cove Hotel which is signposted from Marlborough – the road to the hotel is a single track road but thankfully I didn’t meet anyone coming the other way.

Bedroom Soar Mill Cove Hotel South Devon

A very warm welcome when I finally arrived, from Keith Makepeace, the owner, who showed me to my room and helped me with my luggage. The spacious Eddystone Suite would be perfect for a family with a separate twin bedded room in addition to as the main bedroom. Everything was spotlessly clean, the room was very light and spacious with ample storage, there was a bowl of fresh fruit, and tea and coffee making facilities. Stripy towels for the saltwater pool were laid out on the bed, a nice touch. The bathroom had a modern suite a bath and a walk-in shower, with luxurious Molton Brown toiletries.

The rooms had full-length French windows with an amazing view of the surrounding cliffs, with grassy slopes running down to the cove which was just out of sight. This contemporary hotel is built into the hillside so blends in with the countryside rather than detracting from it. Everything has been beautifully renovated by the owners of the family run hotel, from the exterior to the coastal theming in the lounge and coffee shop.

View from patio Soar Mill Cove Hotel South Devon

Hearing that the hotel offers a complimentary cream tea on arrival was perfect. I’m a big fan of cream teas, although the way they eat the scones in Devon just doesn’t seem right to a Cornish person; jam is first and then the cream on top! Having made myself at home I took my tea in the lounge, another room with floor to ceiling glass windows to make the most of the view, together with comfy chairs and sofas and modern paintings commissioned from a Cornish artist.

Lounge Soar Mill Cove hotel South Devon

The cream tea was just what everyone should be offered after a long journey, the scones were generous and warm with homemade raspberry jam and a pot of Devonshire clotted cream – perfect!Cream Tea Soar Mill Cove Hotel South Devon

Feeling revitalised after an excellent tea it was time to venture out and explore the cove, a short walk down from the hotel. The land is owned by the National Trust, with the coastal footpath wending its way through it, making the hotel an ideal base for walkers.  Sheep and cattle were grazing in the fields; having been spooked by cows when I was growing up in Cornwall, I took the path through the field with the sheep and arrived safely!

Soar Mill Cove South Devon from footpathThe cove itself was magical, almost deserted  but for a family walking their dog.  It’s a  small stretch of golden sand with rocks protruding out of the sand and the sea was crashing down as the tide was coming in. It’s rare to find a spot so unspoilt in the West Country, probably due to the fact that the road is just for the Soar Mill Cove Hotel making it inaccessible for the general public.  I slowly made my way back up to my room, the uphill walk took a little longer than going down but despite taking my time to enjoy the view, it was still only fifteen minutes.

Soar Mill Cove South Devon

There was plenty of time to freshen up before dinner so I decided to have a soak,  the Molton Brown shower and bath gel adding fragrance and bubbles, always good.  A large bathtub was perfect to stretch out and relax too before wrapping up in one of the soft bathrobes that were provided by the hotel.  Refreshed and changed I realised that dusk was drawing in, mellow golden light streamed in through the windows, it was going to be a gorgeous sunset. I went outside and sat watching the sun slowly setting on the horizon out at sea. I wasn’t disappointed at all.  Determined to catch the last rays of light I retreated to the lounge to continue watching through the windows whilst I sipped one of the house cocktails, homemade gin, Jen’s Gin, with elderflower and prosecco, a great end to the day.

Sunset Soar Mill Cove Hotel South Devon

Dinner was in the coffee bar, which also serves as the restaurant and breakfast room. Spacious and light with comfortable chairs and muted green paintwork and of course the floor to ceiling glass windows, through which I could see the backdrop of the hills and the sea, though by this time it was getting dark outside.

There is a fixed price menu or A La Carte options and the menu has dishes to suit every taste or dietary requirement with plenty of meat and fish alternatives.

Handpicked Salcombe crab cocktail with apple and cauliflower Soar Mill Cove hotel South Devon

I love crab and was delighted to see a crab starter on the A La Carte menu,   as the stormy weather on this trip had meant I didn’t venture far from home while I was in Cornwall.  Handpicked, Salcombe, crab cocktail with apple and cauliflower, it was a generous portion and delicious. To follow I chose the Cornish hake with parmesan and herb crunch, spring onion creamed potatoes, rainbow chard and white wine butter sauce. To drink a glass of Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complemented the fish. Sated, I looked for the light dessert option, a lemon posset with poached strawberries and shortbread was perfect.

During the course of the evening, little jugs of fresh milk are laid out on the reception desk, so much nicer than the plastic pots and perfect for the small fridge in my room.

The bed was very comfortable, the room was dark and cosy,  it was so quiet that I had a blissful sleep. I woke refreshed and drew the curtains to feast my eyes on the breathtaking view.

View from Soar Mill Cove hotel South Devon

Breakfast was served in the coffee-room; cereals, fresh fruit, fruit juices, warm croissants and hot options. I chose the bacon sandwich and it was very tasty indeed. There were pots of homemade marmalade and blackcurrant jam and plentiful toast. Freshly brewed coffee arrived to complete my breakfast and to set me up for the drive home. Restaurant Soar Mill Cove hotel South Devon

I would have loved to have stayed longer than one night at Soar Mill Cove Hotel, an idyllic setting where you can truly escape and unwind. I was intrigued by the idea of the seawater heated pool and would have loved to have tried for myself,  but will save that for another time.

Saltwater pool Soar Mill Cove hotel South Devon

The hotel offers rooms on a bed & breakfast basis or with dinner included. For guests looking for self-catering accommodation, there are two self-contained spaces, the Ocean Villas each with their own entrance, just in front of the main hotel reception.

Soar Mill Cove Hotel South Devon

For more details on the Soar Mill Cove Hotel, and to check availability, visit www.soarmillcove.co.uk.

Complimentary cream tea on arrival is for customers booking with the hotel direct though there is a full tea menu available to order.

Soar Mill Cove is a remote location where you really need to drive.  A car is essential for exploring this beautiful part of Devon. It’s around four and a half to five hours by car from London depending on traffic.

Thinking of visiting yourself?  Why not pin this post for later

Soar Mill Cove South Devon

For more special places to stay why not check out our recommended Best British Boutique Hotels

Filed Under: Travel, UK Tagged With: beach, Devon

About Kay Woolley

With a background in marketing, Kay lives in Surrey and is the owner of a self-catering holiday cottage in Boscastle, North Cornwall an area she grew up in and loves to visit whenever possible. She has a passion for skiing and the mountains and has spent the last two winters working as a ski rep in the Alps. When not in the mountains or the West Country Kay loves to travel, and experience new things.

Comments

  1. Abigail Cullen says

    November 25, 2018 at 11:36 am

    This place looks absolutely stunning, would love to visit here, as my partner and I quite often visit Devon.

    Reply
  2. Olivia Jade says

    November 5, 2018 at 9:36 pm

    What a stunning place! The views are incredible and I’d love to visit. Love the large spacious windows looking out to the coast 🙂 xx

    Reply
    • Kay Woolley says

      November 7, 2018 at 1:07 pm

      Yes it’s a truly stunning location and a perfect place to get away from it all.

      Reply
  3. Madeeha says

    November 3, 2018 at 11:06 pm

    Wow.. beautiful sceneries. Devon is so great place to visit. I was wondering about scones and there they are. They look delicious too.

    Reply
  4. Helen says

    November 1, 2018 at 8:51 pm

    Soar Mill Cove Hotel sounds amazing, especially because of the cream tea on arrival! The views from the hotel are just stunning too. I love Devon but havent been for years now, it’s SO far away from us in the North of England.

    Reply
  5. Rachael Phillips says

    November 1, 2018 at 8:56 am

    Cornwall and Devon are two of my favourite places on earth. I am so lucky to live in South Wales so it’s not that far to travel. This hotel looks beautiful

    Reply
  6. Kara says

    November 1, 2018 at 8:30 am

    Oh wow, what stunning views. I love Devon and visit regularly as my Dad lives there……will have to look up Soar Mill Cove

    Reply
  7. Melody PIttman says

    November 1, 2018 at 12:51 am

    This looks like such a nice place to stay. I love the views from your room and the fact that they use Molton Brown toiletries, one of my favorite brands. The scones/cream/jam look amazing and make me want to visit in the worst way!

    Reply
  8. Tami Wilcox says

    October 31, 2018 at 9:23 pm

    I’m heading to the UK for the first time next year, and I’m excited to see views like the ones pictured here. I sure hope all of the places we’re staying will be as nice as the Soar Miill Cove Hotel — unfortunately our itinerary will not take us to Devon. It sure sounds like you received a warm welcome and were treated to the best of amenities.

    Reply
  9. Evelyne says

    October 31, 2018 at 6:30 pm

    I have never been to that area and it looks absolutely gorgeous. Wow on the view from the room, just wow. The hotel looks perfect. Not being a scone expert, I’ll take it anyway it is served lol..

    Reply
  10. Rhian westbury says

    October 31, 2018 at 6:22 am

    The view from your room looks really nice, and anywhere that gives you cream tea is a winner in my book x

    Reply
  11. Sarah Bailey says

    October 30, 2018 at 9:57 pm

    I have just booked a holiday to Devon for next year with both Ash and mine parents, I absolutely love the area, so want to get to explore more and it’s a nice base for everyone too!

    This sounds like such a nice hotel, I like that it isn’t just rooms, that you can choose to have food or even go completely self catering! I am going to have to look into Soar Mill Cove more I think.

    Reply
    • Kay Woolley says

      November 1, 2018 at 6:54 pm

      Soar Mill Cove is a stunning place. You don’t have to be staying at the hotel to be able to visit for lunch or afternoon tea.

      It’s definitely somewhere you could go to on a day trip if you are already in Devon.

      Reply
  12. Treasure Every Moment says

    October 30, 2018 at 3:10 pm

    I love staying in rural parts of Devon or Cornwall – it’s such a beautiful area of the country 🙂

    Reply

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