OM Recommends: Shapla Balti
9th May 2018
OM Magazine, Issue 113, June 2018
25th May 2018
Set in 100 acres of stunning parkland on the edge of Dartmoor, Elfordleigh is truly a hidden gem. With everything you need for a short retreat all under one roof; it is the perfect location to switch off from the outside world and relax. We speak to the Directors, Angela Hujdurovic-Rack and Hasko Hujdurovic and General Manager Mike Lee, to get an insight into the exciting renovations that are bringing Elfordleigh into the here and now.
Elfordleigh offers the peace, calm and tranquillity of an English Country House with the warmth, ease and charm of a privately owned hotel. Famously known as ‘The Pink Hotel’- Elfordleigh is undergoing a complete overhaul and its image is gradually transformed.
The well-known pink exterior is in the process of being replaced with a crisp grey render. With the majority of the building completed, all that remains is the leisure area- which is on the top of the wishlist to refurbish next. The new render has really freshened up the hotels façade- and approaching the entrance on a beautiful sunny day, the hard work and time spent really is worth it.
We are refreshing the image. We are a new generation of country, keeping the style modern by using muted neutral tones, simple furniture and an uncomplicated approach. A variety of textures ensure the rooms feel cosy and timeless. The feel of an English Country house with its heritage and serenity, minus the frills and frippery.
Angela tells us that the renovation process is one of the biggest challenges she has faced so far since becoming Director three years ago. “It’s been a gradual process going into its third year; it’s such a huge task. I wanted to make sure that throughout and after all the refurbishments, Elfordleigh stays the very special place it is and always has been”. Built in the early 1700’s, it goes without saying that the building has a rich history. Angela explains that her aim is to bring the interior into the modern day, but that it is important not to lose the traditional aspects. This is why the refurbished Elfordleigh is best described as a contemporary country house hotel.
Tackling the interior design of a 35-bedroom hotel is no easy feat, but Angela has already seen her solo visions made into reality throughout the hotel. “I actually really enjoy it! I just chose what I like personally, and was confident enough to think that other people would like it too. So far we have received a lot of praise and impressed guests, this makes all the hard work worthwhile”.
Next to the 35 hotel rooms and the exterior, also the restaurant, lounge, three ceremony rooms and two large function rooms with private bars are completely renovated. To make it even more special there are not one, not two, but three completely renovated bridal suites, two of which are four poster. Each has their own individual character, with a spa bath to choose from. Doesn’t this all makes you want to go and visit? Well we definitely encourage you to go!
We have everything you need for a relaxing weekend away, this is what makes us unique in Devon. We have Plymouth’s most mature and established 18-hole parkland golf course, leisure and spa facilities, a tennis court, a restaurant offering locally produced, freshly cooked food and next to our standard and premium rooms, family rooms and dog-friendly rooms. You don’t need to go anywhere!
Mike Lee, Elfordleigh’s General Manager tells us that raising awareness of what Elfordleigh has to offer is key. “We are so lucky to be located where we are. We are only a short distance from both Dartmoor and the town centre. Our position is perfect and we have to shout about it!”
Elfordleigh has something for everyone. If you are local- you can take advantage of their many membership options for Golf and Leisure. There are also special Corporate membership packages. Take a dip in the 15 meter heated indoor swimming pool, relax in the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi’s, or sweat it out in the fully equipped gym.
If you need a short getaway, Elfordleigh offers different packages to accommodate everyone’s needs; why not throw in a treatment from their onsite spa? Choose from a wide range of beauty treatments, Spa days and a range of Pamper Day packages. You will be guaranteed to leave feeling relaxed and refreshed!
Events such as baby showers, weddings, hen parties and birthdays are welcome- with a range of rooms available to suit any size group. Their dedicated and hard working staff are on hand to make sure it’s a special and perfect day to remember.
People praise us on our friendly, warm, welcoming and genuinely interested staff members. We offer our guests a home away from home, where guests feel at ease. As part of our team we want people who are passionate about where they work, having those key individuals who can really help us push forward our vision for Elfordleigh is really important to us.
Elfordleigh pride themselves on their locally sourced food. Offering an extensive range of choices on both their A la Carte and Bar menu, Elfordleigh caters for each and every one of their guests dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan. Next month, the A La Carte Menu will be refreshed so they can make the most of seasonal produce.
At the heart of the hotel is the Brasserie, serving meals and light snacks throughout the day. Just a few steps away is the covered terrace, overlooking the golf course, perfect for those wanting to dine alfresco. “We offer a three course Sunday roast for £17.95 per person and an Afternoon tea at £19.95 for two people which can be upgraded with a glass of Prosecco” says Mike.
Take it from us here at OM, the afternoon tea at Elfordleigh is definitely worth the trip! Sit out on the sunny terrace overlooking the golf course and tuck into fluffy scones and refreshing strawberries; you will feel like you really are somewhere special.
Moving onto Weddings; the recent refurbishment means that Angela and Mike are confident future couples would love to host their wedding at the Elfordleigh. “A few years ago, when the hotel was looking a little dated- couples would hesitate to book their weddings a few years in advance. But now, with the refreshed interior and exterior- they can be confident in their surroundings and with the fact that we are only going to get better”.
Elfordleigh is also in the process of designing a brand new wedding brochure, along with a complete rebrand; website and logo.
“We have a number of packages to offer couples. One package for the low season, a high season package- and an all in package that is completely hassle free with everything included. But of course we also offer bespoke wedding packages, to exactly suit the couples needs and wishes”.
So what does the future hold for Elfordleigh? “A lot of people are positively shocked by our extensive renovation. We found it quite thrilling and sensational to get rid of the pink colour, we really did! But it gradually got so run down that we think this made people stop coming. We want people to pop in, spontaneously or with a reservation and realise that, actually- it isn’t like that anymore”.
“We receive hand written cards thanking us for our service, for going above and beyond guests expectations and that makes it all worthwhile, you realise and get remembered that this is what we do it for. It’s very rewarding when you see people appreciate our hard work and that they are aware of how hard we try to make their visit or stay with us special and unforgettable”.
Why not take advantage of the warmer weather this May; pop up to Elfordleigh for an Afternoon tea on the terrace, walk the beautiful grounds, or take a dip in the pool and relax in the stunning surroundings.
