"Dining was a treat" said the inspectors of the Good Hotel Guide 2001. Combe House Hotel and Restaurant at Gittisham is a total dining experience. To discover Combe is to find somewhere very special from the very moment you drive through the little village of Gittisham you sense you are entering a bygone area. The thatched cottages, Norman Church and village green, no wonder Prince Charles described it as the 'Ideal English Village'. Then the mile long winding drive through the woods and meadow lands with surprise glimpses of the Manor, a wonderful sense of arrival. Step inside to be greeted by a huge log fire, squashy sofas and flamboyant flowers. Take pre-diner drinks alfresco in the summer on the croquet lawn with stunning views of the countryside and glorious sunsets. There are two dining rooms, one stylish yet understated the other decorated with a mural of pure fantasy and magical. The food created by the master chef of GB. Philip Leach is innovative, contemporary and using the best of fresh local produce where flavour is paramount. The wines stored in the ancient cellar are interesting and carefully chosen by Ken Hunt with a superb specialist Chablis Collection. The service is warm and attractive yet unobtrusive and earned the 2002 Conde Nast Johansen most excellent service award winner. New Georgian Kitchen Modern British Contemporary where quality fresh local produce FLAVOUR is paramount. Visitors always made most welcome. Booking essential.

One of the only few venues in the UK, perfectly suited to that important meeting - definitely worth travelling for. Combe is hidden from the modern world behind ancient beech woods in 3500 acres of one of Devon's finest estates where beautiful Arabian horses and pheasants roam freely. To discover Combe is to find something very special where the only sounds are the distant murmurings of the traditional rural life. There is guaranteed peace and security, leaving the mind free to focus on the matters in hand. Combe is also a cultural find and is being discovered by food critics far and wide. There is a well chosen wine list with a superb Chablis collection. The service has earned the team Conde Nast Johansen 2002 Most Excellent Service award in the UK. There are a variety of rooms which accommodate meetings all with natural daylight. We suggest the 18th Century Panel Room - the geometric decorated ceiling blends well with the yew wall panelling and family portraits of Georgian times, it accommodates 26 in a boardroom style. For that extra Ordinary lunch and dinner, The Georgian Kitchen, newly restored in conjunction with English Heritage is truly something special - imagine the irresistible aromas of freshly baked bread & fruit jams. Don't expect electricity - as dining is by candles and lamp light - ideal for private parties of 8-10 guests.