Over the last three years The Priory, at Halberton, has experienced something of a renaissance. When we took over as the latest custodians of this 900 year old dwelling, we realised that we needed to gently lift away the veil of modern gunk that successive generations have imposed upon this historic site. Six months of planning saw the germs of ideas start to form, we then had to inform the Mid-Devon Council of our desire to remove certain trees from the site to enable the work to begin. On receiving the go-ahead, work began in earnest, with the landscaping of the one-acre gardens. The second year saw us turning our attention to the house itself, a three story grade 2* listed priory college. Now after a lot of hard work we are ready to welcome guests and visitors into this our very special home and haven.
During the dissolution, between 1538 and 1539 it became a private dwelling and has remained so until the present day. Our endeavour has been to create a 21st century version of what a 12th century priory would have offered, i.e. rest and relaxation to the weary traveller. Our bed and breakfast guests can expect hospitality, tranquillity, and beauty, as we aim to live up to the Old English phrase, ‘Luffendlic Stede’, meaning a lovely place. Our bedrooms and bathrooms reflect the simplicity of the early medieval period whilst at the same time offering 21st century comfort. Natural fabrics, organic where possible are used throughout and the rooms will be scented with fresh flowers and dried herbs from our own gardens. Our wish is to be not just ‘green in our outlook, but deepest green, not just ‘organic’, but traditionally pure and not just use ‘Fair Trade’, but the fairest trade. Our dining-room has a wonderful 16th century ceiling carved with what is believed to be the 13th century design known as the ‘Glastonbury thorn'. And our huge oak front-door opens into a flagstone passageway flanked by plank and muntin screens. Add to this, log fires, home-made traditional English fare and speciality first flush teas and you truly will be in a ‘Luffendlic Stede’.