Amberstone Manor | 10-Bedroom Manor with Private Pool in CHULMLEIGH

Chulmleigh sits at the threshold between Exmoor and Dartmoor, two of England’s most dramatic landscapes, and Amberstone Manor commands the high ground between them. This isn’t a villa that whispers—it announces itself across five acres of rolling grounds, with 20 guests distributed across 10 generously proportioned bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, each one configured for genuine comfort rather than mere occupancy.

Inside Amberstone Manor

Amberstone Manor sleeps 20 guests across 10 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms across three floors of a sympathetically refurbished 19th-century property. The ground floor opens into three distinct living zones: a reception room designed for congregation, a drawing room for quieter conversation, and a television lounge where the firelight competes with the screen. The kitchen operates at farmhouse scale with a dedicated pantry, the kind of space where feeding 20 people becomes logistics rather than labour. The dining room seats eighteen at its table, tall windows framing the south-facing light.

The first floor houses six bedrooms. The Principle bedroom features a king-sized four-poster bed with an en-suite bathroom containing a custom bespoke bath, rainfall shower, and separate WC. The Peacock room offers a king-sized bed with its own en-suite shower room. The Parisian room sleeps two adults in a super-king configuration, though the bed converts to twin singles on request, with a full en-suite bathroom. The Master bedroom commands similar dimensions—a super-king bed convertible to twins, paired with a roll-top bath, power shower, and WC. The Garden bedroom features a king-sized brass bed and shares a Jack and Jill bathroom (bath and shower) with the Courtyard bedroom, which offers its own king bed and identical dual-access bathroom arrangement.

The second floor contains four additional bedrooms. The White room accommodates a super-king bed (convertible to twins) with en-suite bath, shower, and WC. The Cherry bedroom offers twin beds and an en-suite shower room. The Princess bedroom features an Emperor-sized bed with access to a shared family shower room. The Scarlet Room rounds out the collection with a king-sized bed, convertible to twin configuration.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Step beyond the Victorian formal gardens that ring the house and you enter 20 acres of river meadows that slope away toward distant Dartmoor. South-facing terraces built from fossilised limestone create that rare combination of architectural statement and practical outdoor room. Beneath the stone runs a Victorian-era grotto—the English garden folly that casual visitors miss but observant ones treasure.

The solar-heated salt water swimming pool sits on a lower terrace, surrounded by tropical plantings that seem almost rebellious in Devon’s temperate climate. The pool operates seasonally from late May through September, weather permitting. Above it sits a full-size tennis court surfaced in artificial grass, ringed entirely by a hundred Rhododendron specimens—a natural amphitheatre that transforms the game into something approaching theatre.

The courtyard accommodates a dedicated dance and yoga studio (11m × 6m) with sprung flooring and full-length mirrors, the kind of space that transforms casual movement into something intentional. Adjacent to it, a snooker room houses a full-size table, library shelving, and wall-mounted television for games that extend into evening. A croquet lawn occupies its own parcel of ground, while an apple orchard and working vegetable garden supply fresh produce throughout the season.

Interior amenities include an infra-red sauna, televisions and DVD players distributed through multiple rooms, and Wi-Fi coverage extending across the property. The grounds contain an additional gymnasium space for those who prefer structured exercise to the tennis court or croquet lawn.

Location: CHULMLEIGH and the Surrounding Area

Chulmleigh occupies the valley between two of southern England’s grandest wilderness areas. Exmoor National Park lies approximately 25km to the north, its high moorland dropping toward clifftop villages like Lynton and Lynmouth, where the coastal path switches between sea views and forest canopy. Dartmoor spreads south and east—15km from the manor—a higher, more austere landscape of granite tors and archaeological sites spanning Bronze Age cairns to medieval settlements.

The immediate village provides an 18-hole golf course within a five-minute walk, with Highbullen Hotel Golf and Country Club offering a full championship course ten minutes away. Saunton Golf Club, rated 60th in the world by Golf World Magazine, sits roughly 35km northwest toward the coast. The Tarka Trail, a 29km cycling route following a disused railway line, connects Barnstaple to Braunton—perfect for families cycling flat terrain through woodland and river valley. Local fishing opportunities span the Taw and Torridge rivers (Taw river particularly strong for spring salmon and May-onwards sea trout), the Little Dart, and coarse lakes including Stafford Moore.

Horse riding thrives across both moor systems. Exmoor and Dartmoor offer bridleways through forestry tracks and established routes; local stables in Chulmleigh itself provide instruction and horse hire. Eaglescott Airfield (15km away) operates light aircraft, gliding, and microlight experiences. Clay pigeon shooting and game shoots operate through venues including Trenchard, Colleton Manor, and Clovelly.

The North Devon coast shelters numerous beaches and coves within 40-minute drives. Saunton Sands, 35km northwest, offers 4km of golden sand backed by dunes. Woolacombe Beach, 40km north, draws surfers and families alike. Westward Ho!, 30km northwest, claims Britain’s first purpose-built beach resort. Croyde Bay, 35km north, attracts experienced surfers. The South Molton farmers market operates weekly with local produce, while the market town of Barnstaple (20km north) contains supermarkets, restaurants, and independent shops.

For destination planning and broader regional context, explore our luxury villas across Europe or our full collection of properties in Britain and Ireland. For seasonal inspiration and area highlights, read our comprehensive The South West travel guide.

Exeter Airport lies 60km south (approximately 70 minutes by road), while Bristol Airport, 120km southwest (90-minute drive), offers wider route networks. Seasonal highlights include May through September for reliable pool weather and beach conditions, with August bringing peak summer crowds and school holidays. Spring (April-May) offers lambing season in local farms and wildflower meadows. Autumn (September-October) delivers smaller crowds and excellent hiking conditions across both moors.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families spanning three generations find Amberstone Manor’s room distribution ideal—grandparents in one wing, parents and teenagers distributed across remaining bedrooms, with sufficient private bathrooms that morning routines don’t create conflict. The snooker room, tennis court, and dance studio mean teenagers and adults occupy separate activity zones.

Corporate groups and team-building gatherings benefit from the dedicated 11m × 6m function room, conference capability, and activities (clay pigeon shooting, gliding, cycling) that distribute groups naturally. The chef and butler availability transforms group meals from logistical nightmare into hosted experience.

Multi-couple celebrations—milestone birthdays, anniversaries, reunions—utilise the manor’s scale without requiring everyone share family dinners. The yoga studio and infra-red sauna appeal to wellness-focused groups. Families with young children access babysitting services (English-speaking nanny and professional childcare available), booster seats, children’s books and DVDs, and a swimming pool that operates May through September.

Adventure-seeking groups (cyclists, hikers, anglers, golfers) use the manor as comfortable base camp, returning from Dartmoor, Exmoor, or coast to prepared dinners and structured evening activities.

Practical Information

Capacity: 20 guests maximum, distributed across 10 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Nearest airport: Exeter Airport (60km south, approximately 70-minute transfer) or Bristol Airport (120km southwest, approximately 90-minute transfer). Nearest supermarket: Chulmleigh village centre (walking distance) and larger Tesco/Sainsbury facilities in Barnstaple (20km north).

Included in rental: all utilities, Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the property, pool heating (solar), bed linens and towels, and property cleaning. Maid service, chef/cook, butler, and babysitting available at additional cost. Check-in timing accommodates guest schedules with advance notice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Amberstone Manor

How many guests does Amberstone Manor sleep?

Amberstone Manor sleeps up to 20 guests across 10 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Bedroom configurations offer king-sized, super-king, Emperor-sized, and twin bed arrangements. Several beds convert from super-king to twin singles, allowing flexibility for different group compositions.

What is the nearest airport to Amberstone Manor in Chulmleigh?

Exeter Airport lies approximately 60km south (roughly 70 minutes by car). Bristol Airport, offering wider international routes, sits 120km to the southwest (approximately 90-minute drive). Both airports provide vehicle rental and transfer services to the manor.

What is the best time of year to rent Amberstone Manor?

May through September provides warm, dry weather suited to pool use (the solar-heated salt water pool operates May-September only) and coastal visits. July and August bring peak summer conditions but higher accommodation costs and beach crowds. April-May offers lambing season and wildflower displays across Exmoor and Dartmoor. September-October delivers excellent hiking and reduced visitor numbers. Winter suits indoor activities (snooker, yoga studio) and dramatic moorland scenery, though the pool remains closed.

Is Amberstone Manor suitable for families with children?

Yes. The manor offers English-speaking nanny/babysitting services, booster seats, children’s books and DVDs. The solar-heated swimming pool (open May-September) provides family water activity. Nearby Saunton Sands and Woolacombe Beach offer safe family swimming. Exmoor and Dartmoor support family hiking on established paths. The croquet lawn, tennis court, and games room suit children’s activities. Multiple lounges allow children and adults to occupy separate spaces during evenings.

What is included in the rental price at Amberstone Manor?

Standard rental includes all utilities, Wi-Fi throughout the property, bed linens and towels, pool heating via solar panels, and weekly property cleaning. Chef/cook services, butler services, maid services, and professional babysitting are available at additional cost. All kitchen equipment, televisions, DVDs, and recreational equipment (snooker table, table tennis equipment) are included in the rental.

What restaurants and shops are near Amberstone Manor?

Chulmleigh village (within walking distance) contains local shops and services. Barnstaple (20km north) hosts weekly farmers markets and major supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Restaurants span gastropubs in surrounding villages to fine dining in nearby market towns. Local specialities include Devon cream teas, cider from local orchards, and fresh seafood from North Devon ports. The South Molton farmers market (25km east) operates weekly with local producers.