Dartmoor Tea House | 7-Bedroom Manor in Dartmoor National Park Belston

Fourteen guests arrive at Dartmoor Tea House to find themselves positioned on the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park, in the village of Belstone, where three acres of formal gardens and another three acres of paddocks stretch across hilltop terrain that commands views across Devon’s moorland. The manor sits at 350 metres elevation, offering unobstructed sightlines across the National Park’s open expanse—a location that transforms from golden at sunrise to deep purple at dusk. This is the kind of position where you watch weather systems arrive across the moors rather than merely hear about them.

Inside Dartmoor Tea House

Dartmoor Tea House sleeps 12 guests across 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with the property designed around an unusual architectural heritage rooted in the owners’ Shanghai tea trade connections. Walking through the entrance, the ground floor reveals a drawing room with an operating fireplace—the kind where log fires actually warm rather than merely decorate—alongside a formal dining room capable of seating all 14 occupants. The kitchen commands serious respect: it houses an Aga cooker, Miele oven, induction hob, two microwave units, and breakfast dining integrated into the working space. Two dishwashers handle the aftermath of family meals. This kitchen operates on the principle that cooking should be collaborative, not isolating.

On this same ground floor sits an internal apartment that functions as genuine separation from the main house—a three-room suite comprising a living area, kitchenette, bedroom with queen-size bed, children’s twin bedroom, and its own bathroom. Grandparents or guests seeking refuge from group dynamics have genuine sanctuary here, not merely a bedroom shunted to a distant corridor.

The first floor hosts the remaining bedrooms. A master suite features a super-king bed with ensuite bathroom. Three further bedrooms each contain super-king beds; two of these have dedicated ensuite bathrooms while the third shares a bathroom with an adjacent super-king bedroom. A seventh bedroom offers a king-size bed with access to a shared ensuite. Two of the super-king rooms can be reconfigured as twin beds by request—essential for accommodating children or friends sharing. Bathrooms total five: one ensuite for the master, two additional ensuites for first-floor super-kings, plus two shared facilities.

Throughout the property, high-speed Wi-Fi functions reliably, books and DVDs stock the shelves, washing machine and tumble dryer handle laundry, and parking accommodates ten or more vehicles. Two highchairs and two cots are available for families with infants.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds pivot around a dedicated pool house—not a converted shed, but a proper pavilion housing an indoor swimming pool with changing facilities and built-in sound system. This transforms rainy afternoons from liabilities into events. The pool operates with safety features specified for family use.

Beyond the pool house, the formal gardens occupy three acres of structured landscaping descending the hillside. The additional three acres of paddocks contain two ponds of different sizes, a stream network, and a woodland swing positioned at the property’s furthest reaches. Children discover this swing as their own personal discovery rather than a marked attraction. A Rosle charcoal barbecue anchors the terrace—the kind of appliance that justifies buying premium cuts of meat.

The terrace itself faces south and catches light until well past conventional sunset hours, making it the evening gathering point where conversation continues while the moorland darkens behind the rim of the valley. This is where groups remember why they travelled together.

Location: Dartmoor National Park and the Surrounding Area

Belstone village sits 6km northwest of Okehampton, a market town of approximately 8,000 residents where supermarkets, restaurants, and daily amenities cluster around the town centre. Okehampton has operated as the gateway to northern Dartmoor for centuries and contains the ruins of Okehampton Castle (2km south of the town centre), a Norman fortification dating to the 11th century overlooking the Okebrook valley.

Chagford, 20 minutes southward by car (approximately 15km), functions as Dartmoor’s artistic hub. The town houses independent galleries, fine dining establishments including the Michelin-recognised restaurants, and speciality food shops dealing in local cheeses and game. Chagford’s market square has hosted weekly markets since medieval times. The town’s cultural reputation attracts artists, makers, and writers seeking moorland isolation with accessible social infrastructure.

Exeter, 30 minutes southeast (approximately 30km), offers cathedral architecture, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, independent boutique shopping along Fore Street, and a thriving café culture centred around the Quay. Exeter Airport lies 35km south and receives flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted, and European destinations—approximately 45 minutes’ drive to Dartmoor Tea House.

The North Devon coastline begins approximately 50km north: Croyde Bay, Woolacombe Beach, and Saunton Sands offer consistent Atlantic swells for surfers and sheltered bathing beaches for families. Lynton and Lynmouth sit on the north coast 50km distant, accessible via the Valley of Rocks scenic drive. Explore our luxury villas in Dartmoor National Park and our full collection in Britain & Ireland. For destination inspiration, read our The South West travel guide.

The moors themselves offer walking routes from 3km gentle circuits to 20km ridge traverses. Haytor Quarry, Hound Tor, and Widecombe-in-the-Moor villages demonstrate Dartmoor’s varied landscape within 20-30 minutes’ drive. Cycling routes follow bridleways and minor roads; road cycling ascends the moorland passes including Scorhill Down and Templer Way. Winter months (November through February) bring dramatic weather, autumn (September-October) offers moorland colour, spring (April-May) brings primrose and bluebell displays, and summer (June-August) draws crowds but provides stable weather for hillwalking.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families across three generations find the ground-floor apartment invaluable—elderly guests or those with mobility considerations have accessible accommodation without climbing stairs to reach bedrooms or bathrooms. The formal dining room seats 14, the drawing room accommodates gathering without crowding, and the internal apartment provides privacy when needed.

Groups of friends renting together benefit from the seven distinct bedrooms allowing everyone private sleeping space while communal areas encourage evening socialising. The pool house and gardens provide activity alternatives to pub nights.

Families with children under 12 find several advantages: the pool operates with safety features, the paddocks and woodland offer supervised play space without fencing concerns, highchairs and cots are available, and the children’s twin bedroom in the ground-floor apartment suits young guests. Nearby Okehampton has family activities including swimming pools and leisure centres. Dartmoor’s moorland provides accessible hiking appropriate for ages 6 and upward.

Couples seeking a large property for hosting house parties find adequate space to avoid feeling cramped during multi-day gatherings. The pool house and terrace provide focal points beyond standard living rooms.

Practical Information

Dartmoor Tea House accommodates 12 guests as standard capacity (14 including sofa beds) across 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. Nearest airport: Exeter Airport, 35km south, approximately 45 minutes’ drive. Nearest supermarket: Okehampton town centre, 6km, approximately 10 minutes’ drive.

The rental price includes heating, hot water, Wi-Fi connectivity, linen, towels, indoor pool access with heating, dishwasher tablets, and basic cleaning supplies. Two highchairs and two cots are provided without additional charge. Electricity and gas are included. Cleaning is typically included or available at additional cost depending on booking terms.

Check-in typically occurs from 4pm, check-out at 11am, though flexibility for early arrival or late departure can be negotiated based on preceding bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dartmoor Tea House

How many guests does Dartmoor Tea House sleep?

The property accommodates 12 guests as standard across 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The ground floor contains a queen-size bedroom and a twin-bed children’s room within a separate apartment section. The first floor hosts three super-king bedrooms (two with ensuite bathrooms, one sharing), one additional super-king that can be configured as twins, and one king-size bedroom. Two of the bedrooms can be set up as twin configurations on request for families with children.

What is the nearest airport to Dartmoor Tea House in Dartmoor National Park?

Exeter Airport lies 35 kilometres south of Dartmoor Tea House, approximately 45 minutes’ drive via the A30 and A3015. The airport receives direct flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, and multiple European destinations. Car hire is available at Exeter Airport terminal. Alternatively, Exeter St Davids railway station, 30 kilometres south, connects to London Waterloo (2 hours 45 minutes), Birmingham (2 hours), and Bristol (1 hour 30 minutes).

What is the best time of year to rent Dartmoor Tea House?

Spring (April through May) and autumn (September through October) offer optimal weather: temperatures between 12-16°C, stable conditions for walking, and fewer crowds than July-August. Spring brings wildflower displays across the moorland and primrose hedgerows. Autumn delivers golden bracken colouration and clearer air. Summer (June-August) offers warmest temperatures (16-19°C) and longest daylight hours but attracts maximum visitor numbers to local attractions. Winter (November-February) brings dramatic weather, frequent rainfall, and moorland storms—ideal for those seeking isolation but challenging for families with young children.

Is Dartmoor Tea House suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property features an indoor heated pool with specified safety features including shallow areas. Two highchairs and two cots are available at no additional charge. The ground-floor children’s twin bedroom allows young guests private sleeping space while remaining close to parents. The three acres of paddocks and woodland provide contained outdoor play areas. Okehampton leisure centre, 6km away, offers additional swimming facilities, and Dartmoor’s gentle moorland slopes around Hay Tor and Widecombe provide accessible hiking suitable for ages six and above. The formal dining room accommodates high chairs at the breakfast table. Proximity to family beaches at Croyde Bay (approximately 50km north) allows seaside day trips.

What is included in the rental price at Dartmoor Tea House?

The rental price includes: heating and hot water, high-speed Wi-Fi, linen and towels, electricity and gas, pool heating and maintenance, use of the Aga cooker, dishwasher operation, washing machine and tumble dryer access, two highchairs, two cots, and basic cleaning supplies. DVDs and books are available throughout the property. The indoor pool operates year-round with temperature control. Check specific booking terms for final cleaning arrangements and any additional service charges.

What restaurants and shops are near Dartmoor Tea House?

Okehampton town centre, 6km away, contains Waitrose, Tesco, Lidl, independent butchers dealing in local beef and game, and restaurants spanning Indian, Thai, and traditional British cuisines. The Cornerhouse Café and Devonshire Pie Company are local favourites. Chagford, 15km south, hosts the Seven Stones Inn, high-end restaurants, and speciality food shops including cheese monger and game dealer selling local venison and pheasant. Exeter, 30km southeast, offers extensive dining and retail options along Fore Street and the Quay. The nearest Michelin-recognised restaurant is in Chagford (15km). Weekly farmers markets operate in Okehampton (Wednesdays) and Exeter (monthly Saturday markets). For quality meat and produce, the local farm shops in Belstone itself provide convenience shopping without travelling to larger towns.