There are some destinations that simply resonate.
Hotel Endsleigh in Devon is one of those for me.
We have been guests many times and each visit is different from the last. I have visited in all seasons and love no particular time more than the other. The shocking pink rhododendrons did make for a spectacular show this time even though we were hampered with torrential rain. Disappointed a little as our plan was to hike Dartmoor most days and explore more of the area we have become so enamoured with.
The beauty of Endsleigh is the ease with which I managed to spend five days doing nothing much at all. The house is superbly comfortable – that was our room with the open window above the climbing wisteria – and staying quiet and being looked after from breakfast through dinner was a welcome change. It’s the kind of place, even with the rain pelting down, you don’t mind staying put. We braved the soggy atmosphere, walked the gardens and meandered along the river Tamar.
Endsleigh is set in 108 acres of gardens, woodlands, follies and grottos created by Humphry Repton so there is no end of trails and discoveries. The garden is one of Repton’s last commissions and fairly unaltered since his original design. It is quirky but majestic; it’s extensive but never overwhelming. The rolling lawns and soaring trees, all with a focus on the meandering river and beyond, soften elements of formality. All in all, Hotel Endsleigh is an extraordinary place
My packing on the other hand was all out.
My vision for the week was hiking by morning and swanning in long floating dresses by afternoon – midi length, patterned and feminine – once upon a time they were called tea dresses. I was going to wear mine with slides or a pair of sneakers to wander the gardens.
In spring and summer, I do enjoy mixing the tailored or the sweats as it has been in the last year with a pretty dress. I’m not one for many patterns or floral but when it comes to this style of dress and the right weather, I am in.
They stayed in the bottom of my bag in exchange for yet again, track pants, wellingtons and a rain jacket. The evenings were too chilly so my one cashmere sweater had to work overtime.
It didn’t matter at all – it was a wonderful break – but my mind is still on these dresses. xv
Wishing I was Wearing These At Endlseigh
floral pleat || pink watercolour || dark floral || luna floral || apple green ruched sleeve
falaise floral || button front georgette || floral ruffle || poplin print || puff sleeve crepe || ditsy floral
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