Andy Cooper discovers a tucked away gem situated in a glorious part of the Devon coastline – Hope Cove…
If you were compiling a list of ‘picture perfect’ coves then Hope Cove in Devon would be pretty close to top of the list. As the tight, winding South Hams lane takes you an undulating journey down the sea, it’s part relief/part wonder one feels as you chance upon the first view of the cove.
Parking is at a premium in this tiny village so if you’re visiting in high season, go early or late. Or, as I did, stay awhile by checking into Hope Cove House. Because this marvellous little hotel perched overlooking the bay offers the twin benefits of extending your stay in this wonderful spot, whilst also luxuriating in first class surroundings. Hope Cove House was opened in 2019 by Oli and Ra Barker, bringing their blend of inspirational interiors, fabulous food, and a warm welcome to south Devon.
With a background in restaurants (Oli was one half of the duo behind London restaurants Terroirs, Soif and Brawn before opening Six Portland Road together with Ra in 2016) the emphasis is on excellent food, simple but welcoming bedrooms, and making the most of the amazing coastal location. With nine bedrooms – including two small family rooms for three and four, a pair of twin rooms and five doubles – Hope Cove House is a home from home where many guests return again and again. The rooms are unfussy and stylish, decorated with fine white cotton sheets, pale walls, juxtaposed with colourful art and soft quilts. The restaurant is a destination in its own right, and has a reputation for its fantastic dishes, with a no frills, unpretentious menu full of locally caught seafood and seasonal produce. Lunchtime service is open to non-residents, but dinner is for guests only.
With 24 covers, the restaurant offers a succinct menu which changes regularly depending on the day’s catch, and the season’s bounty, and a wine list that has been thoughtfully curated to ensure the perfect accompaniment, leaning towards natural and biodynamic wines from small producers.
As Ra Barker told me: “We like to think of staying at Hope Cove House as being like a wonderful welcoming house party. The combination of an unbeatable location with a beach just moments from our gate, a relaxing atmosphere with great food and comfortable rooms results in guests returning year after year, like old friends visiting for a break by the sea.”
That was certainly the case for our stay – after a fabulous meal where our eyes switched between the wonderful food served to us and the amazing views across the water from the dining room, we relaxed in the comfy armchairs adjacent, fired up the woodburner and put some long players on the old school record player. Properly relaxing!
