Fall in love with Kitley House Hotel

As you take in the mile-long tree-lined driveway, recently renovated to its former glory, you'll find a grand entrance to a time-honoured, historic hotel. A south Devon jewel, its silvery facade gives a hint to the grandeur you'll find inside, a four-star former manor house that's undergone extensive refurbishments to enhance its historic grandeur with contemporary facilities and furnishings. 

Faced in marble from the estate itself, Kitley House is an impressive Grade I listed building with a steep gabled roof and a multitude of tall chimney pots. Inside, the sense of history continues. The wood-panelled reception with its coats of arms, stained-glass windows and striking castellated fireplace sets the scene for the rest of this elegant building. 

It might be grand but it's far from austere. You'll find a warm welcome and a relaxing, friendly atmosphere, with your own dedicated wedding planner to ensure that everything runs smoothly throughout your celebration. 

Danielle and Ben Ackrell took their vows at Kitley in October and, as Danielle says: "Julie, the wedding coordinator, went above and beyond and did a bespoke package for us, which was worth every penny. With the new decor and our rustic theme, it looked so beautiful. We couldn't fault anything. Without hesitation, I'd get married there all over again."

A 500-year-old country house, Kitley House Hotel sits in the heart of 600 acres of quintessentially English unspoilt countryside and woodland, on the banks of the River Yealm. As well as breath-taking views overlooking a lake, the expansive grounds allow your guests the chance to explore the walking routes, many of which lead down to the Yealm Estuary, and the estate even has its own island accessible by a bridge. It's so unbelievably peaceful that it's hard to believe you're just seven miles from Plymouth. 

Leighanna and Paul Ansell-Jones, who celebrated their wedding at Kitley in August with their son as a page boy, fell for the location and the setting. They also loved the idea of having the run of the place, so that guests with children could relax and enjoy the day. "Everything ran so smoothly," says Leighanna. "The children had fun playing games on the lawn and the team at Kitley were amazing. They couldn't do enough for us."

After your ceremony and perhaps a walk through the grounds to capture those once-in-a-lifetime photographs, you'll be treated to the most exquisite of dining options, freshly prepared by the chef and his team, who have recently won an AA Rosette in recognition of the high standard of their food. "The food and service were absolutely amazing!" says Danielle. 

With a host of packages to suit your wedding vision, most come with everything from an award-winning photographer to a magical evening fireworks display and a stay in the hotel's sumptuous bridal suite. Your guests can join in the luxury by booking the hotel's elegant accommodation, choosing from a range of 19 rooms, most with panoramic views. 

Waking up the morning after your incredible wedding, you're in the perfect place to start your life together, over an outstanding breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients. Is there a better way to begin your happily-ever-after? "We loved it so much, we just want to go back and do it again!" says Leighanna.