A MULTI-AWARD-WINNING country house hotel on Exmoor is looking forward to welcoming guests back for staycations when it re-opens this Saturday (July 4, 2020).

Dunkery Beacon Country House Hotel in Wootton Courtenay near Dunster will be re-opening operating under strict Government guidelines from Saturday, July 4.

John Bradley, Co-owner at Dunkery Beacon, said:

“The heart of any hotel is its guests and it’s been awfully quiet without them during the lockdown, which is why we’re thrilled to be able to welcome them back from Saturday, July 4.

“We’re looking forward to the buzz of serving breakfast and dinner again and seeing guests strolling around the garden or setting off for a trek across Exmoor, returning with aching feet, but lots of stories to share.

“During our closure we’ve been busy behind the scenes, serving the locals of Wootton Courtenay, and beyond, with delicious meals from our Gourmet to Go takeaway menu and we’re pleased to say this will be continuing for the foreseeable future.

“We’ve also been looking carefully at every aspect of a guest’s stay with us to work out how to keep them as safe as possible, while still providing an outstanding customer experience.

“All of the measures we’ve put into place are simply an extension of the personal care and attention to detail our guests are used to. Everyone who stays with us will still get the same friendly, warm welcome and a luxurious stay, as well as a few different extra touches and assurances.”

Dunkery Beacon will open five of its bedrooms with en-suites. Each of these will be deep cleaned and sanitised after each stay. To minimise risk to guests and staff, housekeeping will not enter the room during a guest’s stay, but will provide daily top-ups to the door.

John added:

“Guests will also notice some changes to soft furnishings and layouts within the hotel, this is to guarantee them the same comfort they would usually get while staying with us, while also remaining safe and socially distance.

“We’re well-known for creating a home away from home for everyone who stays with us and guests will be able to enjoy breakfast in bed as we’ll be serving to their doors. Anyone opting to dine with us in the evening will still be able to enjoy the warmth of our award-winning restaurant, or, if weather permits, they’ll be able to eat al-fresco, surrounded by the extraordinary views of Exmoor. We will also serve food to guest’s rooms if requested.”

People can find more information on Dunkery Beacon’s safe practices at http://dunkerybeaconaccommodation.co.uk/.

John has more than 27 years’ experience in catering, notching up numerous top chef roles in this country and overseas.

Jane also has a background in hospitality and worked in the wine industry for more than 15 years.

John continued:

“We pride ourselves on offering luxury accommodation for those wishing to escape the humdrum of day-to-day life and to unwind in a truly tranquil location with stunning scenery all around.

“Each room has a mix of traditional, enhancing the sloped ceilings in some places and the character of the building, and modern décor – they are fresh, clean, uncluttered yet cosy and welcoming.

“We are fortunate in being located in a quiet, rural position on the edge of a tiny village within Exmoor National Park. All our guest rooms have stunning views.

“Exmoor has the least footfall of all the national parks in England and is blessed with diverse, wide open spaces and coastline, where numerous paths, bridle ways and public rights of way abound. A true hidden gem that many people are yet to discover.

“We look forward to getting back to what we do best – welcoming guests again to this idyllic corner of rural Somerset.”

For people in the area, Dunkery Beacon will continue to run its Gourmet to Go food and drink service, which was launched during the lockdown.

There are two starters to choose from, up to four main dishes and two dessert options. People can also order homemade artisan bread and wine or beer.

The menu is posted on the hotel’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dunkerybeaconcountryhouse every Monday and people can call 01643 841241, email info@dunkerybeaconaccommodation.co.uk or message via Facebook-Messenger before midday on the Thursday, to place their order for collection or delivery on Fridays or Saturdays.

To find out more, please call Dunkery Beacon Country House on 01643 841 241 or visit www.dunkerybeaconaccommodation.co.uk.