A relaxing afternoon at Lympstone Manor

As I mentioned at the end of my last post we spent the afternoon wandering the 18-acre grounds of Lympstone Manor. 

The grounds, which run all the way from the Manor House down to the Ex estuary are well tended and managed. As we walked, we benefitted from the different way the land was used and even took advantage of some of the seats.

 

First, we walked through the vineyard, planted with Pinot Meunier grapes which have been producing wine for the estate. Planted in 2018, the vines produced their first wine in 2020, called Triassic Pinot Noir 2020, which is on sale at the restaurant and the poolside bar. The sparking Lympstone Manor Cuvée 

is now laid down ready for its first release in 2023. 



As we strolled through the vineyard we met Andrew Hunt, the vineyard manager who was strimming the grass at the base of the vines, so that the cool air running through the vines from the estuary was able to benefit their growth. Many of the best wines in the world grow beside waters (the Gironde, Rhône, Loire, Rhine and Douro come to mind) so why not the Ex. On a warm summers day like today, the way the gentle sea breeze wafter almost straight up the line of vines to cool us on our walk was evidence there is some science, not just luck, in this arrangement. 

Leaving the vineyard we came to the foreshore and the Shepard Huts, which form an alternative way of staying at Lympstone for those who wish to be close to nature. The huts are around a small lake and are quaintly named after the home of animal homes, for example: Otter Holt, Hare’s Rest, Hedgehog Row, Bee Hive and Fox Den. These accommodations share a common barbeque area and a number of them had hot tubs. And while I'm not one for 'roughing it' I suspect there would be nothing rough about staying in one of these.

The next part of the walk took us to a series of gently draining lakes. I'm reminded, as I walk past, of the details of such natural draining schemes being outlined in The Archers about eight or so years ago when one was implemented in Bridge Farm - yes, you guessed it, any agricultural information I've ever gained has always come from Ambridge folk!! [Co-pilot's note: I, dear readers, have "benefitted" many, many times from his "expertise" on pig management learned from Jazzer in the Archers.]

Alongside the lakes runs the Ladies Walk, which was a Georgian invention for the Ladies to wander while the men had their brandy and cigars after dinner. The Walk runs around the edge of the estate and as well as the ponds leads you to the Pool, Tennis Courts and back up to the main house and back to more of the amazing sculptures which are around the house and grounds. 

The Ladies Walk also includes a quaint 'Marry Me' swing accompanied by a quote from the days when young lovers had trysts in the woods - or maybe they still do!!

While we weren't rushing our walk, we took a good two hours just meandering and enjoying the warm summer air with gentle seaside breezes and beautiful views over the estuary, down to Exmouth and the sea beyond.