Regional Venue Focus Magazine Feature, Autumn 2004 – ‘Work, Rest & Play’

Regional Venue Focus Magazine Feature, Autumn 2004 – ‘Work, Rest & Play’ Information:

Peter de Savary’s Bovey Castle has it all and much more

Given all the positive press coverage generated by Bovey Castle since its April opening, you’re no doubt aware that Peter de Savary has opened a new property. PDS (as he’s known by his devoted staff) was the man responsible for turning Scotland’s Skibo Castle into a celebrity magnet – it was famously the site for Madonna and Guy’s wedding – and he has now transported that exclusive house-party feel to Devon. Only here it’s that little bit more accessible.

Set on the cusp of a deep valley in Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle still lies within easy reach of London and, while the sumptuously refurbished estate certainly offers a five-star experience, the place has a relaxed and friendly feel about it, much thanks to its approachable staff. Best of all, this is not only a destination hotel for the rich and famous but also an excellent events venue. And, rather fittingly for corporate business, where it really excels is in the activities arena.

There’s a huge number of fun things to do on site (see box, below) and many of them, like the daily archery, the pistol-shooting sessions and breakfasttime falconry display, are freely available on a rota basis. Furthermore, the wonderfully restored golf course is both a challenge and a joy, the spa is all you would expect, and there’s a dedicated activities team available to help with inspiration. ‘I love getting one of the activity guys to talk to clients. Once they get involved, I know we’ll host a great event,’ says corporate sales manager Tammy Molesworth.

This was certainly the case for software consultancy Carraker, which held its annual conference at Bovey Castle in June. According to the organiser, Philippa May, the ‘amazing’ event featured ‘the best teambuilding ever’, with guests saying they loved all the activities, especially the ‘hilarious’, floodlit nearest-the-pin competition, which kept the post-meeting dinner party lively well past midnight. ‘The whole thing was brilliant. We have traditionally always gone somewhere different each year, but for the first time ever we are now seriously considering returning to a venue,’ says May.

But it’s not all fun and games, as Bovey Castle is also geared up for serious business. Housed in an annexe across the courtyard from the main house boasts two very swish boardrooms and the Mews Room, which holds 120 theatre-style and has a huge screen, a state-of-the-art sound system, plus soundproofing and built-in rigging for lights. Double doors give access wide enough for cars, so the sophisticated space works for product launches, too. And, given that it’s soundproof and away from the main house, this is also a great spot for parties – try throwing one with a White Mischief theme to echo the hotel’s 1920s feel.

More intimate private dinner parties can be held in the main house, where the snooker room’s table converts for dining and the Palm Court restaurant offers a beautiful Art Deco space with excellent cooking to match. (The period feel carries through to the menu, which always carries savouries as alternatives to dessert.) The hotel also puts on a fabulous afternoon tea and generously stuffed club-sandwiches are only a phone call away for those who can’t tear themselves away from the beautiful bedrooms. Lucky all those activities are on hand to help you work it all off.

Activity Options

Bee Keeping, Big Screenings, Bird Watching, Bivouac Building, Boating, Boules, Cider Making, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Cricket Netting, Croquet, Dartmoor Pony Riding, Dartmoor Safaris, Deer Stalking, Egg Blowing, Egg Collecting, Falconry, Fly Fishing, Footy, French Cricket, Gardening, Golf, Hammock Hanging, Horse Riding, Hunting, Ice-Cream & Fudge Making, Letter Boxing, Mini Olympics, Mountain Biking, Off-Road Driving, Orienteering, Pioneering, Pistol Shooting, Pool, Pot-Holing, Putting, Rock Climbing & Abseiling Shooting, Smoking (cigars), Smoking (food), Snooker, Spa Treatments, Swimming, Swingball, Table Football, Teambuilding Games, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Toxophily, Trampolining, Treasure Hunts, Volleyball, Walking, Watersliding, Wine Tasting (Some activities are off-site)

Regional Venue Focus Magazine Feature, Autumn 2004 – ‘Work, Rest & Play’ Location:

For more information, visit venue’s website.