About Us

Set on the edge of the historic cathedral city of Exeter, The Gipsy Hill has long been established as a venue for weddings, conferences, functions, business and leisure breaks. The Gipsy Hill offers a friendly and attentive service and the staff are here to ensure your visit is comfortable and pleasurable.

Our five conference and function rooms and thirty-seven en-suite bedrooms offer the comfort of country living, with high ceilings and garden views enjoyed by many. Our Lawns restaurant enjoys views across the delightful hotel gardens, including our quaint fishpond and decked seating area, which, if caught in the summer, is covered in sweet-smelling trailing roses. Our Lounge Bar, with a range of seating areas offers privacy or social space, is well stocked and suitable for any occasion. This is a multi-function area enjoying garden views as well as a central location within the hotel, offering cosy fireside bar snacks and lazy summertime afternoons in the garden. Set in three acres of well established gardens, guests can escape the hustle and bustle of city life, with al fresco dining and drinks being popular in the warmer months.

Guests are able to take advantage of the hotel's large free parking area with none of the difficulties of inner city parking and congestion.

With a warm atmosphere, flexible facilities, friendly service and a beautiful yet accessible location, The Gipsy Hill is a popular choice with a wide range of guests, many who come back to us time and time again.

History

Originally built in 1895 as a private county residence, the area was incredibly attractive to the wealthy elite with it's proximity to the sea and the stunning views across the Devon countryside. The original owner was a rich merchant and introduced rare horticultural specimens into the garden, many of which can still be enjoyed by today's visitors. The Gipsy Hill's elevated position enabled the original owner views of incoming ships. During the war the house was utilized as a barracks for British, American and Polish airmen but in
1946 the building was remodeled as a country house hotel. Since then it has grown in size and attracted high profile visitors such as Sir Cliff Richard,John Major and Noel Edmunds to name but a few.

The nearest community is the archetypal Devon village of Pinhoe. The name most likely derives from the Celtic 'Pen' and the Saxon 'Hoe' which translates as 'top of the hill'; indeed the church, first built in 926, is the highest point of the village and commands striking views across Exeter to Exmouth, Dartmoor and beyond.

During 1001 the village was invaded by the Danes who conquered the Saxon King Ethelred the unready in a major battle very near the site of the current church. Later in the early 18th century, the Great Storm of 1703, wrecked the vicarage of Pinhoe. Arguably one of the most damaging natural disasters to ever hit Southern Britain, this storm was responsible for an estimated 15,000 deaths across the West Country region. Many of those lost were seamen returning from fighting the French in the War of the Spanish Succession.

Historical finds in the village date back to the Roman era with many coins and relics found, along with large amounts of Bronze Age metalwork, with many items being discovered within the hotel's own extensive grounds.