The Place
A handsome Jacobean manor house modernized in the early 20thC, Plumber Manor has been in the Prideaux-Brune family for well over 300 years. Since 1973, brothers Richard, Tim and Brian have been running it as an elegant but relaxed restaurant with comfortable bedrooms. Richard Prideaux-Brune is much in evidence front-of-house, as is his brother Tim. Together with Brian, who is responsible for the highly-regarded food, they draw in restaurant customers from far and wide – expect plenty of bustle on Friday and Saturday evenings, and non-residents in the dining room.
The brothers make charming hosts, and have created a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Old family portraits hang in the house; labradors lounge in the bar; the decoration is homely and comfortable rather than smart. The large bar area might detract from the feeling of a family home, but it helps the Prideaux-Brunes´ operation in a practical way (shooting parties are a feature in winter).
Bedrooms are divided between those in the main house (which lead off a gallery hung with portraits) and those in a converted stone barn and courtyard building which overlook the extensive gardens and stream. They are all spacious and comfortable.