Sampford Manor

The Manor at Sampford Spiney has existed in various forms since before the Domesday book came into existence. Probably the earliest mention of the house is in 1028, and then it is mentioned in 1086 as belonging to William de Polloi. At the beginning of the reign of Henry II (1154-1189) the Manor belonged to one Gerard de Spineto, Lord of Sampford. This family remained at the manor for some generations, it is thought that their family name eventually led to the Parish being Sampford Spiney, rather than the singular Sampford. The first published occurrence of this name is in 1281 when the Parish is referred to as "Samford Spinee".

In 1581 the house came into the hands of the famous Westcountry seafarer, Sir Francis Drake. It is thought he obtained the house for £500 as part payment of a wager. It is unlikely that he ever lived in the house itself, but he is believed to have spent part of his honeymoon in another house in the village of Sampford Spiney.

After Drake’s death the house passed into the hands of his second in command, Jonas Bodenham. However this came under attack from Drake’s family, and Bodenham eventually sold the house to Sir Francis’ brother Thomas.

The manor was rebuilt in 1607, then restored again in 1935, and for a while became known as Hall Farm, due to its owner the Rev John Hall Parlby. Following Parlby's departure from the farm it was allowed to fall into disrepair. Since 1987 the present occupants have carried out extensive renovation, and Sampford Manor is now a small holding and Bed & Breakfast, though retains all the character of its colourful history.

Guests enjoy modern comforts in their bedrooms, which are centrally heated. Breakfast is taken in what is now the dining room but with its open fire and bread ovens would have been the kitchen for the whole village.

Situated on the edge of open moorland it is the ideal place to enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. On the moor sheep,cattle and ponies wander freely. The "Dartmoor Way" passes the house and there are many moorland walks which can include visiting ancient stone rows and other fascinating historical items. There are also several bicycle routes within easy distance.

Guests are welcome to meet the heard of prize-winning Alpaca and see items made from their fleece.

The local market town of Tavistock has much to offer, including a variety of places to eat. Sampford Spiney has a church and post box, but most of the other villages have good public houses that also offer good food. Plymouth with its historic waterfront and marine aquarium is 30 minutes away, the north and south coastal footpaths and beaches about 1 hour 15 minutes. West Devon and East Cornwall have many excellent National Trust and other places to visit, catering for all age groups.