Michael Caines, the two-star Michelin chef, author and television personality, together with a consortium of investors, has exchanged contracts for the purchase of Courtlands, Lympstone. The purchase is subject to the Grade lllisted Georgian mansion achieving full planning permission to convert it into a 21-bedroom country house hotel and restaurant.
Caines outlined his exciting vision at a public consultation on 8 December held in the Lympstone Methodist Church and attended by about 70 people. He stressed that his passion for food, wine and community drives the project and that this is a long-term commitment that has come at the right stage of an illustrious career that has seen him rise to the very top.
Widespread support
The public consultation demonstrated widespread support and excitement. Written comments included “this will be good for Lympstone and Exmouth” and “good for the village”. Some close residents expressed concern about increased traffic as well as possible noise from the proposed hotel. Caines noted these concerns carefully, assured that he would give them real consideration, and suggested that a discreet 21 bedroom hotel catering to a select clientele will actually prove to be less disruptive in all ways than the building’s current use as an events, conference and wedding venue. Caines furthermore pledged that the green wedge between Exmouth and Lympstone will be preserved.
Long-standing dream
“I am very excited,” he said. “This is the earliest phase in the realisation of a long-standing dream. The renovation of Courtlands into a luxury country house hotel and restaurant in a fabulous East Devon setting on the Exe estuary will enable me most fully to express my vision of hospitality in all its aspects. My passion for food and wine is at the heart of everything that we will be working to achieve. I will be aiming to bring my two Michelin stars here -with the aspiration to gain a third. The 60-cover restaurant will feature my signature, award-winning modern European cuisine that champions the fabulous produce of East Devon, the wider county of Devon, and the South West.”
Travel and food destination
The project, if successful in achieving full planning permission, can bring great benefits to East Devon. Exeter-born Michael Caines MBE, one of the best known and respected chefs in the UK, has won countless awards and accolades, with Gidleigh Park, the country house hotel where he has been for 20 years being ranked consistently as one of the top restaurants in the country.
Courtlands therefore has the potential to become a nationally and internationally acclaimed travel and food destination, bringing to the area an exciting world class venue that will attract both a local and international clientele, provide significant employment and professional opportunities, bring numerous other benefits to the local economy, and serve as a showcase for East Devon and all that it has to offer.
Caines stresses that this is a long-term project and that for the foreseeable future his commitment to Gidleigh Park remains absolute. “I have been at Gidleigh Park for more than 20 years now, and over this period we have achieved a huge amount, winning numerous awards, including two Michelin stars. Gidleigh Park has been my home and the team and I will continue to work tirelessly to keep it at the very highest pinnacle. In my business, you are only ever as good as your last meal!”
Andrew Brownsword CBE, owner of Gidleigh Park comments “The high standards set and maintained by Michael over the last 20 years at Gidleigh Park will no doubt set him in good stead as he begins this new endeavour. My family and I have immensely enjoyed the journey we have taken together with Michael at Gidleigh Park, attracting accolades and awards through our exceptional standards as both a restaurant and hotel , and we look forward to supporting Michael as he looks to create another reason to visit the beautiful county of Devon.”
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