Our story

Heritage and history, by the sea

The story behind Thurlestone, hotel and spa in South Devon

Thurlestone Hotel has always been a place to stay a little longer. What began with a few paying guests in a quiet farmhouse is now one of the South West’s most loved family-run hotels. Five generations on, we’re still here – shaped by the same coast, the same values, and the same feeling that brings people back year after year.

For all the family

Family-run for over 125 years, and proudly family-friendly too. With space to roam, time to pause, and generations of returning guests, Thurlestone Hotel is made to be shared.

PoB Hotels

We’re proud to be part of PoB Hotels, a collection of exceptional places to stay across Britain – each independently run, and chosen for doing things properly.

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A history of doing things our way

Five generations. One family. A few key chapters.


1896

Margaret Amelia and William John Grose move from Cornwall to Thurlestone. They lease a farmhouse (now the Village Inn) and begin hosting guests – mostly golfers, drawn by the sea and the new links.

The golden years – modernisations and ambition. The Grose family expands the hotel, embracing the glamour of the time and welcoming a growing wave of British holidaymakers.

Following the outbreak of World War Two, many properties were part of the war effort. In 1941, the hotel was commandeered by the Royal Marines for use as an officer training depot.

Three generations, Margaret Amelia, her daughter Nora and her grandson Peter.

Post-war holidays bring new generations to the coast. Thurlestone Hotel becomes a firm family favourite, known for its views, warmth and sense of tradition.

A new chapter. The hotel is refurbished, expanded and updated – always with an eye on what today’s guest expects, and what Thurlestone Hotel has always done best.

Led by Matthew Grose – great-great-grandson of Margaret Amelia – Thurlestone Hotel is now the longest-running family-owned hotel in the UK. Still evolving. Still independent and run by family. Still putting people first.

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