Hotel Christmas Breaks

The Oxnham Arms (Hotel)

First licensed in 1477, The Oxenham Arms is a unique inn with romantic associations. Situated just off the main Exeter-Okehampton road (A30) it lies in the valley on the old coaching road, in the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of South Zeal, midway between the north and south coasts of Devon. The inn is believed to have been built in the latter part of the 12thC by lay monks, and later became the Dower House of the Burgoynes whose heiress carried it to the Oxenham family, after whom the inn is named. Famous novelists have been kind to the Oxenham Arms for in 'The Beacon', Mr Eden Phillpotts described the new arrival at The Oxenham Arms of Elizabeth Densham the new barmaid and future heroine of the book. In 'John Herring', Mr Baring Gould placed some scenes of rich comedy at the Oxenham Arms; indeed much of the action of that story passes at South Zeal. Again, in 'Westward Ho!' we read of the Oxenham family and their legendary white-breasted bird. A very interesting part of the house is the small lounge behind the bar. In this room, set in the wall, is a monolith and the theory of archaeologists is that the monastic builders placed their house around this prehistoric stone shaped by man 5,000 years ago. Notwithstanding deep digging its foundations have never been reached. In the main lounge is a large granite fireplace of great beauty, and the fine old dining-room with a granite pillar supporting the beam, is also of much interest. It is here that residents and travellers alike can enjoy the breakfasts, luncheons and dinners that are available all the year round. A wide variety of traditional English and international dishes are offered in the bar and dining-room, from sausage and mash to seafood thermidor. We are well supplied with local vegetables, poultry, meats and seafoods. Whilst retaining its picturesque and time-worn features, the inn has been unobtrusively modernised. Bedrooms have en suite, direct dial telephone with modern connection and colour TV. Full centrally heated but open fires are still used.