Uncover the History of Highbullen Hotel
Step Inside the Manor House at The Mole Resort
Tucked away in the rolling hills of North Devon, the Manor House at The Mole Resort offers more than just a luxury escape—it’s a stay steeped in nearly 150 years of remarkable stories.
Formerly known as the prestigious Highbullen Hotel, this 19th-century Victorian manor has witnessed decades of change: from family estate to wartime sanctuary, from celebrity hideaway to modern eco-conscious retreat.
A North Devon Landmark Since 1879
In 1879, William Moore, a respected Exeter-based architect and builder, created what was then known simply as Highbullen—a grand Gothic-revival manor house perched above the Mole Valley. Built from stone quarried on-site, the house was designed to impress: steeply pitched gables, tall chimneys, pointed archways, and intricate woodwork defined its exterior, while inside, mosaic-tiled floors, stained glass, and oak paneling set the stage for high society living.
The Moore family made Highbullen their home for over four decades. During this time, the estate became a social hub in the region, hosting lively gatherings, shooting weekends, and formal dinners under candlelight. Its remote but picturesque setting—surrounded by moorland and wooded valleys—offered the perfect balance of privacy and prestige for the Victorian gentry.
War, Resilience & Reinvention
After World War I, the estate was divided and put up for sale—a common fate for many large country homes facing rising costs and shifting social structures. While much of the surrounding land was sold off, the manor house remained intact, awaiting its next incarnation.
Then came World War II. In 1940, Highbullen took on a new role as a place of refuge, when a local private school was evacuated to the property to escape the bombing of cities. The Manor’s grand rooms—once filled with balls and banquets—were temporarily transformed into classrooms, dormitories, and makeshift libraries. It also served as a storage site for Pickford’s Removals, safeguarding belongings during the Blitz.
Adding to its unusual wartime résumé, the estate’s gardens and grounds were maintained by German prisoners of war, brought in from Winkleigh each day to tend the land—an ironic twist in a time of global conflict.
In the post-war years, the Manor briefly served a far more humble purpose: a knackers’ yard operated from the farm buildings on the estate. While short-lived, this chapter is one of many that highlights the property’s ability to adapt and survive through the decades.
From Private Estate to Iconic Hotel
The rise of Highbullen as a 20th-century countryside escape
In the 1950s, the Manor entered a new era when Colonel Geoffrey Caws purchased the property and converted it into a countryside hotel. What began modestly—with cream teas and coach parties—laid the groundwork for what Highbullen would become.
The real transformation arrived in 1963, when the Neil family took over and fully reimagined Highbullen as a luxury country hotel. They introduced high-end facilities like an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, an indoor pool, and the now-legendary Cellar Restaurant. The hotel became renowned for its warm hospitality and culinary excellence, attracting both local guests and high-profile visitors from around the world.
Over the years, the guest list grew increasingly glamorous. Sir Laurence Olivier stayed to write part of his autobiography, occasionally slipping behind the bar to pour drinks for fellow guests. Supermodel Elle Macpherson, author Wilbur Smith, and even French President Giscard d’Estaing followed. Culinary icons like Delia Smith and Mary Berry were also known to enjoy Highbullen’s fare—helping build its reputation as a destination for sophisticated yet unpretentious luxury.
A New Era of Style and Celebration
The Chapman family's elegant revival of Highbullen
In 2012, the Chapman family—led by Frank Chapman and daughter Susie—acquired Highbullen with a vision to both preserve and elevate. Their renovation programme respected the Manor’s original architecture while breathing new life into its interiors.
The Chapmans introduced new features including The Palazzo, a large-scale Italianate conference and event venue that allowed Highbullen to host weddings, retreats, and business functions in contemporary style. They also launched the Laura Ashley Tea Room, adding a romantic and quintessentially British experience that remains a guest favourite today.
The Mole Resort Transformation
Eco-conscious luxury meets timeless manor charm
In 2021, L+R Hotels acquired the estate and began its next evolution: the creation of The Mole Resort. With a bold £25 million investment, the resort was reimagined as a luxury countryside playground, blending eco-conscious lodges, outdoor adventure, and indulgent escapes—all anchored by the historic Manor House.
Today, the Manor offers guests an extraordinary blend of heritage and comfort. Its original features—oak staircases, high ceilings, sash windows—sit alongside plush bedrooms, cozy lounges, and panoramic views of the surrounding Devon countryside. It's ideal for romantic getaways, multi-generational celebrations, or those who simply want to stay somewhere with a story.
The Legacy of Highbullen Lives On
Book your stay in a piece of Devon’s rich heritage.
If you’re searching for the Highbullen Hotel, you’ve found it—transformed and reimagined as part of The Mole Resort, but still very much the Manor House guests have cherished for generations.
Whether you’re drawn by its architecture, its celebrity history, or its quiet countryside grandeur, this is more than just a stay. It’s a chance to write your own chapter in one of Devon’s most storied homes.
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