The original Hope Cottage was built in 1896 between the villages of Inner and Outer Hope and now forms the small snug outside of the restaurant. Inside the restaurant above the entrance door, the tiled roof of the cottage's side door can still be seen. When the 'Cottage' first opened in 1927 as a small guesthouse, it was known as Hope Cottage. The Emperor Heile Sellasie was accommodated here during some of his period of exile.
The first owner was a lady called Miss. Wade. In 1935 Miss. Wade married Mr. Dudley Holliday and they ran the guesthouse together. In 1936 they made the first development to the North of the original cottage. Some years later Mr. and Mrs. Holliday were divorced and somehow Mr Holliday managed to gain full ownership of the Hotel.
In 1949 Dudley Holliday married Clarrie, whose parents owned the Links Hotel at Thurlestone. 'The Links' is now private apartments. Dudley and Clarrie ran a very successful business and expanded the Hotel to the size it is today. In their time there was a billiard table in the Bar Lounge, and Dudley and Clarrie had an African Grey Parrot in reception that would wolf-whistle at the ladies.
Dudley Holliday passed away on 18th February 1972, aged 65, and Clarrie put the Hotel up for sale soon after.
In 1927 Westerly House was built as a private residence and in 1955 it was purchased by Mr and Mrs Holliday. In 1959 the Cove room was built, and dances were held every Saturday night after dinner. In those days the guests were on full-board terms. In the late 50s the restaurant was built, joining the Hotel to Westerly House. In 1961 the 'Cottage' had 32 rooms, 5 of which had en-suite facilities.
Prior to the War glass-fronted wooden chalets were built as extra accommodation for guests, but in 1965 the Hollidays added five balcony rooms above the restaurant, which blocked the view from the chalets, so they could no longer be used. The front terrace was built in 1968.
The third and present owners are the Ireland Family. John and Janet Ireland purchased the Hotel in November 1973 and moved in shortly afterwards with their children Sarah, Margaret and William. After the winter break the family relaunched the business on 31st March 1974.
Mr. and Mrs. Ireland (Senior) completed the (then) deluxe bedrooms and balconies in 1985. By the end of March 1994 all of the front-facing rooms were provided with en-suite facilities.
Today, the Cottage Hotel is directed by William & Sarah Ireland and managed by veteran hotelier, Neil Slade.
The Cottage Hotel is best described as quirky and traditional. It provides guests with simple accommodation, good honest food and a splendid Devon welcome. The 35-bedroom hotel offers guests a classic Restaurant, Licenced Bar, Lounge and Sun terrace. Traditional values, a friendly welcome and good old fashioned service, reminiscent of bygone times, are all assured.
