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Advertising feature
Furzeleigh Mill F
urzeleigh Mill situated between Ashburton and Buckfastleigh was looking
a little bit tired in the summer of 2018 when Geoff & Tessa Sellick came across it. The former Grade II Listed 500 year old corn mill had been a hotel for 100 years, always in private ownership and was looking for its next custodian and was now up for sale. The Ashburton couple were on the lookout for a project, (in fairness Tessa was and Geoff was not so keen, but he is a very supportive husband) and after a single viewing they decided that the potential was too great to walk away from. Geoff was running a successful
architectural design practice in Dartmouth and Tessa a modest legal practice in Ashburton. They had no previous hospitality experience, but Tessa had a desire to recreate the happiest time in her multifaceted work history. She was looking to relive her days of serving cream teas in a seaside tearoom where she worked as a child. Having worked in sales and marketing for many years, staying in hotels was part of her regular week and she constantly thought she would do it differently! Such was his passion for the
project, before the contract was even signed, Geoff had redesigned the entire building and submitted planning applications for Furzeleigh Mill. Little did they know what was about to happen to the world and how the hospitality trade would be affected. Despite the prevailing conditions,
Geoff and Tessa with the help of their children who have talents ranging from a photographer, quantity surveyor, builder, two admin specialists and a singer
managed to transform Geoff’s designs into a reality. The result is a reimagined unique ten bedroomed hotel with a restaurant and bar. Exposing the history of the building whilst creating a contemporary feel showcases Geoff’s talent and has ushered in a freshness and a new life to the hotel. With passion and drive Geoff and
Tessa have created something rather special. Check the reviews! Tessa’s passion for developing a fine dining restaurant, the best stocked bar in Devon and recruiting a quirky blend of a talented and professional team
With passion and drive Geoff and Tessa have created something rather special. Check the reviews!
without the stuffiness attributed to higher end hotels…. well, it simply works. The team are welcoming, individual and have a depth of talent, experience, and personality. This combined with Geoff’s style and taste, which is evident throughout the building, creates an unmatched environment. During the Covid lockdown in
August 2020, Geoff sadly suffered a stroke and was forced to wind up his practice in Dartmouth. Undeterred by this he and Tessa devised a new outlet for his talent and creativity. Within the grounds of Furzeleigh was an old barn previously used for storage and Geoff’s man cave. With yet another great design by Geoff and conversion by their oldest son Ash Johnson (
asjcc.com) the shop was created. The couple’s commitment to environmentally sound production combined with Geoff’s depth of design knowledge and experience led to the formation of Furzeleigh Living. (
www.furzeleighliving.co.uk) The carefully curated collection of art, clothing and homewares is an absolute joy to behold. The project however, is more than self- indulgence, it is a viable, sustainable business model encouraging us to think about our buying decisions and purchase wisely and sparingly. Whether you come to stay, enjoy the best food, enjoy a drink from the phenomenally well stocked bar, browse the shop or all of the above; then a warm welcome is guaranteed at the rather unique Furzeleigh Mill.
Visit Furzeleigh Mill at
www.furzeleigh.co.uk
The Mill Room Restaurant at
www.themillroom.co.uk
And Furzeleigh Living at
www.furzeleighliving.co.uk
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