THE new owners of an Exmoor tearoom described as ‘quintessentially English’ want to turn the 16th century thatched property’s orchard into a tea garden.

David Jenkins and Linzy Ottley took over Kitnors, in Bossington, at the end of last year after it had been run by nutrition coach Katy Lampard and her husband Tony since 2015.

Ms Ottley and Mr Jenkins are preparing to open for the first time next month and have repaired an existing summerhouse to form a servery and now want change the use of the 0.2-acre orchard to tea gardens.

Mr Jenkins said: “We have been busy working hard putting our own stamp on the tea garden, and cannot wait to open our doors.”

David Jenkins and LInzy Ottley, who have taken over the ‘quintessentially English’ Kitnors tearooms on Exmoor.
David Jenkins and LInzy Ottley, who have taken over the ‘quintessentially English’ Kitnors tearoom on Exmoor. ( )

Planning agent Adam Elston, of Architectural Studio SW Ltd, said the three-bedroom cottage was leased from the National Trust with an agreement that the occupants must continue to run the tea gardens in conjunction with accommodating the main dwelling.

Mr Elston said: “This covenant puts a heavy burden on the occupants to make sure the tea garden business is a success.

“The purpose of this application is to improve the current tea garden business which has been in decline since the 2020-21 coronavirus pandemic.”

Mr Elston said the current lawful use was for the tea gardens to be in the rear garden of Kitnors, but past occupants had decided it was too big to manage and allowed the space to become overgrown.

He said: “However, the orchard provides a better location with more suitable spacing and table layout options.

“Gravel paths have been formed to each seating area that are positioned around a central focal point that will accommodate a wood carved sculpture.

Kitnors tearoom, in Bossington, has new owners for the first time in nearly 10 years. PHOTO: Christie & Co.
Kitnors tearoom, in Bossington, has new owners for the first time in nearly 10 years. PHOTO: Christie & Co. ( )

“The main building, Kitnors, would still be used as a baking/cooking area, however, the food would be served from the new servery within the orchard.

“Only minor alterations are proposed to the garden area, all of which make a positive contribution to the area.”

Mr Elston said the scale of the grade two listed cottage would be unaltered, while the summerhouse, which was outside its curtilage, had been repaired with a minor extension to the roof canopy.

He said: “The applicants have carried out all the work to such a high standard and created a very exciting asset to support tourism within the area.

“The National Trust have been notified about the pending planning application, and they have fully supported the proposal.

“The National Trust have also been so impressed with the proposal that they have requested all future events are to be held at the tea gardens.”

Kitnors traditionally attracts trade from the large numbers of visitors who explore Exmoor National Park and its nearby coastline.

The nearby South West Coast Path and other country walks, trails, and historic sites popular with tourists also brings business to the tearoom.

Kitnors has traditionally served teas, coffees, light lunches, and afternoon teas daily throughout the summer months and boasts a large tea garden with more than 50 covers and a fully-fitted outdoor kitchen.