Princetown, Dartmoor – July 2025
Following their recent appearance on Channel 5’s The Hotel Inspector, Terry and Nikki of The Ramblers’ Rest in Princetown are reflecting on a transformative experience—one filled with laughter, learning, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“We genuinely enjoyed the filming process,” says Nikki. “Watching it back, we found it hilarious—especially the placement of the repeated clip of Terry on his tablet! ”
But behind the humour was a serious story. The couple were facing financial strain, exacerbated by a tough year for tourism along with rising energy costs. “We were at a crossroads,” Terry explains. “But thanks to support from The Hotel Inspector and successfully being awarded decarbonisation grant funding, along with our own investment in sustainable infrastructure, we’re now looking at a much brighter and greener future.”
Alex’s involvement in Ramblers’ Rest took place over three weeks. “it was quite a challenge to get everything completed in such a short time frame whilst also dealing with project managing an extensive green project and being post-operative”. While the show portrayed Terry as somewhat reluctant and questioning, there’s much more to his story. Terry processes information differently (he is dyslexic and a great problem solver, very well known on the Bridge circuits) —often questioning things before arriving at creative, practical solutions. “He’s frustrating, not lazy. He’s a builder, a thinker, and the person who’s done almost all the renovation work here,” Nikki says. “Even after a serious car accident in 2022 that put him out of action and a major Achilles operation earlier this year, he’s been the driving force behind the transformation of our property.”
Despite the challenges, The Ramblers’ Rest has consistently impressed guests. With a 4.9 rating on Google and TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award for two consecutive years, the guesthouse is known for its warm hospitality, thoughtful amenities, and the genuine care shown by Terry and Nikki. “Our reviews are excellent and Terry is often mentioned by name for the care he offers our guests” Nikki adds.
The show helped the couple refine their messaging. Their original strapline -’Sumptuous comfort with practical facilities for Dartmoor explorers’ was well-intentioned but overly complex and the couple agree that sumptuous is far more than they offer. They loved the imagery of serving Alex Turkish Delight! Alex Polizzi’s surprise new sign with the slogan “Your home to explore the Moor,” captured the spirit of the place perfectly. “We loved it immediately,” Nikki says. “It speaks to all our guests—walkers, cyclists, runners, and even those who explore Dartmoor from the comfort of their car.”
Already a Green Ambassador for Visit Tamar Valley’s Green Tourism Programme, Ramblers’ Rest are particularly grateful to have received grants from West Devon District Council’s Prosperity Fund and Devon County Council’s Green Impact Fund. The Ramblers’ Rest has made major strides in sustainability to complement their already green practices.
New installations include:
- 48 solar panels now powering the property.
- Double glazing, slashing energy use.
- An air source heat pump now powering the large spa pool.
- The car park also has had 5 EV chargers for guests to use.
These upgrades are expected to reduce energy costs by up to 75%, ensuring long-term stability and future proofing the functionality of the business.
Moving on from the show, the couple still have several suggestions from Alex that didn’t get aired but that they are also taking on board. They are now exploring new room formats, including simpler, kitchenette-free options and more premium comfort rooms for the smaller king rooms. They’re also considering a pre-booked breakfast option, especially with the Happy Belly Bakery opening just across the road in Duchy Square in Princetown.
“We’re listening to our guests and evolving,” Nikki says. “We’re proud of what we’ve built, and we’re excited about what’s next.”
“Yes, Alex really did stay with us and made a Pot Noodle in her room!” Terry laughs “but we’re grateful for her insight, her honesty, and the opportunity to share our story. Dartmoor looked stunning on screen, and we’re proud to be part of this incredible community.”