The Burly Man
A large, imposing figure with rolled-up sleeves, known as 'The Burly Man', is frequently sighted in the lounge window of the Lord Haldon Country Hotel, his origins shrouded in mystery.
Dunchideock, Devon
The hotel is reportedly haunted by multiple spirits: a distraught, drenched 18th-century servant girl ('The Drowned Maid'); a large man with rolled-up sleeves ('The Burly Man') seen in a window; and a young, possibly faceless, girl who knocks on doors.
The Drowned Maid (18th-century servant girl), The Burly Man, The Young Girl (child spirit)
The Drowned Maid: A tragic 18th-century servant girl who was allegedly impregnated by an aristocratic guest and subsequently drowned in the estate's ornamental waters to conceal the scandal. Her soaking wet apparition roams the corridors, leaving wet footprints and cold spots, accompanied by an overwhelming sense of sadness. Her haunting appears to be residual, replaying the traumatic energy of her tragic end. The Burly Man: An imposing male figure with rolled-up sleeves, consistently seen in the lounge window. His working-class appearance suggests he may have been a former servant or tradesman with a particular attachment to this area of the house. His quiet, observational presence suggests an intelligent haunting, though his identity and reason for remaining are unknown. The Young Girl: A child spirit believed to be connected to the Palk family, possibly Catherine or Emelia Palk, daughters of Sir Robert Palk who died young in the 1780s-1790s. She is known for knocking on guest room doors at night, sometimes described as faceless. Her gentle presence represents childhood innocence seeking attention, continuing patterns established in life within what was once her family home.
A large, imposing figure with rolled-up sleeves, known as 'The Burly Man', is frequently sighted in the lounge window of the Lord Haldon Country Hotel, his origins shrouded in mystery.
The sorrowful spirit of an 18th-century servant girl, tragically drowned on the estate, is said to manifest as a soaking wet apparition, leaving a chilling trail in her wake.
The spirit of a young girl, sometimes described as faceless, is reported to knock on guest room doors at the Best Western Exeter Lord Haldon Country Hotel, believed by some to be connected to the Palk family.
Built in the 1700s (early 18th century)
Country home of the Haldon family, later the Palk family estate.
Originally an early 18th-century mansion belonging to the Haldon family, later owned by the prominent Palk family. The current hotel is built within the surviving stable block of the original Haldon House, which was largely demolished in the 1920s. The Palk family, particularly Sir Robert Palk, were significant figures in the area during the late 18th century. The estate tragically witnessed the deaths of Catherine and Emelia Palk, daughters of Sir Robert Palk, who died young in the 1780s-1790s.
Current hotel constructed within the surviving stable block of the original early 18th-century mansion. The main Haldon House was demolished in the 1920s, but the hotel retains the historical connection to the estate.
Soaking wet apparitions with wet footprints on dry floors, dramatic temperature drops and cold spots, mysterious knocking on guest room doors at night (particularly in dead of night), feelings of profound sadness and despair, sudden appearances and disappearances in lounge window, dripping water sounds without visible source.
Corridors and upper reaches of building (Drowned Maid), lounge window and lounge area (Burly Man), guest room doors and main corridors (Young Girl), areas near former family quarters and ornamental water features on grounds.
Consistent anecdotal reports from guests and staff describing wet apparitions, mysterious knocking, and window sightings. Reports passed down through generations maintain consistent details across various accounts, lending weight to the stories.
No specific paranormal investigation history provided in the source material.
Ready to witness the paranormal activity firsthand? Book your stay and join the ranks of guests who've encountered the supernatural.
Check Availability & Rates
📅 Sample dates:2025-08-30 to 2025-09-01 • 2 adults
Dates and guest count can be changed on booking sites
💰 Affiliate Disclosure: We earn a commission from some bookings at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure
Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near corridors and upper reaches of building (drowned maid) for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Wedding packages and conference venue.
Check with hotel, lack of disabled access reported by guests.
Help others discover this haunted hotel
12 haunted sites and 5 attractions within 10-15 miles
Click a map pin to view details
Book your stay at Best Western Exeter Lord Haldon Country Hotel and explore 12 haunted locations within walking or short driving distance.
Book Your Paranormal AdventureBook your stay and experience The Burly Man and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.