October 28, 2023 4 min read

BY CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: GEMMA LOUISE DEEKS 

Cosy corners, seasonal produce, board games and log fires: these hotels match the criteria this season.

 

COWLEY MANOR Experimental - best for something different

This newly renovated Grade II listed property is perfect for those looking to steer away from the traditional county getaway. Welcoming in a new era for the manor house, Cowley is the latest project from the cool cocktail-juggling Experimental Group. With properties in Paris, Ibiza and Menorca, the Cotswold’s seems an unlikely choice, but you’ll soon find yourself down a rabbit hole of magic. Greatly inspired by Alice in Wonderland, the hotel’s design flare extends far beyond the decor, with imaginative dining and start of the art cocktails, of course. Cosy up in the sultry restaurant serving French-British gastronomy or hunker down in the Swan Lake suite with great modern interiors.

  

https://www.cowleymanorexperimental.com/

 

 

ESTELLE MANOR - best for design enthusiasts

Oxfordshire’s latest hotspot Estelle Manor is the luxury hotel and private members club on everyones lips. Newly opened this year, this in-demand, rural estate is the crème de la crème of country getaways but with serious ambition. This ultra-glamorous establishment is opulently decorated at every turn – no corner has been left untouched. There’s an impressive 180 rooms spread out across the estate, all decorated withvintage furnishings pitched against 20th century pieces. The woodland cottage – nod to Scandinavian cabins – is cool but cosy with a wood burning fireplace and scattered with shearing throws. Spend long leisurely afternoons at theBrasserie restaurant, and indulge in seasonal favourites from Oxford cheddar soufflé tobeef Wellington.

    

https://estellemanor.com/

 

 

THE NEWT - best for a romantic weekend

This beautiful Georgian country estate nestled in the Somerset countryside is one of the UK's most sought-after retreats. Boasting magnificent woodlands and gardens and an impressive Roman Villa, you can explore the estate in all its glory whatever the season. Spend crisp autumn weekends in the heated indoor-outdoor pool or play board games by the log-fire with tea and scones before retreating to the stable room with a roll top bath and wood burning stove. It'll be a truly special stay with a loved one.

  

https://thenewtinsomerset.com/

 

 

SOHO Farmhouse, best for a weekend away with friends

Only an hour from London by train, this weekend escape is a popular choice for stylish city goers and celebrities alike. Sitting in 100 acres of Oxfordshire, the members-only retreat is like its own village. If you’re looking for some R&R, Farmhouse’s Studio Cabins are privacy assured, with bath tubs on private decks. If you can pull yourself away from your own wood burning stove, sink into red velvet seats at the Electric Cinema, eat wholesome meals next to crackling log fires or book the Lazy Lake and enjoy a two-hour spa experience in the sunken hot tubs and infrared saunas.

  

https://www.sohohouse.com/houses/soho-farmhouse

 

 

HECKFEILD PLACE, best for sustainable luxury

Thisquintessential country haven in Hampshire is a restored Georgian family home that’s full of soul. With 400 acres of surrounding woodland and meadows, wellies are essential for discovering the beauty of the hotel’s surroundings. Decor is homely, warming and elegant and exudes a welcomed quiet luxury. The Lake Room, which is positioned in the heart of the house, has aseparate living room and a sweeping bay window with panorama of the lakes and estate. Sustainability is at the forefront, with a on-site biodynamic farm supplying much of the kitchen produce and their restaurant, Marle, boasting a Michelin Green Star. Savour heartfelt food, cycle through the forestry tracks or go cold swimming in the Lower Lake, all just an hour from London.

    

https://www.heckfieldplace.com/

 

 

THE PIG at Combe, best for Great British grub

One of the Pig hotel groups litter, The Pig at Combe is a rustic boutique hotel in East Devon just a short drive from the coast. The secluded, Elizabethan gem overlooks the rolling hills of theOtter Valley and has an easy hospitality for a charming fuss free stay. The interiors are characterful, and are more shabby chic than overly glamorous with rustic beams and stone walls standing proud. The Stream Wagon is set along the River Gitt, a few minutes from the hotel, and is snug wagon-style room that offers a peaceful hideaway. You’ll find both freestanding outdoor and indoor bath tubs and a wood-burning stove for extra cosiness. Meals are served with fresh ingredients from the garden kitchen, perfectly paired with excellent wine.

  

https://www.thepighotel.com/at-combe/

 

 

GLENEAGLES, best for festive families adventures

This serene Scottish escape has been standing proud for over a century and provides the perfect combination of family activities and adult indulgences. A playground of country pursuits, the festive season transforms Gleneagles into a magical winter hideaway and a cosy home away from home. Revel in the festive spirit with ice skating and a visit to Father Christmas’ reindeer by day and roaring log fires and decadent dining by night. The Resident Spa will give you a warm welcome on cold evenings too.

   

https://gleneagles.com/

 

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