As author of British Boutique Hotels and London Hotels, Gina Jackson knows more than most when it comes to luxurious UK-based stays. Here, the travel writer and hotel expert returns to one of her all-time Cotswolds favourites – Foxhill Manor – as the quirkily cool country pad celebrates its 10th anniversary.
THE LOWDOWN
Situated on the sprawling Farncombe Estate, this private house hotel has a refreshing ‘no rules’ policy that guests are unlikely to experience elsewhere. Formality and stiff-upper-lipness are eschewed in favour of relaxed, extremely personalised service. There’s an unspoken understanding here that luxury at its best is supremely unpretentious and individually tailored to every guest. Celebrating its 10 year anniversary, it’s no wonder that Foxhill Manor has amassed a loyal legion of guests who are continually welcomed back like long-lost friends.
SET THE SCENE…
Rolling hills and verdant views over the north Cotswolds can be spied from every vantage point. Road trippers will trundle along a sweeping drive to reach the hotel — the estate is no less than 500 acres — passing by sister properties Dormy House and The Fish along the way.
STYLE POINTS?
Enclosed within a bucolic bend, and cocooned by immaculately pruned gardens, the toffee-coloured mansion dates back to 1909. Despite its grand façade, interiors are relaxed and contemporary: guests loll back in the cosy drawing room, and sashay between the bar, cinema, and pantry.
TELL US ABOUT THE ROOMS…
Eight generous pads (three of which are suites) are each named after various tree types found within the estate. Expect elegant colour schemes, plush furnishings, and plenty of space to spread out, with an individual quirk to be found in each room: the Chestnut bedroom features its own dining table, and the Oak suite wows with its handsome four-poster. Smart TVs, walk-in showers, and bathtubs big enough to swim laps in are a guarantee in every hideaway.
THE FOOD & DRINK?
Guests will need to roll themselves home upon their departure: expect to be plied with treats from the moment you enter. Pour yourself a drink from the cocktail cabinet in the drawing room, or nibble on freshly baked scones at all times of day. Sleepovers here begin with a friendly chat with the head chef, where you’ll be encouraged to concoct your own dinner menu based on the seasonal ingredients foraged that morning — opt for fancy three-course meals, or more casual, comforting suppers. Meals are served whenever and wherever you’d like, whether that’s dinner in the cinema, or breakfast in bed. Consider booking the ‘Full Fox’ rate, which guarantees unlimited raiding of the pantry (stocked with all manner of sweets), endless top-ups from the wine dispenser, and a hearty breakfast the next morning ahead of the journey home.
ANYTHING ELSE TO NOTE?
Complimentary shuttles to the impressive spa at sister property Dormy House Hotel are included in your stay. The team will also ferry you over to the quaint village of Broadway if you fancy pootling along the high street. Furry friends are also very much welcome.
Latest stories
Editor’s picks for June: from the Himalayas to Cape Cod
Far-flung corners of the world have long held appeal, bound by a sense of seclusion and an immersion in nature that leaves you feeling restored and reconnected. Our latest arrivals in the Himalayas and a private island in the Maldives promise just that, where escapism can be enjoyed at its
The ultimate Budapest city guide
Baroque buildings, thermal baths and generous helpings of goulash. What’s not to love about Budapest? Long regarded as a drinking stop on every gap year youth’s interrailing itinerary, the Hungarian capital has a seriously grown-up side that makes for an ultra-chic city break. Thankfully, we have just the hotels to
Independent Minds: Xiaoran Zhou, Kaipuu Hotels
As the first luxury hotels in China to be certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Kaipuu on the Reef and Kaipuu Belfry are setting the eco-friendly bar in the history-steeped seaport of Quanzhou. The Jin River has welcomed trade and travellers from all four corners of the globe,
10 destination hotels to plan an unforgettable trip around
Travel wish-lists are nothing new — and in our case, never ending — but what about turning a trip on its head, and making the journey for a hotel so special that it’s become a destination in its own right? Hotel-centric holidays still come down to location, to a certain
