Tag Archives: England

Endsleigh Hotel. Devon, UK

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Built in 1810 by The Duke of Bedford, this Grade 1 historic house is in a league all it’s own. Located just outside the traditionally English town of Cornwall is the Endsleigh Hotel on 100 acres of fairytale woodland. Built as a fishing and hunting retreat, this hotel has been a secret getaway spot for over two decades. In 2005 the hotel was bought by Olga Polizzi and given some much needed refurbishment. The hotel is now a great blend of modern luxury and classic history. 

The Endsleigh has 16 individually designed rooms each with a muted color pallette to match the outside gardens. The walls of the bedroom have painted wallpaper, usually in the form of birds or gardens, quilted bedspreads, and book-lined shelves. The suites can comfortably accommodate families and have a separate sitting room and walk-in showers. If I could stay anywhere on the property it would be the thatched gatekeepers lodge which has, in addition, a private garden and a woodburning stove.

The hotel restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and obviously, tea time. Combine a walk in the garden with your own private tea picnic to really set the English mood of your weekend. For lunch, be sure to order the crab mayonnaise sandwich and Devon charcuterie, they are the hotel favorites. 

Immediately around the house there are formal gardens running down to the River Tamar. There is a picturesque dell with little bridges crossing streams, huge Gunnera leaves and wonderful picnic spots. Beyond the formal gardens is the arboretum which contains unusual trees from around the world, still standing in the spots marked out with bamboo canes by the Duchess. Be sure to take many walks during your stay to full appreciate this 200-year old garden. 

There is no shortage of activities around the property. Choose from horse riding to Falconry to fishing, your stay will not be a boring one. My favorite activity would definitely be the Falconry. Enjoy the privilege of spending a couple of hours in the company of Hawks, Owls and their babies, including the thrill of handling and flying these amazing birds yourself!

The quintessential English countryside charm is found within and throughout the property. Perfect for a family weekend getaway or a long stay, you’ll find yourself calling this place “home”.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Limewood Hotel. Hampshire, UK

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Only an hour and a half from London, this trendy country style house hotel has a great mix of old and young. Whether you’re in town for a music festival or just popping in to have some tea, it’s definitely worth your time to stop by and take a look around. Rustic charm and natural lighting fill the entrance as you walk in. The lobby has a giant glass sliding roof  to make you feel as if you are constantly surrounded by open air and nature. Staying at Limewood gives you the peace and quiet of being out of the city with some color and party thrown in.

There are 8 different room types that range from Cosy to Forest Lodge. If you’re looking for country-chic, stay in the Forest Suite. If you’re looking for a cosy warm space, stay in the Forest Hideaway Suite that spans over two floors with a wood-burning fireplace. Lastly, if you want total privacy for you and a loved one or a family, stay in the Forest Cottages & Cabin, it’s the closest you’ll get to staying in an authentic cabin without going to the mountains.

The culinary masterpiece HH&Co, the hotel’s restaurant, is a relaxed, stylish and comfortable upscale restaurant, full of character yet unpretentious. The menu is Italian influenced forest dishes with English classics, which will remain constant and other dishes on the menu will change daily with forest and seasonality being the driver behind the menu’s style. Even if you’re not staying in the hotel, be sure to drop by at tea time for some seasonal teas and cake. The center of attention at the restaurant is the smokehouse, so if you can, stay for dinner, you won’t regret it. All the meats are cured for at least 10 days and they produce Chorizo, Lavender cured Loin of Pork, Pancetta, Coppi, among many others. 

Another place to stop by is their state-of-the-art 22,000 sq ft spa. There are 8 single treatment rooms plus 1 double treatment room if you’re traveling with a partner. Complimentary activities at the spa include the mud room, sauna, hydropool, and caldarium. Opt for the Bamford Body Signature Treatment or the Voya Lavendar and Seaweed Sugar Glow.

As they say at Limewood, “We don’t do average”.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.