NOW here is something really different – staying in total luxury in the middle of beautiful countryside in a quirky, unique retreat resort.
Set high on Fish Hill – part of the 500-acre Farncombe Estate above Broadway in the Cotswolds – The Fish is made up of restored Cotswold stone buildings including a Coach House, Stables and other original structures.
It boasts 63 individually styled rooms and suites as well as five handcrafted shepherd’s huts with wood-burning stoves, roll-top baths, en-suite showers and private hot tubs; five rustic shepherd-style huts with private hot tubs, terraces, underfloor heating (adults-only) and three treehouses – woodland cabins which sleep up to 4 with bunk beds, dual outdoor baths and deck seating (one is even dog-friendly).
We stayed in one of the more traditional stables rooms which are bedrooms/suites decorated in calming neutral tones and again many are dog-friendly. Our generously-proportioned suite also boasted a log burner, roll top bath and super king-sized bed.
The Coach House, Stables and nearby Outhouse recently underwent a £4 million makeover and now feature ‘Scandi-country’ chic interiors in the buildings and new glamping-style accommodation.
Set in spectacular rolling countryside as well as walks and woodland trails there are activities like archery, axe-throwing, clay pigeon shooting and falconry. The estate is also a perfect base to explore the magnificent Cotswolds and its many attractions.
One big attraction is the superb food on offer at the on-site Hook restaurant which has a seafood-focused, high-quality menu served in comfortable surroundings that are extensive yet cosy with several bars and lounges boasting log fires, board games and craft beers.
Outdoor BBQ-style group dining is available year-round while private dining is also catered for with various spaces including the Conservatory (seats up to 16), Green Room or deck – for special events.
We went on a damp Friday night and the place was busy (always a good sign) with locals as well as hotel guests. The Hook also has dog-friendly features, even a pooch playground and boot room with dog shampoo and dog-walker essentials.
The food was excellent and while my better half stuck to the seafood vibe with a generous and delicious fish dish. I went off script a little with a superb rib-eye steak that melted in the mouth.
Rooms at the Fish start from £225/night for B&B double up to £595 for a treehouse which sleeps four. For more information see https://thefishhotel.co.uk/
Elsewhere on the sprawling Farncombe Estate is Dormy House Hotel, a beautifully restored 17th-century iconic hostelry which also underwent a multimillion pound refurbishment and now features oak panelled lounges, roaring log fires and plush cosy nooks with 39 individually styled rooms and suites. It also has a 16m indoor infinity pool, outdoor hydrotherapy/terrace hot tub, Scandi style thermal suite, Gym, meditation suite, wave massage bed and float tank plus six treatment rooms. More information at https://dormyhouse.co.uk/
Also part of the Farncombe Estate is Foxhill Manor – a Grade II-listed Arts & Crafts manor house, converted into an intimate 5-star private house hotel with five bedrooms and three suites accommodating up to 16 guests.
There is an option to book for exclusive use, ideal for weddings, celebrations, corporate retreats, or house parties (the ballroom holds up to 60–70 guests!). See https://foxhillmanor.com/
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth