COTSWOLD HOUSE
Contempory chic in a chocolate-box Cotswold village
THE RAVISHING VILLAGE of Chipping Campden (rated England’s prettiest by those in the know) is home to Cotswold House, an elegant Regency house built of honey-coloured Cotswold stone, with a soaring spiral staircase that’s pure Jane Austen. But prepare for some big surprises: this olde-worlde facade hides ultra-chic contemporary interiors.
Gadget junkies will be in heaven here – bedrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. There are Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems, wi-fi, and even plasma TV screens in the bathrooms, so you can soak blissfully (perhaps in rose-petalled water) while watching your favourite soap.
Uncluttered rooms are done up in chic shades of slate, plum and purple, with huge beds and sloping ceilings. Planning to spend your entire stay under cover? Then you’ll want to study the bespoke bedding menu, which lets you choose from a range of pillows, cashmere blankets and Frette linen sheets. Should you surface, the Bellinis at the bar downstairs are reckoned to be the best outside Venice.
Hit the spot
On the High Street of Chipping Campden
Bedtime
The Old Grammar School suite is a fave with rock stars.
Be savvy
This is a chintz-free zone
Be smitten
Olde-worlde setting meets new-age comforts
Hot tub heaven
Try one of the ultra-chic Cottage suites; one even has a garden with its own private outdoor hot tub. The Longborough Cottage suite even comes with a fire, a private dining room, a bedroom complete with king-size bed in the eaves and a celebration package that includes dinner for two, a gift of Acqua di Parma goodies and champagne on ice.
Slip into something chic and drift to your table at Juliana’s restaurant for a taste of dishes such as Orkney scallops served with truffled cabbage, mussel cream and lemon confit . Or head for vibey Hick’s Brasserie, where you can order anything from tempura to burgers. If browsing in Chipping Campden’s gift shops sounds too tame you can always walk off your excesses on one of the area's many country footpaths.
Cotswold House was reviewed for Room for Romance by Amanda Kingston
Gadget junkies will be in heaven here – bedrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. There are Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems, wi-fi, and even plasma TV screens in the bathrooms, so you can soak blissfully (perhaps in rose-petalled water) while watching your favourite soap.
Uncluttered rooms are done up in chic shades of slate, plum and purple, with huge beds and sloping ceilings. Planning to spend your entire stay under cover? Then you’ll want to study the bespoke bedding menu, which lets you choose from a range of pillows, cashmere blankets and Frette linen sheets. Should you surface, the Bellinis at the bar downstairs are reckoned to be the best outside Venice.
Hit the spot
On the High Street of Chipping Campden
Bedtime
The Old Grammar School suite is a fave with rock stars.
Be savvy
This is a chintz-free zone
Be smitten
Olde-worlde setting meets new-age comforts
Hot tub heaven
Try one of the ultra-chic Cottage suites; one even has a garden with its own private outdoor hot tub. The Longborough Cottage suite even comes with a fire, a private dining room, a bedroom complete with king-size bed in the eaves and a celebration package that includes dinner for two, a gift of Acqua di Parma goodies and champagne on ice.
Slip into something chic and drift to your table at Juliana’s restaurant for a taste of dishes such as Orkney scallops served with truffled cabbage, mussel cream and lemon confit . Or head for vibey Hick’s Brasserie, where you can order anything from tempura to burgers. If browsing in Chipping Campden’s gift shops sounds too tame you can always walk off your excesses on one of the area's many country footpaths.
Cotswold House was reviewed for Room for Romance by Amanda Kingston
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery. |
|||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
Dining in
Cotswold House has two restaurants. Juliana's blends contemporary decor and modern artworks with Regency architecture and ornate ceilings. Walls are half-panelled, lighting is warm and discreet, and the end wall is made up entirely of arched French windows framing the garden, illuminated at night.
Hick's Brasserie has contemporary decor and a sweeping bar with moodily lit glass shelves. A log fire and deep burgundy paint lend atmosphere and warmth. There’s also an area overlooking an illuminated, glass water feature where you can hold a private dinner party. Chef John Sherry prepares British dishes with French influences for both restaurants, and produce is locally sourced where possible.
Dining out
Head for The Fox at Oddington, The Churchill Arms at Paxford, or Five North Street and Wesley House at Winchcombe.
Where?
Juliana’s Restaurant or Hicks Brasserie
What’s cooking?
Try slow-roasted Gressingham duck or butter poached Cornish lobster, followed by warm cherry clafoutis.
Dress the part
Juliana’s is a dress-up affair, Hicks is dress-down.
Top table?
Tables by the French windows in Juliana's have great night views of the garden.
See & Do
There's magnificent Blenheim Palace to see, or Hidcote Manor Garden – one of Britain’s most admired gardens. Shakespeare's Stratford is close by with boating and history, while Cheltenham offers designer shopping. Warwick Castle is great fun and there are plenty of National Trust properties nearby including Snowshill.
Spa
Wildmoor Spa and Winner Day Spa are nearby to chase away your stresses.
Shop
If you’re planning on tying the knot, check out the wedding bands at Martin Gotrell jewellers. For gifts and girly stuff head to Frankie Doodle in Chipping Norton.
Play
Have an evening stroll around pretty Chipping Camden, stopping at a hostelry or two. For more highbrow entertainment try some Shakespeare at Stratford’s Swan Theatre.
Dates
April
Whether you are literary lovers or not, Shakespeare’s birthday gives Stratford the opportunity to throw a parade in the Bard’s honour, with fun for everyone.
October
Cheltenham celebrates a wider range of literature at its annual Literary Festival this month.
Cotswold House has two restaurants. Juliana's blends contemporary decor and modern artworks with Regency architecture and ornate ceilings. Walls are half-panelled, lighting is warm and discreet, and the end wall is made up entirely of arched French windows framing the garden, illuminated at night.
Hick's Brasserie has contemporary decor and a sweeping bar with moodily lit glass shelves. A log fire and deep burgundy paint lend atmosphere and warmth. There’s also an area overlooking an illuminated, glass water feature where you can hold a private dinner party. Chef John Sherry prepares British dishes with French influences for both restaurants, and produce is locally sourced where possible.
Dining out
Head for The Fox at Oddington, The Churchill Arms at Paxford, or Five North Street and Wesley House at Winchcombe.
Where?
Juliana’s Restaurant or Hicks Brasserie
What’s cooking?
Try slow-roasted Gressingham duck or butter poached Cornish lobster, followed by warm cherry clafoutis.
Dress the part
Juliana’s is a dress-up affair, Hicks is dress-down.
Top table?
Tables by the French windows in Juliana's have great night views of the garden.
See & Do
There's magnificent Blenheim Palace to see, or Hidcote Manor Garden – one of Britain’s most admired gardens. Shakespeare's Stratford is close by with boating and history, while Cheltenham offers designer shopping. Warwick Castle is great fun and there are plenty of National Trust properties nearby including Snowshill.
Spa
Wildmoor Spa and Winner Day Spa are nearby to chase away your stresses.
Shop
If you’re planning on tying the knot, check out the wedding bands at Martin Gotrell jewellers. For gifts and girly stuff head to Frankie Doodle in Chipping Norton.
Play
Have an evening stroll around pretty Chipping Camden, stopping at a hostelry or two. For more highbrow entertainment try some Shakespeare at Stratford’s Swan Theatre.
Dates
April
Whether you are literary lovers or not, Shakespeare’s birthday gives Stratford the opportunity to throw a parade in the Bard’s honour, with fun for everyone.
October
Cheltenham celebrates a wider range of literature at its annual Literary Festival this month.
GETTING THERE
Location
The Square, Chipping Campden GL55 6AN
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Moreton-in-Marsh station – nine miles
Taxis
GBP 70 to Birmingham International airport
Airport
Birmingham International – 38 miles
Rooms and suites
30 rooms and four suites.
Special features
Three suites have large limestone baths, two have private gardens with outdoor hot tubs, and one suite has a steam room.
Also…
All rooms have plasma screen TVs, DVD and CD players and many have bathroom TVs too. There is wi-fi throughout the hotel and a two-acre garden.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 150 - 725
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11:30am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Late risers are well catered for, with breakfast till 12 noon. Options include porridge with whisky – a real heart-warmer.
Room service
Available 24/7
Children
No restrictions
Pets
Dogs are welcome
Air conditioning
Yes
Languages
English
Wedding license?
Yes – with drink receptions for up to 100 guests
Eco conscience
Recycling is carried out and low voltage bulbs are used.
Hot off the press
The Pavilion Terrace now offers light lunches, afternoon tea, cocktails and supper – and sun loungers.
Your Contacts
Christa and Ian Taylor – owners
Location
The Square, Chipping Campden GL55 6AN
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Moreton-in-Marsh station – nine miles
Taxis
GBP 70 to Birmingham International airport
Airport
Birmingham International – 38 miles
Rooms and suites
30 rooms and four suites.
Special features
Three suites have large limestone baths, two have private gardens with outdoor hot tubs, and one suite has a steam room.
Also…
All rooms have plasma screen TVs, DVD and CD players and many have bathroom TVs too. There is wi-fi throughout the hotel and a two-acre garden.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 150 - 725
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11:30am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Late risers are well catered for, with breakfast till 12 noon. Options include porridge with whisky – a real heart-warmer.
Room service
Available 24/7
Children
No restrictions
Pets
Dogs are welcome
Air conditioning
Yes
Languages
English
Wedding license?
Yes – with drink receptions for up to 100 guests
Eco conscience
Recycling is carried out and low voltage bulbs are used.
Hot off the press
The Pavilion Terrace now offers light lunches, afternoon tea, cocktails and supper – and sun loungers.
Your Contacts
Christa and Ian Taylor – owners
