WASHBOURNE COURT
Boutique Cotswolds retreat in vintage village setting.
SET ON A RIVERBANK in a timewarp Cotswolds village, Washbourne Court has a hard-to-beat picture book setting. But step inside this handsome boutique hotel, and it’s more metropolitan Chelsea than trad Cotswolds.
Olde-worlde surrounds are contrasted with cool decor and new-world comforts. Washbourne Court’s Cotswold stone walls, beamed ceilings and mullioned windows are teamed with bold and contemporary design. Outsize mirrors, exposed brickwork and canvas-mounted artworks – whether Andy Warhol or Old Masters – set off walls painted in shades of mink, pistachio, mulberry or seal grey.
Once a cramming school for young Etonians, Washbourne Court sits in four grassy acres complete with resident ducks. New wings and cottage suites have been discreetly added to the rear of the original 17th century manor, and the riverside terrace is an idyllic spot for a summertime jug of Pimms.
Hit the spot
In the pretty Cotswold village of Lower Slaughter.
Pillow Talk
Mustians (a Superior) is nicely private with a vast bed and huge bathroom with clawfoot bath. Cotton Hall is another favourite, with a clawfoot bath in the bedroom.
Be savvy
Split-level cottage rooms at the rear offer added seclusion.
Be smitten
Cool Cotswolds in a timewarp setting.
Clawfoot baths
Bedrooms underline the cool Cotswold retreat feel, and some signature rooms have very special bathrooms too. We loved Mustians – nicely private with a vast bed and huge bathroom with clawfoot bath. Cotton Hall is another favourite, with a clawfoot bath right in the bedroom where you can soak while gazing over the gardens. More secluded, split-level courtyard cottages in the grounds have an added downstairs lounge.
Cooking is a highlight at Washbourne Court, and the mirrored walls, charcoal grey chairs and splashes of scarlet make Eton’s Restaurant a suitably sophisticated setting for delicious modern British and French dishes. Scholars gastro bar offers less formal surrounds, with its big stone fireplace and squishy sofas – just the place for a latte or a light supper.
Outside, it’s quintessentially Cotswolds. Ducks waddle across the lawns, the river burbles past and the waterside terrace – perfect for al fresco drinks or lunch in summer – is as pretty a setting as you can find. Wander along footpaths past olde-worlde cottages to the sister village of Upper Slaughter, or further afield. Friendly, unpretentious staff will be pleased to provide walking maps and point you in the right direction.
Washbourne Court was reviewed for Room for Romance by Amanda Kingston.
SET ON A RIVERBANK in a timewarp Cotswolds village, Washbourne Court has a hard-to-beat picture book setting. But step inside this handsome boutique hotel, and it’s more metropolitan Chelsea than trad Cotswolds.
Olde-worlde surrounds are contrasted with cool decor and new-world comforts. Washbourne Court’s Cotswold stone walls, beamed ceilings and mullioned windows are teamed with bold and contemporary design. Outsize mirrors, exposed brickwork and canvas-mounted artworks – whether Andy Warhol or Old Masters – set off walls painted in shades of mink, pistachio, mulberry or seal grey.
Once a cramming school for young Etonians, Washbourne Court sits in four grassy acres complete with resident ducks. New wings and cottage suites have been discreetly added to the rear of the original 17th century manor, and the riverside terrace is an idyllic spot for a summertime jug of Pimms.
Hit the spot
In the pretty Cotswold village of Lower Slaughter.
Pillow Talk
Mustians (a Superior) is nicely private with a vast bed and huge bathroom with clawfoot bath. Cotton Hall is another favourite, with a clawfoot bath in the bedroom.
Be savvy
Split-level cottage rooms at the rear offer added seclusion.
Be smitten
Cool Cotswolds in a timewarp setting.
Clawfoot baths
Bedrooms underline the cool Cotswold retreat feel, and some signature rooms have very special bathrooms too. We loved Mustians – nicely private with a vast bed and huge bathroom with clawfoot bath. Cotton Hall is another favourite, with a clawfoot bath right in the bedroom where you can soak while gazing over the gardens. More secluded, split-level courtyard cottages in the grounds have an added downstairs lounge.
Cooking is a highlight at Washbourne Court, and the mirrored walls, charcoal grey chairs and splashes of scarlet make Eton’s Restaurant a suitably sophisticated setting for delicious modern British and French dishes. Scholars gastro bar offers less formal surrounds, with its big stone fireplace and squishy sofas – just the place for a latte or a light supper.
Outside, it’s quintessentially Cotswolds. Ducks waddle across the lawns, the river burbles past and the waterside terrace – perfect for al fresco drinks or lunch in summer – is as pretty a setting as you can find. Wander along footpaths past olde-worlde cottages to the sister village of Upper Slaughter, or further afield. Friendly, unpretentious staff will be pleased to provide walking maps and point you in the right direction.
Washbourne Court was reviewed for Room for Romance by Amanda Kingston.
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Dining in
Look forward to excellent modern French cuisine at Eton’s Restaurant, or brasserie style eats in Scholar’s gastro bar and lounge. Try the Jerusalem artichoke risotto or terrine of local duck to start, followed by mains such as breast of guinea fowl. Scholar’s serves a delicious Lighthorn lamb shank pie, beer battered cod and chips or bangers and mash, with more-ish desserts such as Eton Mess and sticky toffee pudding.
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast with optional mains is served until 10.00.
Room service
Available morning and evening.
Where?
Eton’s Restaurant at Washbourne Court
What’s cooking?
Start with seared scallops or roast breast of wood pigeon, followed by Gloucester Old Spot belly of pork or pan-fried fillet of sea bass.
Top table?
Table Four, by the window.
See & Do
Walk alongside riverside footpaths to neighbouring villages Upper Slaughter or Bourton on the Water (known as the Venice of the Cotswolds), knock up on the tennis court or book some clay pigeon shooting.
Towns to explore nearby include Stow on the Wold, the Regency town of Cheltenham (16 miles) and Stratford Upon Avon (30 miles). Sudeley Castle at Winchcombe is worth a visit, and Bourton has a motor museum. There’s a farmer’s market at Stow on the Wold on the second Thursday of each month.
Spa
You can book a choice of in-room massage and pamper treatments using Culpeper spa products through reception. A full-scale Culpeper Spa is due to open in the summer of 2010.
Diary Dates
March
Cheltenham Gold Cup Week is the biggie for racing fans.
September
Stow on the Wold’s market square is transformed with street entertainers and craft stalls for the Cotswold Festival.
Look forward to excellent modern French cuisine at Eton’s Restaurant, or brasserie style eats in Scholar’s gastro bar and lounge. Try the Jerusalem artichoke risotto or terrine of local duck to start, followed by mains such as breast of guinea fowl. Scholar’s serves a delicious Lighthorn lamb shank pie, beer battered cod and chips or bangers and mash, with more-ish desserts such as Eton Mess and sticky toffee pudding.
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast with optional mains is served until 10.00.
Room service
Available morning and evening.
Where?
Eton’s Restaurant at Washbourne Court
What’s cooking?
Start with seared scallops or roast breast of wood pigeon, followed by Gloucester Old Spot belly of pork or pan-fried fillet of sea bass.
Top table?
Table Four, by the window.
See & Do
Walk alongside riverside footpaths to neighbouring villages Upper Slaughter or Bourton on the Water (known as the Venice of the Cotswolds), knock up on the tennis court or book some clay pigeon shooting.
Towns to explore nearby include Stow on the Wold, the Regency town of Cheltenham (16 miles) and Stratford Upon Avon (30 miles). Sudeley Castle at Winchcombe is worth a visit, and Bourton has a motor museum. There’s a farmer’s market at Stow on the Wold on the second Thursday of each month.
Spa
You can book a choice of in-room massage and pamper treatments using Culpeper spa products through reception. A full-scale Culpeper Spa is due to open in the summer of 2010.
Diary Dates
March
Cheltenham Gold Cup Week is the biggie for racing fans.
September
Stow on the Wold’s market square is transformed with street entertainers and craft stalls for the Cotswold Festival.
GETTING THERE
Location
Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire GL54 2HS
Parking
There is plenty of free guest parking.
Trains
Moreton-in Marsh station – 8 miles. There are regular trains here from London Paddington (90 minutes).
Taxis
GBP 25 from Moreton-in-Marsh.
Airport
Birmingham International – 49 miles; or London Heathrow – 74 miles. There is a helipad on site.
Rooms and suites
30 rooms, including 4 suites
Special features
Individually decorated rooms have flatscreen TVs, wireless internet and DVD players, Egyptian cotton bed linen, walk-in power showers, full size baths and fluffy bathrobes.
Also…
You’ll also find an iPod dock with a built-in radio alarm. Some rooms have roll-top baths for two and separate double showers.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 135 - 410
Open/closed
Open all year.
Check-in
14.00
Check-out
11.00
Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends.
Children
Welcome (cottage suites are the best bet), but no under-12s are allowed in the restaurant.
Pets
Dogs are accepted – charged at GBP 20 a night.
Air conditioning
No
Wedding license?
Yes. Ceremonies for up to 60 guests can be held, with receptions arranged for up to 130 guests on an exclusive use basis.
Location
Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire GL54 2HS
Parking
There is plenty of free guest parking.
Trains
Moreton-in Marsh station – 8 miles. There are regular trains here from London Paddington (90 minutes).
Taxis
GBP 25 from Moreton-in-Marsh.
Airport
Birmingham International – 49 miles; or London Heathrow – 74 miles. There is a helipad on site.
Rooms and suites
30 rooms, including 4 suites
Special features
Individually decorated rooms have flatscreen TVs, wireless internet and DVD players, Egyptian cotton bed linen, walk-in power showers, full size baths and fluffy bathrobes.
Also…
You’ll also find an iPod dock with a built-in radio alarm. Some rooms have roll-top baths for two and separate double showers.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 135 - 410
Open/closed
Open all year.
Check-in
14.00
Check-out
11.00
Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends.
Children
Welcome (cottage suites are the best bet), but no under-12s are allowed in the restaurant.
Pets
Dogs are accepted – charged at GBP 20 a night.
Air conditioning
No
Wedding license?
Yes. Ceremonies for up to 60 guests can be held, with receptions arranged for up to 130 guests on an exclusive use basis.
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Washbourne Court
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A complimentary bottle of champagne; plus a room upgrade subject to availability.
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