A rather large and shaggy St Bernard was taking an early evening stroll in the prize-winning gardens as we pulled into the drive, while an equally furry cat was sunbathing peacefully by the front door. Unfortunately I didn’t see the latter until it was too late and my own dog had shot out of the car and chased it up the tree.
Not a good start seeing as the cat was one of two feline residents and dogs are only allowed on the lead.
Now don’t let me paint the wrong picture. This isn’t a hotel full of four-legged friends. The point is that they are welcome (in your rooms).
The smell of log fires wafts through the house, the odd cat lies curled in the corner and staff welcome guests’ dogs who appear to settle as quickly as their owners.
Just six miles from the grand Georgian city of Bath, this luxury country house isn’t far from the beaten track, yet it’s set in 10 acres of parkland, located in the jaw-dropping Limpley Stoke Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Advertisement
The atmosphere reflects its peaceful surroundings and well-manicured grounds, but there’s nothing imposing or stuffy about this fine luxury country house dating back to 1832.
Rooms somehow strike that tricky balance between country casual and contemporary chic with each of the 19 bedrooms individually furnished. Some are quintessentially English with warm neutrals while others have vibrant floral prints in zesty green tones. Most are generous in size and beds are simply so sumptuous that it’s hard to climb out in the morning?
The bathroom in our suite was huge with a large freestanding tub, although curiously the shower cubicle was miniscule to the point that my husband struggled to get his shoulders through the door.
But it’s downstairs in the restaurant where this hotel really excels. Here, head chef Daniel Moon and his team have created quite a stir, winning countless accolades, including Country Restaurant of the Year in the Good Food Guide.
Dishes in this two AA Rosettes restaurant are both innovative in flavour and beautifully presented, where possible using the finest locally-sourced produce and herbs from the garden.
Advertisement
My recommendations? The saut?ed south coast scallops, with pea pur?e and pea shoots, followed by the roasted John Dory, butternut squash pur?e, wild asparagus with a side dish of smoked haddock chowder to drizzle over the top. Prices? Surprisingly reasonable, with three-course evening meals from £48.50 per person.
Don’t miss the utterly indulgent cream tea, and watch out for the occasional jazz lunch and cooking classes where you can learn the tricks of the trade with the chef and his team.
Staff can arrange massage and beauty treatments for you in your room, while outside there’s a small pool (heated from April), great for dipping your toe on a hot summer’s day, but sadly not substantial enough to swim laps.
Free wireless Internet access is there for those guests who sadly feel the urge to contact the outside world and three meeting rooms can accommodate unfortunate souls who have to do business.
So what’s the view on Tripadvisor? One suggested the pool was too cold and the shower poor, but every other entry is full of praise with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5. Typically, guests praised the food, service and relaxing atmosphere.
Advertisement
It seems the general consensus is to come here to eat, sleep and stroll around the gardens. Do this and chances are you’ll skip that intended trip to Bath and lounge lazily around the gardens like the cats.
Bottom line: Classic bedroom from £125 per room, per night; Deluxe bedroom from £165 prpn; Junior suite from £205 prpn; Master suite from £245 prpn
The food: three courses from £48.50
Need to know: Homewood Park, Abbey Lane, Hinton Charterhouse, Bath, BA2 7TB. Tel: 01225 723731; www.homewoodpark.co.uk
Access all areas: two rooms, situated on lower floor, are wheelchair friendly
Advertisement
Best thing: the food
Worst thing: the shower in the suite
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Room: 9/10
Advertisement
Value for money: 9/10