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Weekend

Your Next Weekend Escape: Foxhill Manor, Cotswolds, UK

Down a long and twisting track within the confines of the Farncombe Estate, Waze will signal (if the imposing honey-hued building before you hasn’t already made it apparent) that you have arrived at your destination: Foxhill Manor.

Positioned in a bucolic pocket of the English countryside – postcard-worthy Broadway is a short drive from here – your swish, temporary digs will serve as a homely hideaway for an unplugged weekend with your SO or gaggle of friends in tow.



The Vibe

A full-service hotel that feels closer to a private home, Foxhill Manor is a special spot. Best suited to those who want to fly under the radar and/or distance themselves from anywhere that feels remotely cookie cutter in its MO/design, Foxhill Manor offers guests laidback luxury in spades.


The Rooms

With just eight boarding options – five bedrooms and three suites – each of the manor’s boudoirs feel entirely unique. Individually designed, each bedroom comes with its own USP. Take the Chestnut, on the southwest wing of the first floor, for example. One of Foxhill’s biggest bedrooms, it’s best suited to those who love a lie-in when away, given that it’s dominated by a king-size, four-poster bed set in front of a chic tree-painted panel.

Then there are the manor’s sumptuous suites – Beech, Hazel, and Oak. We stayed in Hazel, which overlooked the back of the Manor from the first floor. A no fuss, classic-style suite, its cosy separate lounge area was a great spot to kickback with a good movie, while the claw-foot tub, centrally plotted in the suite’s big metro tiled bathroom, was the perfect place to unwind post countryside walk. Still, the top room goes to the oh-so-romantic Oak suite on the ground floor. A total showstopper, the suite boasts twin freestanding bathtubs, which are primely positioned in the bay window, as well as a contemporary wood-framed four-poster bed and a cosy lounge area facing the feature fireplace. In short, it’s the perfect romantic retreat.

In room amenities include: flatscreen TV, iPod dock, tablet computer, Nespresso machine, kettle, and Temple Spa bath products.


The Little Extras 

Wellies are available to borrow, should a break for the moors appeal. If you’re more in the mood for a ramble than a trek, we suggest you make tracks for Dormy House, whose facilities – tennis courts, swimming pool, gym, spa, and more – are available to Foxhill Manor residents for the duration of their stay.

For those seeking some rest and relaxation, the spa at Dormy House is a must-visit – particularly now that Tata Harper has come into the fold. Treat yourself and book in for one of the natural luxury skincare brand’s full-body treatments – we recommend their tension busting 60-minute organic body massage. Focusing on the traditional stress-holding areas of the back, neck, and shoulders, the treatment’s Vermont-blended herbal cocktail will leave you feeling a lot nimbler than when you entered.

For further beautification and relaxation, why not add a rejuvenating facial to your afternoon treatments or opt for an A-grade mani-pedi at their Veuve Cliquot champagne-cum-nail-bar. Next, stop by the Greenhouse Café’s terrace for a healthy lunch, or make ways for the spa’s sleek indoor pool, followed by a brief visit to their Scandi-style thermal suite.


The Food + Drink

With the kitchen at your beck and call, you can eat anywhere, anytime, and order anything. Really. First things first: choosing whether to dine in the lounge, the drawing room, the garden, or another appealing spot you’ve happened upon. Next: placing your order. A carte blanche is applied here, with an opportunity to sit down with Foxhill’s Head Chef and discuss your tastes and preferences – he’ll then come up with some options based on your feedback. If the blank-page approach feels a tad overwhelming, you can always default to a selection of tried-and-tested dishes or opt for the set tasting menu (if you still want an element of surprise come suppertime). Post-dinner, make best use of the hotel’s wide-ranging wine cellar. Head sub-terra to enjoy a glass of vino amidst candles and tempting pours, or retire to the Living Room’s fireside setup with a Cotswolds’ ale.

Come breakfast time, the same approach applies – we suggest you scout out your preferred setup the night before. Tuck into a generous spread of breads and pastries, as well as à la carte options – think avocado toast, eggs any style, and French toast with berries. Those who suffer from elevenses will be glad to discover their in-room pantry box full of all sorts of goodies. For something more substantial, order kitchen snacks or a hamper to enjoy on the lawn.


The To-Do List

Be sure to pay a visit to the closest of the Cotswolds signature chocolate-box villages, Broadway, over the course of your say. A pit-stop at the Lygon Arms for a pint or a spot of lunch is always a good idea.

What to Pack

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