Despite the swift journey to Kin House – just one hour and ten minutes from London Paddington – arriving here feels a world away.
You’ll find the handsome Grade II listed Georgian property set within the picturesque Wiltshire countryside, just beyond the market town of Chippenham. Behind the quintessentially honey-hued Cotswold brickwork and surrounded by manicured lawns dotted with flower-beds lies the ultimate party pad.
Opened in 2022, Kin House has been lovingly refurbished to the standard of a top boutique hotel, but is only available for private hire use: the perfect spot for any gathering – large or small – from weddings and birthdays to family celebrations and wellness retreats.
The Vibe
Lucy Sear-Barlow and Joshua Sear, co-directors of the British design studio Barlow & Barlow, are responsible for the fairy-tale interiors; a sophisticated blend of vibrant colours, patterns, and textures. For a house that had once been left in a state of complete disrepair, the transformation is incredible; beautiful original details have been brought back to life: ornate oak panelling and ceiling mouldings and eye-catching details at every turn, including leopard print poufs, a hand-painted tortoiseshell finish on the bar, and antique picture frames. The stone clam pediment above the front door has become something of a theme throughout, and served as inspiration for a shell grotto close to the downstairs powder rooms, created by artist Mel Campion. It’s the Instagram moment every party needs. This is a truly uplifting property that lends itself to all manner of joyful gatherings, its elusive style allowing guests to put their own stamp on it.
The Rooms
The magic continues upstairs in twelve luxurious bedrooms. Bay windows in the two principal suites have been filled with huge, roll-top baths wrapped in Fermoie shell grotto fabric (yes, fabric!) and are raised up on a tiled platform to make the most of the sweeping views outside. Chequered bathrooms (featuring delicious Verden products and fluffy robes), a help-yourself minibar stocked with a personally curated selection of snacks, and whimsical wallpapers add to the playful vibe. You’re guaranteed a blissful night’s sleep in the spacious beds – some with velvet headboards and canopies, and all with hotel-grade bedding and linen that will have you stripping the pillows to find out the make (Beaumont & Brown if you’re interested).
The Little Extras
In planning Kin House, no detail has been overlooked – for party hosts or brides-to-be there is a purpose-built dressing room, kitted out with hair-washing sinks and drying stations, and men can head to the barbers for a range of grooming treatments. Adjacent to the main building is Kilvert Hall, an event space that can host up to 200 people for wedding breakfasts or landmark birthday parties, while more intimate gatherings can be held in the house itself – we particularly loved the Hearth Room for this, with its vaulted ceilings and original 18th-century fireplace. In summer, you can gather al fresco in the 10-acre gardens, or among the ancient trees in the private woodland. Launching soon, expect to see a monthly programme of creative events that will be open to the public and range from yoga retreats to floristry courses, gin-infusing workshops, and more.
The Food + Drink
Kin House benefits from having its own in-house team of chefs, and the results are magnificent. Everything is designed for sharing, whether it’s a whole herb-stuffed fish, huge joints of meat, fresh and bright salads (think heirloom tomatoes with fig leaf oil plus miso and honey-roasted aubergine) or rotisserie chicken with big bowls of wild garlic aioli. Other options include tasty wood-fired pizzas topped with goat’s cheese, prosciutto and wild mushroom, and more. For a late-night tipple, head to Fitz Bar, named after local town Kington Langley’s original mediaeval name, Langley Fitzurse, which serves a fantastic drinks list including a signature burnt-orange negroni. It’s also where you can enjoy wine tastings and cocktail-making classes. Breakfast is nothing short of a feast; a table piled high with fresh pastries, stewed fruit, freshly-baked loaves, and an assortment of homemade granolas and mueslis. Make sure to leave space for one of the hot dishes – trust us, the crumpets with Marmite butter and bacon are not to be missed.
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