If

If
you’ve ever been to Cheltenham, you’ve likely heard of power
couple Sam and Georgie Pearman – the founders and faces behind the
incredibly successful Lucky Onion and Country Creatures groups. It
was in 2017 that the pair swapped the frenetic pace of their city
lifestyle for the quieter Cotswolds. Since then, the design-driven two
have taken traditional mansions and turned them into chic
guesthouses, upgraded rustic pubs, creating trendy watering holes,
and given outdated restaurants their mojo back. It’s their Georgian
townhouse, No.38 The Park, however, that has stolen our hearts.

Located on the edge of the pristine Pittville Park and just a
10-minute drive from Cheltenham’s vibrant Montpellier district, the
dazzling three-storey property is wrapped by hedges groomed to
perfection. Its extravagant matte black front door, flanked by two
stone pillars, makes you feel that perhaps you should curtsey upon
arrival. Instead, ring the doorbell. On entering, you’ll be ushered
into a bright and spacious hall, with olive-green-coloured walls
and chequer-tiled flooring.

The thing is, despite its grand features, this place is
extraordinarily intimate – making it your perfect choice if you’re
looking to escape with your main squeeze. Equally, it’s the kind of
place where guests get to know one another as opposed to simply
exchanging an awkward nod when grabbing an extra croissant at
breakfast. Make it your base for exploring the nearby chocolate-box
villages of the Cotswolds. Check in after a thrilling day
trackside at the Cheltenham Festival, or simply come and snuggle
down for a sumptuous taste of the good life.

Rooms

There are 13 bedrooms, each individually designed (by Georgie
herself, might we add), in which stylish furnishings artfully
complement original features. Picture ceilings laced with leaf
coving, whitewashed, wood-panelled walls and floor-to-ceiling sash
windows offering sweeping views across lush greenery. We love the
mustard-yellow armchairs, sailor-blue chesterfield beds and
abstract paintings on the walls. The real draw, though, is the
bathrooms. In your en-suite, you’ll find a claw-foot bath offering
a tray filled with Bramley soaps and shampoos, a walk-in shower
that’s large enough to accommodate a double-decker bus and two
separate basins. Be aware: four of the rooms are shower-only.

What’s for breakfast?

If the thought of a swim in the bathtub wasn’t enough to make
you spring out of bed, the sweet smell of freshly baked pastries
sure will. The buffet-style breakfast is a tasty spread of locally
sourced honeys and jams, fruit platters and cereal options that
will make you vow to restock your own pantry the second you get
home. Start the day the right way by ordering the full English: it
would be rude not to when it’s included in the room rate.

How about lunch and dinner?

While there’s no lunch or dinner service in the guesthouse,
you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to good eateries nearby.
The Tavern gets our vote, for its convivial atmosphere, home-style
cooking – whole grilled mackerel or ox cheek bourguignon, anyone? –
and old-school puddings.

Is there a bar?

Obviously. Open-brick walls, wooden beams and wired pendant
lights are the backdrop for a stellar wine menu. Bar snacks are on
hand in case you fancy a nibble with your glass of red.

Amenities

Televisions loaded with Apple TV are built into beds, Dyson air
coolers regulate the temperature and there’s a glorious courtyard
garden that’s ideal for bookworms looking for a private place to
nestle down.

How about their green credentials?

We’ve done some digging and haven’t found anything
groundbreaking.

What about accessibility?

There’s an enormous ground-floor room, adapted with two spacious
twin showers and a lowered bed.

Things I should know

No.38 The Park is known for hosting seriously wicked race-day
after-parties. Fancy getting in on the action? Plan your stay
around event dates, when the front lawn plays host to a gigantic
cream gazebo and banging live music.

Within a short walk I can find…

Get your caffeine fix at shabby chic The Curious Café
& Bistro. Yes, it’s a 30-minute walk away, but stretching
your legs is never a bad idea. Plus, the pancakes make every step
worth it.