Along

Along
with our self-deprecating humour, British people seem to
wholeheartedly embrace the clichés bestowed upon us. Give us a
queue and we’ll stand in it; give us sun cream and we will still
burn – and give us a grand country manor in the Cotswolds and we
will shamelessly stand on a lawn, sipping Pimm’s and pretending we
know how to play croquet. Such is the grandeur of Calcot, that it invites guests
to luxuriate in the most quintessential of British pastimes.

A sprawling estate, dominated by the ivy-clad Cotswold-stone
main house, the manor epitomises a hedonistic country retreat. Just
as beautiful as its sister hotel, Barnsley House, Calcot comes
with the added benefit of being child- and dog-friendly. With
roaring log fires and deep sofas it makes for a cosy winter
bolthole, but lush greenery the hotel really comes into its own in
the spring and summer months when you can stroll through the
gardens in full bloom, take a dip in the outdoor
pool or enjoy a G&T beside it.

Rooms

While all come complete with soft-toned furnishings, deep beds
and other luxury staples such as fluffy robes and espresso
machines, each is unique in how it embraces its own space. The 12
rooms in the main house are adult only, while those in the
courtyard are perfect for children thanks to separate bedrooms
equipped with funky bunkbeds.

What’s for breakfast?

Served up in the airy surrounds of the conservatory restaurant
overlooking the grounds beyond, there is a standard buffet with
more indulgent hot options on the made-to-order menu.

How about lunch and dinner?

There are two on-site offerings; the more formal conservatory is
best suited to hazy summer days while nothing beats hunkering down
in the convivial pub, The Gumstool, on a cold winter
night.

Is there a bar?

In the true style of a Cotswold manor house there are several
rooms in which to imbibe at any time of day. If the weather is
nice, enjoy a sun-downer on the picturesque lawns – but don’t
expect a raucous atmosphere, this is a place for civilised,
slow-paced indulgence.

Amenities

Everything is geared towards hedonism at Calcot. The spa
comes with an obligatory steam room and sauna, while an impressive
outdoor hot tub is gloriously ensconced in a honey-coloured stone
courtyard with its own outdoor fire. If the gym, indoor and outdoor
pools aren’t enough, follow the on-site three-mile “trim trail”
around the surrounding hills on foot, bike or Segway.

Things you should know

If you’re here for romance, book a room in the main hotel
building which is kiddie-free, avoid the pool during certain hours
and dine late when all the little ones have gone to bed. The hotel
is also well-suited to canine companions who are allowed in certain
rooms if you give advance notice.

Within a short walk you can find

You’re in the depths of the Cotswolds so you’ll need a car to
explore properly. True cider country surrounds, so don a pair of
wellies, grab a map and set out for the local footpaths. For more
of an urban feel head to Tetbury, Malmesbury or Cirencester, but
the star of the local area has to be Westonbirt Arboretum, which is
at its most resplendent during autumn and spring.