This luxurious country house hotel nestled on a 240-acre estate provides the perfect pick for a mini-moon, honeymoon or even a family-moon. Accessed via gates and a long driveway dotted with wildlife, the elegant white Mansion House takes centre stage. Here, the main rooms that form the bottom floor celebrate the four changing seasons. A stretch tent covers the back terrace, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic surroundings whatever the weather. DO NOT DISTURB The stylish suites and bedrooms upstairs in the Mansion House include The Derby Suite which became my home-from-home for the night. It’s a grand offering commanding prime position soaking up far-flung views from the terrace across the wildflower meadow, rose garden, lime grove and polo field. It’s easy to feel like you’re in a world of your own in this spacious one-bedroom retreat boasting an open fireplace, a king-size bed, a dressing area and a freestanding copper bathtub which I dived straight into! For an exclusive experience, visitors can book the North Lodge or the Dower House, Coworth Park’s two private standalone properties each sleeping up to six people across three bedrooms. Guests can cook for themselves or have a dedicated chef cater for them and accommodation in the Dower House includes access to private gardens with an outdoor dining area enjoying views of the lake (and resident swans!) The stable rooms offer another great option situated in a peaceful village-like setting a short walk from The Mansion House boasting original features and roll-top tubs. A FOODIE HEAVEN Food and drink are at the heart of this charming getaway with the best seat in the house at the newly-refurbished Woven by Adam Smith, a Michelin-star restaurant where the interior, along with the bar, reflects the hotel’s landscape and equestrian theme. The seasonally changing menus showcase classic dishes created using only the finest ingredients and flavoured with fresh, hand-picked herbs from the on-site herb garden (a stroll over to this is well worth it and you can spot the beehives in the manicured grounds too!) The two wine cellars ensure the perfect pairing of British wines plus worldwide varieties and mouth-watering cocktails and mocktails. Breakfast in the restaurant’s light-filled conservatory against a backdrop of views of the lush grounds is perfect for lazy mornings. The Coworth Park smoothie made using kiwi and kale followed by the delicious acai bowl provided a healthy start to my day. A short golf buggy ride away sits The Barn, a rustic-inspired, brasserie-style restaurant housed in the original barn frame. Open to hotel guests and local diners, it’s cosy during the winter months with its working fireplace, atmospheric festoon lighting and blankets provided, and it’s a must-visit during the warmer months with its wall of front windows. The mezzanine level provides another dining area and bar that’s perfect for private events and the open kitchen reveals the chefs preparing the delicious hearty dishes which include Cotswold white chicken and a plant-based vegan burger served with chunky chips which I tucked into. For a late-night tipple back at the Mansion House, the elegant drawing room (that also serves afternoon tea in two sittings) regularly hosts resident pianist Greg Canestrari with requests taken! OASIS OF CALM A short golf buggy ride away, nestled in a secluded eco-luxury setting is The Spa at Coworth Park. The wellness journey starts from the moment you enter this contemporary, multi-award-winning sanctuary. The variety of must-try treatments include the Relax and Rejuvenate Treatment by Ishga Organic which I indulged in. Highly skilled therapist Kelly began with an invigorating facial using this sustainable seaweed-based brand. The rose geraniumscented nourishing face oil and anti-oxidant marine cream worked wonders! A relaxing back and neck massage finished the session. Sporty types will love the fitness studio, steam room, experience showers and swimming pool lined with loungers and flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the surroundings. Embrace country life with a round of tennis, a bike ride or a stroll along one of the many walking routes, stopping to admire the outdoor sculptures. Enjoy a breath of fresh air with a delicious picnic hamper prepared by the talented kitchen team or opt for a light healthy lunch at the Spatisserie. Horse riders should head to the equestrian centre and enjoy the professional polo fields and tournaments if visiting between May and September. MADE FOR ROMANCE For a quintessentially English wedding large or small for between 30 and 100 guests (with only one hosted on any day) there’s a selection of chic function suites inside the Mansion House, from The Oak Room with its statement copper ceiling to The Oval Room and The Garden Room with access to the lower terrace. Offering the wow factor is a walk down an aisle of wildflowers in the meadow, home to a pretty pagoda. Garden games, including croquet, will keep guests entertained during an al fresco drinks reception served from the dinky lawn bar. Weddings during the cooler months can enjoy the rustic-inspired backdrop of The Tower House located a short distance from the Mansion House with its exposed brick walls. Exclusive use of the entire property for up to 250 guests can also be arranged. This back-to-nature bolthole is a magical place that you won’t want to leave, and one where memories are made. THE COUNTRY Escape to Editor Claire Ridley was invited to Coworth Park in Ascot, a five-star Dorchester Collection hotel and spa that resides in a tranquil spot tucked away in the Berkshire countryside GET ME THERE! A Superior Stable Room starts from £545. To book, call 01344 838 160 or visit www.dorchestercollection.com/en/ascot/coworth-park www.facebook.com/CoworthPark www.instagram.com/coworthpark Scan to view video Scan to view video Scan to view video Scan to view video Images courtesy of Coworth Park, Dorchester Collection. UK HONEYMOONS 91
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