What’s not to love about Sawcliffe Manor, a property that offers the perfect location for hen dos, pre-wedding getaways, weddings and minimoons? Built on the site of a Medieval village in north Lincolnshire, the property is bursting full of character and historical features. The Elwes family has been restoring the site for many years to bring the spaces back to life, so I was over the moon when the opportunity to see the property in person arose. Upon arrival, the lovely Jana greeted us with a warm welcome, prosecco and some delicious cake before giving us a tour of the property. We viewed all the stunning spaces, including The Manor, Party Yurt and the stunning Dovecot Chapel, which is perfect for wedding ceremonies. Each area is charming with its own character and eye-catching features. The team has added so many thoughtful touches and personal details – it’s clear how much they love the venue. PURE RELAXATION The property offers three different cottages on a self-catering basis; each one offers something truly unique and special. My partner and I were lucky enough to say in the beautiful Rose Cottage, one of the oldest parts of the site. Sitting in the living room felt like I’d stepped back in time as the space showcased many Tudor features, especially the inglenook fire place that’s perfect for those winter nights. The luxurious bathroom was my favourite part of the cottage; it features a gorgeous freestanding bath and a freefalling shower. The large navy kitchen with an AGA cooker had all the pots, pans and utensils needed to cook a feast. For those who would prefer to enjoy a nice meal out, the venue recommends The Hope & Anchor nearby. Upstairs are two cosy bedrooms with plenty of space to relax and get ready. We decided to try out the nook room, which features a large bed that provided the perfect escape from everyday life, thanks to the curtains that created an almost den-like feel. Here we had the perfect night’s rest and woke up feeling refreshed for the day ahead. Honestly, I was out like a light as soon as my head hit that pillow. THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY After the perfect night’s rest, what better way to start the day than a full English breakfast? The team at Sawcliffe Manor provided us with a basket full of everything needed to create the perfect meal. We enjoyed fresh orange juice, milk, eggs, locally cured bacon, Lincolnshire sausages, a fresh granary loaf, tasty pastries, cake, honey, homemade jam and granola with different toppings. I usually grab breakfast on the go with how busy everyday life can be, so it was so lovely to take time together to cook a lovely meal. PAMPERING SESSIONS Sawcliffe Manor is home to a natural, off-grid spa that provides a private space to relax and pamper yourself for three hours. Its stunning surroundings create the perfect backdrop to disconnect from the world and enjoy quality time with loved ones. The spa takes the team seven hours to prepare, so we felt privileged to be able to try it out. We started with a dip in the wooden hot tub made from spruce and larch wood. No chemicals or electricity are used, so it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin. Our favourite part of the experience was the copper milk bath, which left our skin smooth and hydrated. We soaked in the tub for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Unlike my partner, I was brave enough to face the Swedish ice bucket, which was definitely ice cold! To warm up, I used the freshly picked herbs to create some tea while my feet were soaking in the salt foot bath. We then scrubbed our body with Beldi soap and an exfoliation mitt to remove all our dry skin – I felt a million dollars afterwards. What better way to finish our relaxation session than a good old clay mask? TIME TO EXPLORE We love a good competition and couldn’t wait to participate in an archery session, an activity we had done before and really enjoyed! Our instructor Reg was fantastic. His passion for the sport was evident, and he shared plenty of knowledge with us. After shooting a few arrows in the 17th-century dairy, we got the hang of it and had the best time. After a fun morning session, it was time to explore the nearby nature reserve to try and find the wild Exmoor ponies. The herd of 32 ponies roam free on 400 acres to help keep the grass levels down and support the ecosystem. After a short walk, we turned a corner to find the magnificent creates almost waiting for us. We watched them from afar amongst nature and enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere. In the countryside Olivia Gibson discovers what Sawcliffe Manor Country House has to offer THE FINAL VERDICT We had such a fantastic stay at Sawcliffe Manor! The team couldn’t have been more welcoming, and it felt like a home away from home. The venue provided the perfect location for us to relax and unwind together in dreamworthy surroundings. We created so many lovely memories, and I can’t wait to go back in the future. Discover more about the property here: www.sawcliffemanor.com 19 HOTEL VENUES
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