The English countryside has inspired scores of poets and writers, and drawn many tourists - both from within the country and far beyond. The changing colours, sounds and sights of the wildlife in rural England through the seasons have enthralled many of us from the tropics. With hundreds, if not thousands, of establishments in the UK laying claim to being country estate hotels, choosing the right one for your needs may be tough.
To make things simple, we recommend keeping to the south of England if proximity to London and balmy weather are your top priorities. Narrow your choices to the ones that marry beautiful interiors with a breathtaking landscape, serve posh nosh featuring local produce, and feature quintessential English activities at their doorstep. Here are our top picks.
THE NEWT IN SOMERSET
Bruton, Somerset Here's a country property that offers something wholly different from the rest. The Newt in Somerset is actually a working estate with a hotel - not the other way round. Yet, a stay here is anything but rural, although the hotel does lay claim to having the nation's biggest herd of the indigenous British White cows, some of which guests will see grazing on the 300ha estate. In fact, refined is the more apt description for this property. This is despite the fact that it is located in Bruton, a 20min drive from Pilton, home to the famous Glastonbury Festival that typically draws a more casual and free-spirited music-loving crowd.
The owners are Koos Bekker and Karen Roos, the South African husband and wife pair behind Babylonstoren, a former Cape Dutch farmyard in South Africa that has been transformed into a renowned hotel with a working farm, vineyards and over 250 people in its employment on a 500ha estate. And they have repeated the same feat halfway across the world in Somerset.
Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Double Take
Although somewhat dismissed by the contemporary art world as gimmicky, works that incorporate optical illusions remain immensely popular with the general public. Perhaps it speaks to our inherent need for something slightly magical in our everyday lives.
Plugged Into Wealth
Fintech advocate Carney Mak is bullish on disruptive technologies, but preaches deep understanding of business models before diving in.
Going for Green
SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.
TABLES TURNED
They could have their pick of the best schools, but more young super achievers from Asia are going to a hotel academy a choice they believe opens up more doors.
PRECIOUS HISTORY
Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.
Colours of the Season
Thanks to K-pop stars, analysing colours to personalise make-up has surged, with theslategs service available from the boutique of Korean. brity make-up artist JUNG SAEM MOOL.
MAKING OF AN OPUS
In Hermes’ Barénia, in-house perfumer CHRISTINE NAGEL has realised a decade-long dream that harks back to her childhood stories.
Everywhere Care
Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.
Pucker Up
Lip moisturisers are essential in Singapore’s air-conditioned environment. We share our personal favourites and introduce lip care that go the distance.
