Combermere Abbey’s North Wing is technically a bed and breakfast accommodation. However, after spending a night in this beautiful Grade 1 listed building situated on an idyllic country estate, it feels too reductive to add this unique experience into such a pedestrian category.
A stay at Combermere Abbey is pure luxury, (at a surprisingly affordable mid-range price point*), that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and transports your staycation into a fantasy worthy of a Bridgerton episode, where you can marvel at your surroundings and truly relax.
I visited the North Wing for an overnight stay with my husband, and Combermere Abbey certainly impressed from the off. Surrounded by glorious countryside, the drive to the North Wing takes you through what is a quintessentially an English country estate. Past Combermere’s own woodlands, their walled gardens and alongside their beautifully quaint self-catering cottages, (which can also be booked for stays), before reaching the grandeur of the main house. Combermere Abbey is the real diamond of the estate; this imposing and very grand Tudor manor, overlaid with a gothic façade, is one of the historical highlights of Cheshire.
Access via the impressive iron gates, you drive past the main entrance to the Manor House and turn the corner to be greeted by the delightful North Wing. It has its own entrance, which is in fact so grand in its own right, that calling it simply ‘a separate entrance’ does it a disservice. The façade of the North Wing is beautiful, with miniature topiary mazes to either side of the imposing door and a view overlooking a lake. It is as if you are arriving at your very own, albeit smaller, manor house. Practically, the North Wing also has its own small car park and an electric charging point.
As we were the only booking that evening (there are two rooms which can be booked: The Salamanca and The Bhurtpore), we had the delightful bonus of having the whole North Wing to ourselves; an absolute treat.
Upon arrival, Stephan – North Wing’s resident house manager – greeted us and helped us with our luggage, followed by a tour of the North Wing, helpfully explaining all the essential information for our stay. Stephan, who – like magic – periodically disappears and reappears as and when needed, was our own private butler during our stay. This is a wholly unique touch, which adds real decadence and elevates North Wing far above the usual B&B experience. A genuinely lovely man, Stephan welcomed us with tea and cake on arrival and prepared our breakfast in the morning to our specification. In the evening you can eat in one of the local eateries nearby, or opt as we did, for a Grazing Board. Freshly prepared by Stephen, it was a delicious array of cheeses, fruits, crackers, breads and more, immaculately presented and more than substantial enough to act as our evening meal.
The North Wing contains two bedrooms: The Salamanca, a large, light and airy suite with a super king size bed, its own sitting room and a huge bathroom, complete with freestanding bath. The bath is grandly positioned in the centre of the room, directly in front of a large gothic window overlooking the lake. The fact that North Wing is not overlooked by anything other than nature really comes in to its own here, as you can soak in the bath whilst gazing out at the stunning countryside and the mere. I’d suggest enjoying a bath as the sun rises or sets to make the most of this perfect view.
The Bhurtpore room, where we slept, exudes history and charm with rich panelling and cosier décor, and this can be booked as both a twin or a super-king double. I adored the oak panelled walls and ‘hidden’ door behind which you access the bathroom and shower room. This room whispers its history filled with secrets, it felt like we were sleeping in a magical storybook setting. The Bhurtpore also boasts stunning views over the mere, wonderful to enjoy with your morning coffee. Truly enchanting.
Downstairs, there is large hall with an impressive fireplace, leading to the staircase straight ahead, and the downstairs living quarters to the right. There is a glorious sitting room filled with light, decorated with fabrics from the noted designer Nina Campbell – who worked alongside Combermere Abbey’s owner Sarah Callander Beckett on creating the interior styling – which adjoins a grand dining room and compact kitchen area. In the kitchen, you can also purchase Combermere Abbey’s own gin or a selection of wines. This area can be screened, which it is when the House Butler is preparing meals. This is also where your Butler accesses his office in the main house (adding to the whole magical appearing / reappearing trick). The furnishings throughout the North Wing include inherited pieces passed down through the family, combined with items from local auction houses. The result is a luxurious and grand effect, which is also warm and welcoming.
When we came downstairs in the morning, we were greeted by pastries, cereals, juices, yoghurts, fruits and spreads (homemade and estate-grown), laid out by Stephan in the dining room, which we enjoyed whilst our breakfast was being freshly prepared, (you request your exact breakfast order the night before). It was delicious and I even managed to question Stephan on just how he prepares such aesthetically pleasing poached eggs! I will keep to the Butler’s code by not divulging this! We were amazed by the quality of the breakfast and how immaculately it was presented.
Whilst staying at Combermere Abbey, I would recommend making the most of the lovely walks around the estate. The woodland walk is well signposted and you get to see some of the wonderful local wildlife.
Also located on the estate there is an award-winning gin distillery where you can book gin making courses, and a local café, both great ways to expand the experience should you wish.
Overall our stay at Combermere Abbey was an unforgettable experience, with the the North Wing offering a unique staycation that will delight and amaze, offering a truly unusual luxurious and idyllic retreat.
*Prices start from around £210 per night.
Find out more and book your room via their website www.combermereabbey.co.uk.
Review and images by Victoria Reddington @vic_reddington
Feature image supplied
