As someone who genuinely believes in the charm of staycations trading airports and long-haul flights for serenity and countryside, I recently checked into the Horwood House Hotel in Buckinghamshire with my travel companion, ready for a restorative break. There’s something quietly indulgent about checking into a country house hotel that doesn’t demand a long journey. For me, that’s the joy of a great British staycation.
Set within 38 acres of landscaped grounds, Horwood House is a Grade II listed manor, originally built in 1911 in classic Jacobean style. The tree lined drive up to the estate feels distinctly English. Inside, there’s a lovely balance of heritage and modern design. The interiors have been refurbished to blend original wood panelling and tall windows with calming tones, soft furnishings and warm lighting throughout to make you instantly comfortable. Staff are relaxed yet professional and everything from check in to dinner service flows with that unspoken ease only truly well-run hotels manage to achieve.
Guest rooms at Horwood House are made for lingering. Plush king-sized beds and soothing neutral tones with some rooms overlooking the gardens and others, the rolling Buckinghamshire countryside. Watching the sunset on the horizon from the comfort of your cosy room after an hour long, full body massage is extremely satisfying.
There are thoughtful touches too with rooms featuring Nespresso machines, fluffy robes for spa wanderings and bathrooms with rainfall showers.
You can’t come to Horwood and not take full advantage of their H Spa. Yes, it is smaller than other hotels I have frequented but this one is intentionally intimate. The spa team are just as inviting and take care of all your needs during your visit. The facilities include a 15-metre pool, steam room, sauna, heated loungers, modern gym and a tranquil relaxation lounge. The changing rooms are spotless and the branded bags in which your robes and slippers are presented to you is understated luxury. (I kept the bag for my clothes and now use it when doing my laundry at home).
Treatments are powered by Caudalie, the French skincare brand famed for its vineyard inspired formulas. The menu spans from glow boosting facials to full body massages. I opted for the latter and left feeling as though someone had quietly reset my nervous system.
Being in the English countryside, we also had Afternoon Tea to kick start our spa afternoon. Served in Harry’s Bar & Kitchen, the china is mis-matched giving it that chintzy feel and tea is served piping hot in cute teapots. Cakes are delicate and delicious, the scones are served with generous helpings of jam and clotted cream and the freshly made sandwiches make the whole experience quintessentially British.
Come evening, Harry’s Bar & Kitchen delivers a dining experience that’s both sophisticated and relaxed. The menu champions seasonal, locally sourced produce and classic British dishes along with some surprisingly delicious middle eastern inspired dishes. It was the plot twist my plus one and I didn’t expect. We were ravenous so we decided to order the Mezze Sharing Platter which delivered! Every single element on this platter was executed to perfection and spiced the way it should be. I haven’t had vine leaves that good since I was in Turkey years ago. Overall, our meal refined comfort food and blended familiar flavours with a touch of unexpected finesse. Bravo to chef!
What did I love most about Horwood House? It’s sense of stillness. It doesn’t shout for attention or try to reinvent the idea of a countryside retreat. It perfects it with slow mornings, leisurely walks around the autumnal gardens, lazy lunches, spa afternoons and unhurried evenings spent sipping cocktails and enjoying good quality food.
Horwood House captures the very essence of a modern British staycation by being characterful, comfortable and beautifully calm. It’s luxurious but never loud and it is perfect for everyone – couples, friends or solo. For me, it was just over an hour from London and the kind of place you could visit for a single night and leave feeling as though you’ve been away for days. And really, isn’t that what the best getaways are all about.
Review and Images by Zoe Laing @_zozogram_
Feature image supplied
