Executive Golf Magazine

The ultra-cool modern furniture doesn’t seem remotely out of place in 17th-century Barnsley House; this spa-enhanced boutique hotel is set in beautiful countryside, less than two hours from London.

One of the most stylish country-house hotels, Gloucestershire’s Barnsley House is an imposing grade II-listed manor-house within 11 acres of grounds, designed by former owner Rosemary Verey, legendary gardener, designer and writer. Owners Tim and Rupert have been on a mission to chuck out the chintz, but have done so with the utmost respect for original features, adding a contemporary spa and seamlessly blending the old with the new. The muted tones of the traditional paints make a perfect backdrop to the B&B Italia square-backed swivel armchairs. Bathrooms are a big draw here, with features such as roll-top baths, twin sinks, walk-through showers and flatscreen TVs. Room 1 has two bathtubs, side by side in its bathroom; Room 2 has a Jacuzzi. Room 8 has a sitting room, and Room 7 has its own conservatory and garden. The eight new Stableyard Rooms are attractive duplexes with upstairs bathrooms and glamorous wet rooms; the suites have a rolltop bath at the foot of the bed.

Hotel restaurant
The secret of chef Graham Grafton’s super-fresh Modern European dishes are the home-grown vegetables, salad leaves and herbs plucked straight from the kitchen garden (zucchini soup and tempura courgette flowers on the same menu = seasonal perks).

Top table
Table 4, in the bay window

Hotel bar
The largely red bar (red satin drapes, red leather swivel chairs, red stools) is open till late for guests; champagne cocktails are a speciality

Rooms
18, including 11 suites.

Rates
£295–£570, including Continental breakfast and a five per cent discretionary hotel-service charge.

Check-out
Midday (5pm check-out available on payment of a £75 supplement). Check-in, 3pm.

Facilities
Landscaped gardens, tennis court, helipad, a spa – which focuses on holistic treatments and has a hydrotherapy pool, private 30-seat cinema, DVD library. In rooms, plasma-screen TV with surround-sound system, CD/DVD player, iPod dock, free broadband, mini fridge with free water, juice, champagne and chocolates.

Also
Minimum two-night stay at weekends, including bank holiday weekends. Make sure you book ahead at the restaurant and the Village Pub.

This hotel overview and images are courtesy of the boutique hotel experts at Mr & Mrs Smith

To book and for more information about Barnsley House CLICK HERE or call the Smith Travel Team on 0845 034 0700/ 020 8987 4312

Membership to the Executive Golf club is free. Simply click here and become a member of Executive Golf

Membership to Executive Golf is free. Please click here to apply to become an Executive Golf member.

« Return to previous page