RECTORY HOTEL
Rustic-chic Cotswold manor set in pretty walled gardens
MELLOW COTSWOLD STONE WALLS AND GABLED WINDOWS lend this Georgian country house near Malmesbury real
olde-worlde appeal. Once the village rectory to the Saxon church next door, Rectory Hotel looks like a quintessential Cotswold manor.
This pleasing 17th century house has now been given a huge shot of contemporary design flair. The result is an
appealingly trendy rustic-chic retreat with squashy leather sofas, plump cushions and open log fires making for a supremely relaxed place to stay.
Period details are overlaid with decidely modern accents. You can
sip a cocktail and nibble olives by the fire in the stylishly furnished lounge, with its collection of ornamental glass, or perch on claret-coloured stools by the leather trimmed bar. An eclectic mix of antiques, junk shop finds – nicely set off with bold prints – are matched with aplomb.
Hit the spot
In a Wiltshire village near Malmesbury.
Bedtime
Bag the honeymoon suite – Leckhampton – with its kingsize bed and roll-top bath, or Sudeley, with its four-poster bed. Both are deluxe rooms.
Be savvy
Saturday nights are heavily booked – try other nights if you can.
Be smitten
Cotswolds with added gastro flair.
Victorian walled garden
Bedrooms have a touch of
country-cottage simplicity, with polished Victorian wardrobes, pristine white bed covers, wool throws and restrained floral fabrics. Many have wooden beams and original fireplaces, while hand sprung mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets promise a blissful night’s kip. Restful colours and bathrooms stocked with Arran Aromatics body care products pile on the comfort factor.
Overlooking the
Beatrix Potter-esque garden with its sunken lily pond, the Rectory’s
wood panelled restaurant stretches into a light and airy conservatory. Crisp napkins, bare wood tables and modish glassware lend an open bistro feel. Chef Peter Fairclough’s much-lauded modern British menu puts the emphasis firmly on fresh, seasonal and organic ingredients.
If things look good inside Rectory Hotel, they’re idyllic outside.
Three acres of beautifully tended Victorian walled gardens, dotted with modern sculptures, wrap the manor in lush surrounds almost big enough to get lost in. Push up the sash windows in your room to breathe in the scent of flowers – there are garden views from all bedrooms.
Play a round of croquet or boules on the lawn or have a dip in the
outdoor heated swimming pool – a real plus. Flop on a sunlounger on hot summer days while you sip a Pimms.
You’re on the
edge of the Cotswolds here – a great base for exploring the area’s historic towns and villages. While this is undoubtedly a family friendly place (with many guests arriving en famille), The Rectory is also a place for just chilling à deux. An air of friendly informality makes it just the place for Cotswold R&R.
The Rectory Hotel was reviewed by
Room for Romance
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Dining in
Chef Peter Fairclough has honed his gastro credentials at other top Cotswold establishments. His delicious fare – featuring locally grown and seasonal ingredients – includes
tian of crab and herb salad with pesto dressing, followed by roast chump of lamb with dauphinoise potato and spinach on a baby caper and rosemary jus, or
smoked salmon tortellini on a saffron sauce.
Dining out
Pop across the road to the Potting Shed, branded a progressive gastro pub and sharing the same owners as Rectory Hotel. You’ll find some great English ales on tap here and top nosh – including a Best of British selection.
Where?
Rectory Hotel at Malmesbury
What’s cooking?
Pressed terrine of guinea fowl or mushrooms à la greque to start, followed by seared supreme of salmon with basil mash or
Top table?
Next to the window, for those great garden views.
See & Do
This is a great base for exploring the pretty Wiltshire countryside with its villages and country pubs. City slickers can head into Bath to see the numerous attractions on offer, such as the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Rooms. Nearby Westonbirt Arboretum is also well worth a visit, especially in the winter months, when it becomes a picture book winter wonderland lit up at night.
If you’d sooner lounge around the hotel gardens, grab a sun lounger by the pool, play some croquet or have a round of table tennis.
Shop
Take a trip to Tetbury and pick up some goodies from the Highgrove shop – there’s everything from Duchy of Cornwall home-baked cookies and organic wine to hand crafted ceramics and pottery. The town also has some great places for antique trawling.
Spa
Book an in-room massage or beauty treatment for that instant pampering pick-me-up. Choose from Swedish massage to a de-stressing and supple-making deep cleanse back treatment.
After dark
The village of Crudwell is perfect for quiet nights in – with maybe a nightcap at the Potting Shed across the street.
Dates
February
Get a real taste of the West country – scrumpy and a hog roast at the Bath Cider Festival.
May-June
The Bath International Music Festival plays host to stars and up and coming acts from over 30 countries.
GETTING THERE
Location
Crudwell, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9EP
Parking
There is free guest parking.
Trains
Kemble station – three miles. There’s an excellent rail service from London.
Taxis
GBP 10 – 15 from the station.
Airport
Bristol International – 35 miles
Rooms and suites
12 Rooms
Special features
You’ll find an IPod dock and DVD player, fine Egyptian linen and garden views. The Leckhampton room (roll-top bath) and Sudeley (four poster) are tops for romance.
Also…
Walled gardens complete with outdoor heated swimming pool are great for strolls, boules and croquet – as well as alfresco cocktails. There’s also a helipad for high-flying arrivals.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 105-175
Open/closed
Open all year.
Check-in
15:00
Check-out
11:00
Minimum night stay?
No.
Breakfast
Full Cotswold breakfast is served until 10:00.
Room service
Available morning and evening.
Children
Welcome.
Pets
Welcome.
Air conditioning
No.
Languages
English.
Wedding license?
Yes – with parties of up to 110 guests catered for. You’ll need to take exclusive hire of the hotel.
Eco conscience
All food is sourced locally, minimising the food miles and ensuring fresh, seasonal dishes.
Your contact
Lee Mitchell – general manager.