CHECKING IN: LAID-BACK LUXURY IN THE COTSWOLDS







There’s a snow blizzard whipping its way around the Cotswolds, but we’re totally oblivious. Submerged in a 36-degree pool, we spend most of our staycation at Barnsley House Hotel whiling the hours away in the spa enjoying massages and alternativing between the steam and sauna.



We escaped to the Barnsley, a beautiful house in the middle of the Cotswolds countryside. Even the journey to get there was a delight, weaving our way through tiny villages with the cutest chocolate-box houses, little rivers and bridges, and cobbled flint walls. This is Britain as its absolute best.




We stayed in the barns, which were nothing short of superb. Our ground floor housed an enormous cloud-like bed and a waterfall shower, while upstairs there was a sofa, TV and large jacuzzi, which was the perfect solution to stave off the winter chill.


It’s certainly luxurious – fluffy towels, huge beds and carpets so thick your feet sink into them – but pretentious it is not. The food and drink on offer are amazing. We started in the bar and made our way to the Potager for dinner and drinks. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to check out the Village Pub (which is also owned by the same company). There’s no dress code, which adds to the relaxed feel.



The house itself is full of incredible window seats with plump cushions, which offers the perfect setting for a chilled afternoon sipping cocktails from their very extensive gin bar.


We woke up to a heavy snowfall, which was absolute heaven. I know some people hate snow, but I absolutely love it. We went for a walk around the grounds before breakfast and the blanket of snow made the whole place seem magical.


After a couple of days in this glorious country escape, we headed back home to Norfolk feeling totally recharged. I'm now trying to convince my boyfriend to make this an annual getaway...

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