Review of Washbourne Court Hotel, by Emma Gibbs

Lower Slaughter is everything it’s cracked up to be – an incredibly picturesque Cotswold village, where the limestone houses glow in the late afternoon sun and ducks float merrily along the small river that runs through it. Driving into Washbourne Court, a field full of grazing cows stretching ahead of you and grounds spreading down to the water, you can’t help but feel relaxed – and eager to pitch up outside with a gin and tonic.

The gorgeous main building, which dates back to the seventeenth century, was once home to an Eton crammer, though there’s none of the stuffiness that you might associate with a place with such a history. Instead, the friendly welcome makes you feel almost as though you’re staying in someone’s house, though with the luxury and privacy that comes with an exclusive hotel.

Throughout the hotel, décor is a wonderful, unfussy mix of old and new – original features like wooden beams and exposed walls combine with pop art, contemporary fabrics and smart dark wood furniture. The rooms, situated in the main house and the lovely courtyard buildings, are full of light and incredibly comfortable – indeed, it’s hard to drag yourself away from the seductively soft beds in the morning. Touches like iPod docks, wi-fi and DVD players ensure that even if the weather wrecks havoc with your plans, you probably won’t want to leave your room anyway. We particularly liked Cotton Hall, one of the spacious superior rooms, with a wonderful roll top bath and views over the grounds. 

It’s definitely worth getting up for breakfast, where you can start the day with delicious pastries, fruit and yoghurts before taking your pick from the extensive a la carte selection, which includes grilled kippers and an indulgent eggs benedict. Eton’s Restaurant has an excellent reputation for modern French food, served in the smart (though thankfully unpretentious) dining room that wouldn’t look out of place in London. Alternatively, lighter dishes are available in the bar, which is the perfect place to start or finish your evening – especially when the large fireplace is in use during winter, or out on the riverside terrace in summer.

Lower Slaughter itself makes the perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds – from the village you can follow the Warden’s Way footpath along the river and through fields to Upper Slaughter and eventually to Winchcombe, while nearby Bourton on the Water (dubbed – a little generously – the Venice of the Cotswolds), is just a thirty minute stroll away, with a good selection of restaurants, pubs and tea rooms. And in the village itself, don’t miss out on the delicious home made ice creams at the Old Mill – the perfect way to reward yourself after a long walk.