Nestled in 11 acres of alluring parkland with lush green lawns, formal flower gardens and gravel courtyards is grade II listed Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, the epitome of luxury and the perfect place for a luxurious country retreat.
Billesley Manor is conveniently located just five miles from Stratford-Upon-Avon, the historic birthplace of Shakespeare and is the ideal base for exploring this historic town and the surrounding Warwickshire countryside.
The estate is beautiful and begging to be explored, whether it’s croquet on the lawn, a game of tennis on the private courts, a glass of wine on the patio or just a walk around the extensive grounds, there’s something to suit everyone.
Be sure to follow the footpath around the back of the hotel to the historic 11th century All Saints Church, where it’s rumoured in 1582 William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, though there is no definite proof there is definitely plenty of clues to suggest it’s true. Certainly his granddaughter, Elizabeth Nash, was married here in 1646.
There is also a suggestion that Shakespeare wrote ‘As You Like It’ in the now aptly named ‘As You Like It Lounge’ a wonderfully relaxing quirky space with large bay windows and comfy sofas but the crème de la crème in this room is the stunning instillation of books cascading across the ceiling, most definitely a talking point and the ultimate space to play board games, sit and read a book or just relax with a coffee or glass of wine.
Throughout most of the hotel the sophisticated décor of traditional oak panelling, a rich palette of blues and golds, sumptuous sofas, quirky artwork and several grand fireplaces, flow effortlessly, creating a distinctive style and calming ambience.
Billesley Manor houses 71 sumptuous rooms and suites – Our room was large and one of grandeur comprising of an elegant and expansive bedroom area, two large windowed alcoves showcasing effortlessly the beautifully manicured gardens and flowing fountain. The lounge area had a vibrant blue velvety sofa, coffee table and two velour armchairs in bright floral fabric adding splashes of vivid colour to the soft neutral hues of the rest of the room.
The bathroom was equally impressive and tempts you to have a much-deserved soak in the bath before wrapping yourself in the cosy robe and curling up in a chair to while away the time looking out onto the picturesque gardens.
Time certainly flys when you’re doing nothing and before we knew it, it was time for pre-dinner drinks in the atmospheric Great Hall Lounge and Bar. This 1920’s art deco lounge bar is overlooked from the galleried balcony above; grandeur and a relaxing atmosphere exude from all corners of the room.
Dinner is served in The Stuart Restaurant, split into two intimate wood panelled rooms, with high elegant ceilings and open fires. The menu offers modern British cuisine, with traditional dishes that are given sophisticated twists.
After perusing the menu we decided to begin with compressed heritage tomato served with feta and basil emulsion and rabbit terrine served with mushroom emulsion and pickled vegetables, they say you eat with your eyes and both these dishes certainly had the aesthetic, what about the taste? The flavour combination from both dishes was an absolute delight.
We followed this with chicken supreme accompanied with butternut squash, roasted parsnips and spinach, a dish full of sumptuous flavours and textures that definitely elevated the palette. Lamb rump served with smoked mash, black olives, whipped goats cheese and anchovies was the other choice, cooked medium just as requested, the amalgamation of tastes complimented the meat effortlessly.
I most definitely didn’t have room for dessert, but hubby had spotted The Tonka Bean Panna Cotta that he just couldn’t resist and in his words, it was ‘the icing on the cake’ after a heavenly dining experience.
But the evening didn’t end here, it would have been sacrilege not to indulge in a night cap in The Great Hall Bar, soaking up the atmosphere whilst surrounded by the soft lighting, sumptuous armchairs (Shakespeare certainly wouldn’t have looked out of place sat here), and cosy fire whilst looking around at all the paintings and portraits that adorned the walls.
After a peaceful and restful night’s sleep and suitably nourished after breakfast, it was time to head up the spa for the ‘ESPA Inner Calm Massage’. A full body massage to quieten your mind, release tension and nourish your skin with holistic massage techniques personalised to your own physical and emotional needs. It enlightens the senses and sends you into a serene state of pure indulgence. Dimmed lights, beautiful aromas and soothing music add to the whole ambience of peace and tranquillity.
Treatment finished I floated out of the room into the pool area to enjoy some final tranquil time before I began my journey home.
There’s definitely ‘Much Ado About Something’ at Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa an unquestionable ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ full of history and elegance, where sophistication and serenity shine around every corner.
BOOK IT
Prices start from £149 for a classic room.
For more information or to book, visit www.Billesleymanor.com
