Five-star Foxhill Manor takes the art of hospitality to a whole new level
Words: Selma Day
Foxhill Manor is a charming Grade II listed manor in the heart of the Cotswolds. Near the pretty village of Broadway, it is part of the 400-acre Farncombe Estate, which is also home to Dormy House Hotel & Spa and The Fish Hotel.
As soon as enter the grounds along the sweeping gravel drive, you know you have arrived at a very special place and the minute you step in the front door of Foxhill Manor, you feel you are in a home, rather than a hotel. A warm welcome and the offer of a glass of champagne before you even check in set the tone for a truly relaxed stay.
The manor was built in 1909 in the Arts & Crafts style and was recently restored to its original glory in a multi-million pound refurbishment. The interiors feature a carefully-curated mix of antique and contemporary pieces (with a nod to the hotelâs Danish owners) and the eight rooms â five bedrooms and three suites â are individually designed, each with its own colour palette, and come with all the luxuries you would expect from a top hotel, including state-of-the-art bathrooms with large, free-standing bath tubs.
The ethos of the hotel is to operate as a private house hotel where you basically curate your own experience. So thereâs no restaurant as such â at some point in the day the chef will come and sit down with you and create a bespoke menu based on whatâs fresh, seasonal or just takes your fancy. Nothing is too much trouble. You can even put in your request before you arrive. A couple we got talking to in the bar were later seen tucking into lobster Thermidor  â not that we had any reason to be envious as all the food was delicious.
As to where you dine, the choice is yours. The hotel takes an âaccess all areasâ approach, so depending on your mood, you can dine in any of the spaces.
If you are feeling particularly sociable, the lounge area is a cosy place to hang out as youâll inevitably get chatting to other guests. You can help yourself to complimentary drinks including a selection of spirits and house champagne from the drinks trolly (as well as a selection of cakes).
Wine lovers will enjoy exploring the cellar which houses a great selection including special vintages or you can leave it up to the sommelier to help you pick the perfect wine to go with your meal.
If throughout the day youâre feeling peckish, you can raid the pantry, which is filled with all sorts of goodies, or you can order fresh from the kitchen snacks and, if you are in the mood for a film or a Netflix binge, head to the Media Room where the popcorn will be waiting.
Guests have full access to the spa at Dormy House which offers an indoor/outdoor blend of soothing therapies, pool, terrace hot tub and Scandi-style thermal suite, so if youâre after a touch of pampering, a house car is available to take you there and back. For the more active, the estate offers a range of adventures and activities, from axe throwing and clay pigeon shooting to falconry, hovercraft flights and yoga.
With all the character of a boutique hotel hideaway but in a homely atmosphere â complete with round-the-clock butler service â Foxhill Manor has everything youâd want from a country escape, whether itâs a romantic weekend away with your loved one, or a house party, celebration or get together with friends or family.
