ALTHOUGH just seconds from the M25 motorway in Hertfordshire, which connects Birch’s rural surrounds to the rest of the world, this Grade-II listed country pile feels a world away from city life.
Yet Birch – which opened its doors to the public last year – is far from your average English manor house, with its pastel colour palette, mid-century furniture and hand-on cultural programme helping reinvent it as a vibrant destination for all ages.
Mansion House Hallway, Birch
More akin to a low-key festival than a traditional hotel, there’s always something happening at Birch, whether in the form of art classes, fitness bootcamps or farm tours. In addition to an elegant wellness centre and the Lido swimming pool, flanked by street-food vendors and murals, there are acres of farm and woodland to explore.
We introduce ourselves to Birch’s saddleback pigs before spending a morning by the pool, studying a map of the grounds and hatching plans. That afternoon we immerse ourselves in a pottery class, learning to shape bowls and dishes before retiring to our comfortable, if simple, room, lent character by artwork from several long-standing Birch collaborators.
Birch
Later, cocktails are served on the terrace overlooking the grounds as a DJ provides a Balearic-inspired backdrop. Ahead of us, guests put the barbecue pits to good use while others retire to hammocks slung up where the gardens give way to woodland.
With the light starting to fade, we walk through Birch’s vegetable gardens, en route to the outstanding Zebra Riding Club restaurant, set in the former stables.
Birch, Evelyn Room
The creation of chef Robin Gill, who trained at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons before making his name at The Dairy in Clapham, his sophisticated farm-to-table set menus shine a light on local produce and we enjoy house-cured charcuterie and homegrown tomatoes along-side a glass of ortega wine by Kentish producer Westwell before returning our attention to tomorrow’s activities.
Birch, Reception room
by Ben Olsen
Double rooms from £150:
Birch Lieutenant Ellis Way
Cheshunt
EN7 5HW
Tel: 01992 633375