SET WITHIN 20 acres of award-winning gardens, Homewood Hotel & Spa is one of the UK’s most characterful luxury retreats.
Filled with eclectic interiors, bespoke artworks and intriguing objet d’art, the hotel was purchased by hoteliers Ian and Christa Taylor of the Kaleidoscope Collection in 2018 and has since undergone extensive redevelopment, transforming the secluded Georgian property into the perfect location for soaking up the serenity of the Somerset countryside.
Homewood Hotel & Spa
Homewood Hotel & Spa
Each of the hotel’s guest rooms has been individually designed by Ian, who has scoured antique shops and auctions across the country for one-off furniture and décor to give each space a unique feel. The 31 rooms range from a cosy Elegant Room and decadent Hot Tub Suite in the main house to the newly-launched Mallingford Mews, the estate’s original lodge house, which has been reimagined as an ultra-luxe ten-bedroom property.
Outdoor pool at Homewood Hotel & Spa
During my stay at Homewood, I had the pleasure of spending the night in one of the hotel’s self-catering garden lodges, namely the Waterlily lodge, with delicious brownies and Taittinger bubbles laying in wait upon entry.
Positioned just steps away from the garden pool, Waterlily offers stunning hand-crafted wallpapers, luxe accessories, including Dyson hairdryers and a Smeg coffee machine, and a spacious private terrace complete with ornate sculptures and a hot tub. Not to mention a sweeping bathroom, complete with bespoke Diptyque amenities, a walk-in shower and a rose-pink tub with relaxing bubble bath to boot.
Lounge at Homewood Hotel & Spa
Mallingford Mews at Homewood Hotel & Spa
Homewood Hotel & Spa
Tucked in the grounds behind the main house is the hotel’s Spa, a revitalising sanctuary for guests at Homewood. Offering holistic treatments that range from restorative facials to the hotel’s signature Vitality top-to-toe experience, facilities include an indoor hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room as well as a heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub with breathtaking views over the valley.
Olio Terrace at Homewood Hotel & Spa
Equally as indulgent is Homewood’s Olio restaurant, where the hotel’s faultless service and expertise truly shines. Using the finest sustainable ingredients sourced from local farmers, Executive Chef James Forman and his team have put together a menu of hearty British classics, each elevated with extraordinary Mediterranean flair.
On top of breakfast, lunch and dinner, afternoon tea is also available daily and can be enjoyed indoors or on the picturesque Olio Terrace. Opened in summer 2020, the sun-drenched destination is available for both for guests and locals alike and boasts an outdoor kitchen, pizza oven and seating areas for up to 100 people, ranging from chalets to dining domes with stunning views across the gardens.
Dining at Homewood Hotel & Spa
Dining at Homewood Hotel & Spa
Additionally, all guest rooms, sitting areas and the bar are dog-friendly, with a specially curated pet-menu available for your four-legged friends to enjoy, from Marshfield Farm Scoop’s Dog Ice Cream to Banana Bone Biscuits and Vegan Cheesy Dog Pupcorn.
Gardens at Homewood Hotel & Spa
Homewood Hotel & Spa
Positioned a mere 15 minutes from Bath, Homewood is within easy reach of the world heritage city’s best-loved attractions, while also offering the perfect refuge to unwind and breath in the country air. After a thoroughly relaxing stay, I couldn’t recommend this fantastic hotel more as the ideal secluded spot for your next luxury British staycation.
by Joshua Hendren
Homewood Hotel & Spa, Abbey Ln, Freshford, Bath BA2 7TB
Tel: 01225 580439