IF you’re in need of a retreat from the relentless pace of modern life then Dormy House is the perfect antidote. Nestled in the Cotswold hills, this historic former farmhouse – built in the iconic limestone typical of the area – has been stylishly transformed into a boutique hotel.
Retaining the rustic charm of original features and fireplaces, there are cosy nooks with roaring fires, and beautifully appointed sitting rooms filled with board games, perfect for switching off devices and remembering the joy of play.
The Yellow Lounge
Despite its size, the hotel boasts several culinary outlets. The AA rosette-awarded and Michelin-starred MO is where chef Mathieu Blanchard unleashes his creativity upon an eight-course tasting menu served to just 12 guests at a time. The Back Garden restaurant gives away its ethos with its name, showcasing ingredients grown and raised very close to home.
The restaurant works with local farmers to source excellently cared for rare-breed animals and seasonal produce – in short, exactly how we are supposed to eat. The Shed bar offers all day casual dishes, cocktails and local beers for more laid back dining. And, finally, there is The Greenhouse – the dining space attached to the spa, which serves health-conscious dishes and superfood juices as well as cream teas and luxurious hot chocolates.
All menus also offer £5 “zero calorie invisible chips”, a humorous and thoughtful way to encourage guests to support Hospitality Action – a charity that helps people in the hospitality industry who have suffered life-changing events.
A Top Notch Room
The hotel’s pièce de resistance, however, is the stunning spa, complete with a large indoor pool and outdoor hydro pool with roaring fire. As well as saunas, snow shower and floatation tanks, there is an extensive menu of treatments including the highly indulgent “champagne and truffles” anti-aging facial that includes ingredients like gold, champagne, black truffle, silk and diamonds to hydrate and renew skin.
Outdoor Hydro Pool
After a day of indulgence there is nothing better than retiring to one of the thoughtfully designed rooms. Styled in muted colours with plush furnishings, they are full of helpful little touches like welly boots for walking the gorgeous local trails.
by Nicola Kavanagh
Rates start from £340 for an intimate room on a B&B basis. Find out more: dormyhouse.co.uk