Far from the madding crowd, amidst the green vales, grazing sheep and drystone walls of the Cotswolds sits Burleigh Court, peacefully looking across Golden Valley as it has for nearly two centuries.
Thick sinewed Virginia creeper and red roses ramble across the honey-coloured stone of the Georgian manor, a Grade 2 listed house surrounded by four acres of estate, boundaries marked out by towering yews and pines.
Hotel
Just over two years ago, new owners took over this 18-room boutique hotel, ripping out old carpets and chucking out the shabby, and now, contemporary charm has been tastefully added to Georgian neo-classicism.
As escapees from London’s frenetic pace, the new owners were determined to bring a home-from-home comfort to this peaceful country retreat. Come weekends, Burleigh Court is a popular sanctuary from urban life, and true country life aficionados will be pleased to learn that the safe can hold up to four guns for a shooting party.
A warm welcoming ambience, created by both décor and staff, draws visitors from both locally and afar. Furnished with some of the owners’ family heirlooms, including an antique gramophone, the lounge with a vibrant but restrained wallpaper is a restful spot for afternoon tea.
Room
Our room was Foxgloves, situated on the first floor, with views across the terraced gardens and on towards the croquet lawn. A romantic four-poster bed takes pride of place and, although there is a nod towards the original Regency styling, an expansive marble topped dressing table and botanical prints create the aura of a Victorian lady’s restful bedroom.
It’s a spacious room that leads into a light and long en-suite bathroom featuring separate spa-bath, power shower and the fragrant aroma of Burleigh Court’s own organic toiletries.
Food
Sustainability is a key theme for a bar and restaurant that only stocks Old World wines. Wherever possible the two AA rosette restaurant is sourced from within a radius of 30 miles, minimising food miles. A recently acquired huge greenhouse will, with the guidance of Emanuelle, kitchen gardener and forager, bring even more local sourcing.
A starter of forager’s salad, topped with Burleigh Court micro herbs, epitomises the natural approach to the menu as does another frequently ordered starter of celeriac fondant with mushrooms. Though halibut with scallop and salmon have to be sourced from a little further afield.
Although many guests take breakfast and dinner in the oak-panelled restaurants, there are plans to make the terrace a year round dining venue – as far as the British climate permits. Currently, fire pits and thick throws help to keep the Cotswold chill at bay.
To do
From March through to mid-November, Burleigh Court puts on regular foraging experiences attracting many a guest. Apprentice foragers undertake a walk through local paths and fields, guided by Emanuelle, gathering some of the ingredients required for a three-course meal and foraging course back at the hotel. Alternatively, guests may book a private foraging experience to coincide with their visit.
“Don’t munch on a hunch,” is Emanuelle’s safety guide to foraging as she directs towards beginner’s plants and trees. Elderflower, for cordials, gin and a medicinal syrup that is thought to boost immunity, is a good starter tree.
Emanuelle’s cross-referencing approach – checking leaves, stems and habitat with books and websites – always errs towards caution. She is ultra-cautious over the ingredients for her hedgerow ketchup. “Always begin with just a small sample of a new foraged food,” advises Emanuelle. “Our digestive systems can no longer cope with these natural foods,” she continues, recognising how far we have journeyed from our hunter-gatherer origins.
Buying just flour, oats, pasta and rice from shops, Emanuelle and her partner spend many hours foraging, reducing their environmental impact. Wild mushroom risotto and nettle pesto pasta are supper-time favourites, however, even nettles require caution as they progress from tender to toxic.
Could Emanuelle survive purely on foraged food? “It would be difficult. There aren’t many easy sources of carbohydrates,” she admits. Although, few first-timers are likely to abandon supermarket shops for foraging. it is an experience that makes us realise that we no longer see the natural world – and it’s potential – around us.
Many guests relax with walks across Minchinhampton Common, looking for some of its rare wild orchid species in summer and wild cyclamen in autumn. Others use Burleigh Court as a base for exploring the Cotswolds, driving to Cheltenham, Highgrove, Slimbridge, Westonbirt arboretum and many quaint Cotswold villages.
In summer, an Art Deco plunge pool is ideal for a cooling dip before relaxing on the surrounding sun loungers .
In a nutshell
Burleigh Court is an idyllic country escape where relaxation is woven through the chic country ambience. After a change of ownership, the restaurant which focuses on simple, natural flavours, is on the up, and not just when it comes to dinner – Cotswold breakfasts win plaudits and the venison suet pudding is a legend in its own lunchtime.
Factbox
For travel in December, a romantic category suite is priced from £219 per night (Sunday-Thursday) and £239 per night (Friday and Saturday). Dinner, bed and breakfast packages are also available.
The Wild Foodie Foraging Experience is priced from £65 per person or £130 per couple.
Address: Burleigh Court Hotel, Burleigh, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2PF
Phone: 01453 883804
Email: reservation@burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk
Website: burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk
Photography courtesy of Burleigh Court Photography.
