Country Inns and hotels sometimes please and occasionally disappoint. I am not going to waste your time with a lengthy tome on sadness or lack, but offer a note about a place I will stay one day, in fact I would have to cancel other plans, happily, to stay at Whatley Manor.

Whatley Manor

On occasion an immediate feeling of wellbeing, enjoyable luxury and a wish to stay longer than your reservation might permit is the first experience when I arrive at a hotel. If the area, surrounding landscape and the building itself are all mouthwatering in appeal – a winner must be declared.

Aesthetically Whatley scores in the top percentile. Beautiful gardens offering both horticultural detail followed by simpler landscaping fold into rolling hill surrounds that define the appeal of the English countryside. A lake nestles at the foot of the first fold.

During my visit a group of enthusiast Ferrari owners parked their cars in the circular courtyard driveway before returning to London after a day’s singing exhaust note, well manicured leather upholstered, red painted, prancing horse motoring.

Even without this added attraction the enjoyment of tea in the lounge and a stroll in the expansive, far-as-the-eye-can-see, gardens was splendid.

Several lounge areas, terraces for outside dining or lounging and chatting – reading or relaxing and pondering, a spa and choice of 15 bedrooms and 8 suites in this exceptional building.

I did not stay overnight – but without doubt I will.

Whatley Manor views

Exciting prospect this is. To be excited about relaxing and strolling the gardens, to dine and enjoy what is clearly fine service from well trained and carefully selected staff – a great way to look forward to a treat in my travel rosta.

END NOTES:

Malmesbury is less than 10 minutes by car and worth visiting for its ancient medieval church, old village streets and impressive setting.

Bath 25 minutes’ drive, one of the most appealing towns in Britain for history, art, shopping at unique shops apart from the usual suspects (those recognizable shops present on every high street across the land), dining and the beauty of architecture, friendliness and of course – if you go early and miss the queues – the Roman baths.

Take a look or book a stay at Whatley Manor