Burleigh Court is a Grade II listed bolt hole in the Cotswolds looking down on the lush Golden Valley.
Burleigh Court is a jewel of a boutique hotel in the Cotswolds, an idyllic country retreat for those wanting to step back from the rat race and relax in the beauty of the Cotswolds. A Grade II listed manor house perched atop a hill near Stroud, it looks down on the verdant Golden Valley where life seems to be just that bit more peaceful.
Who for
Burleigh Court is a getaway for couples who are overworked, and overtired and need time and space to catch their breath and reconnect in the countryside. It is suitably elegant and luxurious for a romantic weekend, but without an ounce of pretentiousness.
You are welcome to check in with your dog, and no one will bat an eyelid if you turn up a little muddy at the end of a long tromp in the woods. You can therefore relax and be yourself, whilst someone else takes care of you for a while.
Accommodation
There are 18 gorgeous rooms and suites at Burleigh Court, including six pet-friendly rooms in the converted coach house. All the rooms combine elements of the building’s original interiors with contemporary updates, and no two rooms are the same.
I checked into room number 2, which has a four-poster bed, huge windows looking out onto the gardens, and a retro feel. For much of the 20th century, Burleigh Court was a country club, and looking at the powder blue phone, vintage-style radio, pale pink velvet stool, and other such features in the room, I could easily imagine a glamorous stay here in the 1950s or 1960s. The interior design certainly evoked nostalgia.
Food and drink
Burleigh Court’s restaurant is in an impressive wood-panelled dining room with a wall of long windows and a huge glass skylight which allows the daylight to flood in on long summer evenings. On a winter’s night, the atmosphere would no doubt be very different: there’s a large open fireplace, and the staff light a roaring fire.
Head Chef Shaun Jones has earned Burleigh Court’s restaurant 2 AA Rosettes (soon to be upgraded to 3) plus plenty of local awards. After a pre-dinner drink in the hotel’s bar or sitting room, you can indulge yourself with a meal prepared from the very freshest local produce of the season. Not only does the hotel grow many of its own ingredients in the garden, but it also employs an expert forager, Emmanuelle, to pick edible plants from nearby hedgerows and woodlands.
Images by Burleigh Court Photography.
Wild garlic was in season during my visit, and with it, Shaun created the most delicious gnocchi I’d ever tasted. The wild garlic also made a fragrant appearance sauteed with asparagus and broad beans as the accompaniment to the equally mouthwatering duo of new season lamb.
On Friday nights there is live music in the restaurant, with a programme featuring artists such as James Watson with his Mediterranean-style guitar. In summer there are weekly pizza parties on the patio, with a log burner to keep you warm.
If it is a special occasion you can also hire either the restaurant or the more intimate Terrace Room for private dining.
Facilities
Burleigh Court’s gardens are one of its greatest assets. Not only are they a beautiful place to sit or take a stroll, but you’ll also find plenty of the hotel’s facilities here, from the Art Deco swimming pool to the croquet lawn. Inside, you can chill in the lounge or bar, and make good use of the in-room massage service.
How much
Classic double rooms at Burleigh Court start from £139, including breakfast when booked in advance online. The Cosy Winter Getaway packages are particularly good value if you add dinner to your room.
What’s nearby
When you stay at Burleigh Court, you want to be able to relax and enjoy yourself locally, not have to drive. Thankfully there is plenty to do within walking distance of the hotel, including scenic walks and the highly recommended wild food foraging experience. Over the course of three hours, Emmanuelle will teach you how to safely identify, pick, and eat delicious native plants, bringing you back to the hotel in time for lunch.
For those who prefer to be more active, the hotel is situated just below Minchinhampton Common, an area of outstanding natural beauty with three excellent golf courses. In fact, it is one of the largest golf courses in the southwest. You can also hone your skills in clay pigeon shooting at the Cotswold Clay Club, which offers tuition, gun hire, and clays.
VERDICT:
The service is superb and after a weekend stay you’re guaranteed to feel refreshed and ready to once again face the world.
