The city of Bath is both alluring and historic and makes for a fabulous weekend away. Yet it’s also busy, and that’s why I chose to stay just outside the city at Homewood House Hotel, itself historic, delightfully alluring and peaceful too.
Turning into a long leafy driveway from country lanes, towards the discreetly placed Homewood House Hotel and Spa, almost hidden behind verdant flora, a most beautiful Georgian country house stone building. The house is adorned with ivy and other plants amid 20 acres of manicured grounds in the heart of the undulating Somerset countryside. The surrounding lawns are dotted with playful statues, such as a hidden sheep, a bear fashioned out of fake grass and a zany colourful horse.
Inside, there’s quirky decor with eye-catching art and features, with some head-turning chandeliers. The reception is small, with walls adorned with the owners’ (Ian and Christa Taylor) huge collection of clocks. For old-timers like me, there’s an irresistible area of old-fashioned pick-and-mix sweets, a small but lovely bar area and a general lounging area.
Incidentally, Homewood Hotel is dog-friendly and there are treats, a doggie bed, and a water bowl available on demand.
Who for:
Homewood Hotel & Spa is incredibly romantic and couples get to enjoy fine dining, beautiful rooms, a wonderful spa, and an all round friendly service.
Accommodation
There are 31 bedrooms at Homewood Hotel and Spa in various categories, from the smallest Mews Cosy Luxe, Elegant, Marvellous, Junior Suites and Spa rooms with a garden terrace with a hot tub, barrel sauna and plunge pool.
Rooms are arranged in two buildings, in the main stone building and eight just beyond in Mallingford Mews, a building converted from a private home.
Mine was a rather funky junior room, the Chesterfield in Mallingford Mews. Marble floored bathroom with a wide marble-edged bath, a large walk-in shower with brass fittings and gorgeously aromatic Bramley toiletries. The mini bar has water and fresh milk for the Nespresso coffee and home baked brownies.
Chesterfield Junior Suite at Homewood Hotel and Spa, Somerset
Food & Drink
Homewood’s Olio restaurant has Michelin approval and offers a Mediterranean restaurant. The room has spetacular chandeliers of different styles that somehow gel.
Breakfast is a la carte breakfast with several cooked dishes and eggs any way you want them, porridge and great coffee. If you can, get a table in the conservatory and enjoy those lovely views.
Facilities
Homewood Hotel & Spa has a very pretty pool area, in fact three pools, the regular heated pool, a vtality hydrotherapy pool and an indoor jacuzzi pool. There are plenty of treatments an outdoor sauna and a lovely relaxation room with views over Limply Stoke valley.
Homewood Hotel & Spa pool, Bath
How much:
Double rooms with breakfast included from £195 in low season, and from £325 per nigh in high season. Breakfast is included
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What’s Nearby?
The city of Bath is a mere six miles away and is the main event when it comes to entertainment. This is where you can find Roman Baths, visit the incredible Bath Abbey, and learn about Jane Austin. Longleat Safari Park just another hop and a skip away, and Stonehenge a twenty-minute drive away. There are plenty of walking trails too, just ask at reception for details.
Also read: The best places to visit in Bath