An attractive countryside retreat in West Berkshire, ideal for a romantic getaway with spa treatments, swims in the outside pool and fine-dining in a pretty setting, or a family break where children can roam in the extensive gardens and children's play area or have a game of tennis. Well located to visit Legoland, Marwell Zoo or Beale Wildlife Park. The grounds are beautiful, and the house itself was once home to literary icons Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, and there are quotes from both figures displayed on the walls.
The hotel is a retreat out of the town centre but Newbury has a lot to offer too; take a scenic stroll along the Kennet and Avon Canal, visit Newbury Racecourse, brush up on history at Donnington Castle or watch a play at The Watermill Theatre. Get behind the scenes of the real Downton Abbey with a historical tour of Highclere Castle, just fifteen minutes away
By car: around 1 hour 45 minutes from London, 1 hour from Bristol and 3 hours 30 minutes from Manchester. Free on-site parking.
By train: Newbury station is 15 minutes and Reading station is 40 minutes by taxi. thetrainline.com
Neutral walls are adorned with eclectic prints of colourful maps of the area and there are quotes by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley, both of whom were former residents. Comfortable material and leather upholstered seating is found throughout, with cheery furnishings such as canary yellow ceramic lamps; even the loos are attractive with floral wallpaper and mint green tiles.
Waiting staff are friendly and passionate. In terms of facilities, there is a pantry open to all guests stocked with snacks and drinks. It's not uncommon to see an owner and their pooch lounging by the infinity pool outside, and the hydrotherapy pool will ease away any tension. Ten rooms are pet-friendly; a bed, food and toy are provided.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Garden
- Terrace
- Swimming pool
- Fitness centre
- Spa
- Pet-friendly
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Bedrooms and suites are a medley of bold patterned printed wallpaper, antiques, colourful and comfortable seating, eclectic artwork and carefully curated spaces for children in family-friendly options. Bathrooms are roomy, some with roll top baths, and you'll find deliciously scented toiletries within.
Room types: Classic Room, Heritage Room, Wessex Room, Culture Room, Sutton Suite, Bushby Bacon Suite, Percy Shelley Suite
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, tea and coffee facilities, smart TV, free Wi-Fi
There are two restaurants: brasserie '1772' (the date the building was born) includes seating in the attractive orangery where you'll find classics like steak tartare and light options such as garlic and herb gnocchi, and 'Yu', their fine-dining pan-Asian inspired restaurant with creative dishes like pumpkin katsu wok yakisoba and a range of sushi.
Brasserie 1772: relaxed dining room and orangery. Mains include glazed duck breast and stone bass. All-day menu, open daily.
Yu: Pan-Asian restaurant and sushi bar. Open Wed-Sat for dinner, 5:30-9:30pm.
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