Mallory Court Hotel and Spa has renovated its luxury bedrooms. Umesh Patel explores the refreshed design, where timeless countryside charm meets an elegant Art Deco revival…
If you’ve ever tried your hand at interior decorating, you’ll know it’s no easy feat. Perhaps you spent an entire afternoon carefully matching the colours of your print of Monet’s Water Lilies with some scatter cushions. And yet, somehow, the room ends up looking like it desperately needs a makeover from Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on a rerun of Changing Rooms.
Hotel designers know this struggle all too well. There’s the endless quest to refresh, reinvigorate, and — heaven forbid — trend-proof a space that still needs to feel inviting and functional for the guests who use it day in and day out.
It’s been a few years since I last stayed at Mallory Court, and I’d be lying if I claimed to recall the former décor — no slight intended to the designers but that’s the beauty of subtle luxury, isn’t it? A room leaves just enough of an impression that you’re tempted to go home, tear up the swatch book and start all over again.
This latest £1.5 million transformation of the hotel’s 19 luxury bedrooms in the manor house draws inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape and period architecture. The project was led by Marian Cartter, Director of the group and interior designer Lucy Yarwood. The new design radiates countryside charm with a touch of Art Deco style, while the ambience harmonises perfectly with its Warwickshire setting. If you happen to aspire to emulate country-house chic with Gatsby-esque flair, a stay here might just spare you several hasty trips to your local DIY centre.
As we trudged up the creaky staircase to our Deluxe Room in the main manor house, the anticipation grew with each step. When we finally opened the door, our eyes were immediately drawn to the stone mullion windows, framing the landscape outside as if it were painted by Constable himself, known for his evocative pastoral depictions.
Inside, the room strikes a rare and elusive balance between Lutyens-inspired grandeur and modern finesse. The teal colour scheme adds a sophisticated touch, blending vintage charm with a fresh, contemporary sensibility that feels effortlessly curated. Yarwood’s vision is clear: ‘Each bedroom features a burst of Art Deco colour—whether that’s burgundy, teal or cream—to transport guests into a world of elegance.’
Natural sunlight spills across the rich peacock-blue velvet headboard and soft, cream-woven carpet. A blue-green motif on the pelmet echoes the detailing on the curtains and the deep, velvet-covered tub chairs. At the heart of the room sits a Super King bed, topped with a cream-embroidered bedspread and a mattress as firm as a Victorian headmaster’s handshake. Personally, I prefer a bit more give—something that invites you to sink luxuriously rather than simply perching on top. Behind the bed, a delicate white floral design on the wallpaper adds a further touch of elegance. Fabrics and wall coverings are by Romo, GP & J Baker and other renowned designers.
You’ll likely find yourself admiring the furniture, too. The existing bedside tables, desks and wardrobes have all been lovingly restored by local craftsmen specialising in French polishing, preserving their timeless charm while blending seamlessly with the new design.
The en-suite maintains the theme of understated luxury, with Art Deco-inspired chrome taps and a large, floor-standing bathtub—the kind you’d expect to find yourself reclining in while reading about the latest society scandal in the broadsheets, glass of champagne in hand, naturally. If you prefer, there’s a rain shower, just in case. While some rooms still boast the manor’s original features, this bathroom is brand new. A checkerboard-tiled floor provides a striking contrast to the otherwise serene white space, adding that touch of drama that only Art Deco can pull off with such style.
And, of course, there are the views. They draw you to the window like a siren’s call, tempting you to linger as you gaze over Mallory Court’s gardens and rose beds, stretching across ten perfectly manicured acres. This is the countryside at its finest—a retreat that feels both intimate and grand. With the window open and a cool autumn breeze drifting in, even the air feels different—fresher, more fragrant, and a world away from the hum of urban living.
After soaking in the views, it’s worth heading down to the Elan Spa for some well-earned relaxation. Here, you’ll find everything from soothing massages to the rejuvenating hydrotherapy pool—perfect for unwinding after a day spent rambling through the great outdoors or simply indulging in blissful idleness.
And as evening falls, the hotel’s beautiful oak-panelled, 3 AA Rosette restaurant, The Dining Room, beckons. The experience is as meticulously crafted as the décor itself. Michelin-starred Executive Chef Keiron Stevens presents a seasonal menu, paired with a carefully curated wine flight. Together, they elevate the indulgent atmosphere to something undeniably special.
This is Mallory Court’s charm: it invites you to stay, savour and relax. With this recent transformation, it has become more than just a retreat—it’s a place where every detail feels like an invitation to linger just a little longer…
Manor House Deluxe Room rates range from £230 to £280 per night, with two hours of complimentary spa access included. The Taste of the Season menu at The Dining Room is priced at £105 per person (optional wine flight available at £105 per person). Mallory Court is part of the Eden Collection, winner of the AA Small Hotel Group of the Year 2024-25. For more information, please visit www.mallory.co.uk.
