I’m fresh from a soul-soothing stay at Temple Guiting Manor, an exclusive-use property in the heart of the Cotswolds, where I was treated to some first-rate hospitality and the last few rays of summer sun before the onset of autumn’s arrival.
Just half an hour’s taxi ride from Cheltenham, the Estate is spread across 14.5 acres of landscaped gardens, with various honey-coloured Cotswold stone barns and outbuildings that are bookable individually or together. Lovingly restored by owner Steven Collins and his wife Jane, the buildings have their own unique style, fabrics and furnishings and marry the comforts of home with the luxury of a boutique hotel. Like its sister property, Henry’s Townhouse in Marylebone, a stay here is like stepping into different chapters of a storybook.
Both Steven and Jane are avid art collectors, and it shows. Steven is a director of the Chelsea Harbour Estate, which includes The Design Centre, the largest interior design centre in Europe. Jane’s background is in fashion, and she established Sixty 6 boutique on Bulstrode Street in Marylebone in 1997. Everywhere you look at Temple Guiting Manor are collectibles, antiques, vintage artefacts and bookshelves filled with design, art and literature books chosen by Steven and Jane themselves.
The Granary has a more contemporary feel; the Cow Byre is more romantic, being a small self-contained house. The Barn is larger and more homely, with open-plan reception rooms filled facing a stunning patio garden that’s ideal for al fresco dining, plus a private hot tub—an idyllic spot to unwind and admire the surrounding beauty. Here, there are five differently themed bedrooms ranging from the exotic African suite, where I stayed, to the Pink room with romantic daybed and roll-top bath.
The beating heart of the Estate is undoubtedly the 15th-century Grade I-listed Manor House, a testament to the property’s storied past. Mentioned in the Domesday Book (Temple Guiting is associated with the Knights Templar) it’s been owned privately since the 15th century, it is now reimagined as a cosy, historic haven, with a banqueting hall, huge stone fireplaces, exposed beams, and mullioned windows. The five bedrooms here are dotted around the eaves of the house, which give them bags of character. It’s one of those places where you wonder “if walls could talk…”
One of the newest additions to the property is the outdoor 12-metre heated swimming pool — an absolute blessing on hot days, such as we’ve been enjoying recently. Even in spring or autumn, it would be sublime, as the water is really quite warm. Close by is a natural wood play area crafted by the same designer responsible for Elton John’s children’s playground. Cinephiles (and kids) will be in heaven in the secret movie room, housed in the old dovecot, with all the original nesting holes still lining the walls.
For those who prefer something a little more adventurous, the property overlooks the beautiful River Windrush and offers wild swimming, stand-up paddle boarding and boating in summer. In fact, most outdoor pursuits can be arranged – whether it’s horse-riding, fishing, shooting or a game of tennis on the all-weather tennis court. Guests are given a personalised experience from the moment they arrive. We enjoyed massages in the nearby Retreat, a private pilates class with Devon-based instructor Tabitha Hill, plus an autumn wreath-making workshop courtesy of local florist, Allyson Martin of Bloomery in Broadway.
Speaking of flowers, the gardens are one of the highlights of the estate. Pathways that link the different buildings meander through lawns, dry-stone walls and herbaceous borders, awash with delicate grasses, purple wildflowers, and fragrant shrubs. The labour of love of acclaimed designer, Jinny Blom, who won a Pinnacle Award for the gardens, they weave in a layer of softness and serenity to the space.
As this is an exclusive-use property, you’ll have a chef and housekeeper to hand. The dishes that Rebecca and Libby created for us were colourful, delicious and full of local ingredients made with love. Our lunch of Tuscan tapas and our breakfast smoothie bowls were a feast for the senses.
You could also head to one of the many nearby gastro pubs to sample some of the UK’s finest food and wine. One evening we chose to eat at the Halfway House in Kineton and it didn’t disappoint. This 17th-century inn, previously owned by Corpus Christi College of Oxford, is now run by chefs Nathan Eades and Liam Goff, who’ve worked in Michelin-starred kitchens. Halfway House serves hearty British fare of superb quality – think Comte cheese and Donnington ale rarebit, celeriac and mushroom pie and Brixham wild bass. Plus English wines such as the herbaceous Maud Heath English Bacchus – a wine close to my heart as it hails from a family-owned vineyard in my home turf in Wiltshire.
In the words of esteemed architectural historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, Temple Guiting Manor is “One of the finest, if not the very best of the small Cotswold Tudor Houses”. I couldn’t agree more. My sojourn here was all too brief, but a timely reminder of how top-end British hospitality is still world class.
Temple Guiting Manor & Barns, Temple Guiting, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5RP. For more information, including details of the estate and gardens, availability and room rates, please visit www.templeguitingmanor.co.uk.
