Over the Moon in the Cotswolds at Barnsley House

Checkin was smoothest, warm, welcoming and fast. Arrived early, was given a pot of tea in one of the cozy lounges in front of a fireplace, ensconced in comfy chair. Escorted to room half-an-hour later.

This large suite has it all: private walled garden, furnished terrace, hot tub, fire pit, outdoor candles and illumination. All one level, more or less, if unsteady on pins, be wary of stone pathways. Within is well furnished with appealing modern country furniture in a neutral colored setting, sculptured deep tub-for-two in bedroom with king bed. Bathroom is large, double sinks, large, lovely, wonderful shower with dual rain shower heads. Also, dining table, little fridge with gratis waters, organic juices, lemonade, beer, milk. Easy-to-use cartridge coffee/tea maker. Gratis snacks including crisps, cookies, chocolate. Gorgeous bouquet of colorful flowers, including dahlias and rudbeckia. Glass walls facing private garden.

This stand-alone suite is located just off the back garden lawn behind a lichen-flecked old stone wall. Charming as hell but without chintz and antimacassars. 

Wow, wow, wow -- service was great, warm, kindly, authentic, professional, knowledgeable and swift. The best, really. Room service was so swift as to be almost instant. I think sometimes the server RAN over.

Housekeeping was literally amazing. A small army turned up -- five in number with equipment and supplies, went straight to work efficiently and were done in about ten minutes. All lovely young people well trained and super sweet.
 

The surrounding gardens are large and somewhat compartmentaluzed.. I knew there was a fuchsia out there but could not find it. Asked at reception and had detailed easy directions in my email from one of the gardeners within 15 minutes.

A couple of tiny service lapses in the (otherwise terrific restaurant) but nothing that was not remedied quickly.

With one exception (the pork belly something), the fairly affordable meals were excellent. I enjoyed the beef, risotto, chicken, tea sandwiches, desserts, scrambled eggs, streaky bacon, etc., al so yummy. Favorite at breakfast were the exceptional eggs benedict.

Forever England -- I overheard this amusing interaction at breakfast one morning. A gentleman guest politely inquired of server if he might not have his toast toasted on BOTH sides.

Wine list is quite fine and mostly affordable, including dessert wines. Beer and cider. Lovely cocktails. Had the best G&T ever. Apparently Barnsley House is revered for its 85 or so different gins, even one made on the premises.

Christ, it's the Cotswolds, just does not get better for gorgeous countryside and medieval market towns and villages crisscrossed with accessible walking paths (local Ramblers are delighted to take you walking). The local Cotswolds stone is ubiquitous in houses, taverns, buildings. Many outstanding historic renown gardens in the area -- Kiftsgate, Hidcote Manor, Painshill, Kelmscott, etc. The many villages are a complete and utter hoot, sometimes with decent shopping at twee shops. Many many taverns, inns, tea shops, restaurants, etc.

Lots of adorable dogs big and small on walkies in the villages, all on leashes and well behaved. But, sad to say, dearth of cats. Hmm, maybe the dogs?

Yeah, it's all pretty nice, understatement.

Accessible by train and bus from London. Two-hour drive from Central London.

Yes, well, I loved my five days in the Cotswolds based at Barnsley House. Would I return? You betcha, already booked and deposited for BH four nights over Christmas, with three nights before at the nearby highly regarded Thyme.

Barnsley House and gardens is the former home of Rosemary Verey who died in 2001. She was a much honored garden designer of the twentieth century and was award perhaps the highest of gardening awards: Victoria Medal of Honor.

view from my bed

sunset

fireplace in the cozy

Barnsley HOUSE FROM THE GARDEN

lunch

path through private garden to suite

leading to Secret Garden duite entrance