If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be ‘born with a silver spoon in your mouth’, Lords of the Manor, in the sleepy little town of Upper Slaughter, will give you the answer.
The walls of this luxury country house whisper relax, enjoy, take the time to smell the roses in the eight acres of manicured gardens. It’s the life of the manor born, to do as little or as much as you like.
This is the sort of place where they not only take your bags to your room but they also park your car.
A converted rectory, the hotel’s rooms all have names rather than numbers. Ours was Cornelius, reached via one of the small staircases that seem standard in these old houses. Tucked in under the rafters, it’s spacious and filled with cosy wing chairs for relaxing, a dressing table and extremely comfortable queen-sized bed. The pillows are feather, of course. and there’s no lack of luxury in the bathroom.
Dinner and breakfast are served in the elegant dining room where the cuisine deserves its Michelin star. Service is faultless with a sommelier who is so eager to cement our delight in his choices he offers a hand written list of the night’s wine matches.
The walls of this luxury country house whisper relax, enjoy, take the time to smell the roses in the eight acres of manicured gardens. It’s the life of the manor born, to do as little or as much as you like.
This is the sort of place where they not only take your bags to your room but they also park your car.
A converted rectory, the hotel’s rooms all have names rather than numbers. Ours was Cornelius, reached via one of the small staircases that seem standard in these old houses. Tucked in under the rafters, it’s spacious and filled with cosy wing chairs for relaxing, a dressing table and extremely comfortable queen-sized bed. The pillows are feather, of course. and there’s no lack of luxury in the bathroom.
Dinner and breakfast are served in the elegant dining room where the cuisine deserves its Michelin star. Service is faultless with a sommelier who is so eager to cement our delight in his choices he offers a hand written list of the night’s wine matches.
After a gin and hors d'oeuvres on the lawn
while the English sun sets on the building, we head inside for dinner. I can’t resist trying Grouse, a bird I’ve
never sampled before, hoping that I’ll find some of the ‘shot’ I’ve been warned
might still be in the flesh even though it’s been carefully picked. I’m not lucky.
Breakfast is an equally elegant affair and
I decide to try boiled eggs with brioche soldiers. Dilemma – how do you elegantly cut the top
off a hot boiled egg and spoon the contents onto the fingers. I’m sure there is etiquette for this and I
must fail miserably but no one seems to stare, thank goodness.
With a half hour drive in almost any direction there are chocolate box stone clad cottages with flower boxes filled with bright blooms.
Bourton on the Water is the most visited of the Cotswolds villages and is overflowing with cafes, gift shops and tour buses. There’s a stream lazily making its way through the centre of the village providing the local ducks with plenty of paddling opportunities. It’s all very pretty.
Bottom line: More than a touch of elegance, a taste of the good life, Lords of the Manor has four red stars, three AA-rosettes and a Michelin star to its credit. It's a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. Expect to pay around £325 a night.
Best tip: Pack posh clothes for dining and you’ll feel right at home.
Find out more about the Cotswolds at their Travel Guide.
Disclaimer: Ed+bK was a guest of Lords of the Manor and travelled courtesy of Visit Britain and Cotswold Tourism. Flights were courtesy of Cathay Pacific