The British countryside in autumn holds dreamy images and moments, as mist gently spreads over the meadows, forests are dressed in shades of amber and copper, and small stone villages are fragrant with wood burning in stone fireplaces and traditional apple puddings baked in houses and cafes.
The paths by the lakes and hills are filled with walkers enjoying the golden afternoon light, finding that between rural paths and picturesque villages, time flows slowly, at the pace of a British afternoon tea.
On cold evenings, the destination becomes the pubs with a homely atmosphere, where cider and warm meat pies are served. It is the season when the day recedes quickly, with grace and serenity, to give way to hours of calm, contemplation, and small pleasures.
If there is anything left to complete the idyllic setting, it is none other than the sense of warmth exuded by the impressive country mansions, historic aristocratic residences that have been transformed into glamorous accommodations, embodying on the one hand the height of “British countryside chic”, on the other the ideal hideaway in the embrace of nature.
Some of the following have opened their imposing doors recently, others have been hosting residents in their luxurious living rooms for decades, but in all of them you will find it very difficult to tear yourself away from your charming, characterful rooms.
Beaverbrook – Surray
The location: A favourite destination for those seeking peace and quiet without straying too far from the British capital, Surrey offers the most peaceful version of the English countryside: rolling hills, rain-scented forests and historic mansions nestled in greenery.
The style: The rich history of the 1,000-acre estate and Victorian mansion Beaverbrook, once home to the savvy political operative and media baron Lord Beaverbrook, remains intertwined with the hotel’s luxurious spaces. Designed by interior design guru Susie Atkinson, retaining the grand staircase winding under the glass dome, adorned with original artwork from various periods and styles and elegant Italianate gardens, it exudes grandeur without compromising on comfort.
The Rooms: The Garden House Suites exude a sophisticated yet playful air, and beyond the romantic beds, as you sink into the free-standing bathtubs you will have found your own personal, dreamy place to relax after long walks in the British countryside. For stunning views, the Turret rooms feature balconies overlooking the vast countryside.
The Food: Whether you choose the Garden House restaurant, where home-style cuisine serves Mediterranean dishes in an English country garden setting, the Japanese Grill – headed by former Noma chef Wojciech Popow – or the relaxed Coach House Deli, evenings here are ideally rounded off with a signature Spitfire Collins cocktail in the luxurious, Art Deco-inspired Sir Frank’s Bar.
The extras: Magnificent views of serene Surrey combine with iridescent, kaleidoscopic stained glass by artist Brian Clarke at the Coach House Spa, where three types of pampering treatments draw inspiration from ancient practices.
Cowley Manor Experimental – The Cotswolds
The location: In the soft autumn light, Cheltenham shines like a jewel among the Cotswolds’ pretty villages. Georgian facades are painted honey, trees line the streets in fiery hues, and the air smells of dampness and tea. It’s a town that balances tradition with modernity, with literary, music and art festivals filling its days with vibrancy. Here, elegance meets naturalness, and every walk feels like a scene from an old British film.
The style: A striking 17th-century Italianate mansion has undergone an inspired transformation, adding even more elegance and a touch of lightheartedness to the building’s historic character. The central idea behind the renovation came from Lewis Carroll’s book “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, which is rumored to have been written here, and so the 1695 palatial residence that once belonged to the British monarchs, now combines historical architecture and rich heritage with modern and very cool touches. Luxurious velvet, discreet checkerboard patterns, carved wood as a cladding in almost every space and peaceful gardens that seem to be a continuation of the country landscape, make Cowley Manor Experimental the best proof of the timeless charm of the British countryside.
The rooms: Thought out down to the last detail, the 36 rooms of Cowley Manor have all the makings of becoming your personal oasis of comfort and peace. Maple wood, glossy lacquer, bold colors, rattan armchairs and marble fireplaces set the scene between beds with fabric headboards and freestanding bathtubs in gold tones. And of course there are playful references to the famous fairy tale, such as a hare next to the bed or a colorful checkerboard pattern around the fireplace.
The food: Under the supervision of chef Jackson Boxer, the exciting menu of the Cowley Manor restaurant is a celebration of local flavors – Gloucestershire croquettes, wood-roasted cod with asparagus – but with strong references to French cuisine. As for the environment, with carved wood embracing the space and designer furniture, you just want to freeze time and prolong the enjoyment.
The extras: You won’t know where to sink: into the velvet sofas of the sophisticated library or into the pools – indoor and outdoor – of the C-Side Spa, with its wide range of holistic therapies, massages and care services. Around the magnificent building, gardens with Victorian waterfalls, natural lakes and a magical forest, are waiting to be explored.
Cliveden House – Berkshire
The location: From the grandeur of Windsor to the verdant hills around Ascot, the “Royal County of Berkshire” with its vast parks, tranquil rivers and stately villages, exudes understated British refinement and is made for escapes full of country air and aristocratic serenity.
The style: Perched on the gentle slopes of the Chiltern Hills, among plane trees that yellow in the autumn sun, a magnificent 376-hectare estate with formal gardens, is home to an imposing, palatial mansion dating back to 1666. Cliveden House has been the glittering backdrop to luxurious soirees, cultural events with important guests and, occasionally, political scandals. Romance is rife and luxury abounds in the grand spaces of the 2nd Duke of Buckingham’s gift to his mistress, where traditional architectural details highlight the glamour that emanates from every space: from the dazzling dining room with its crystal chandeliers to the swimming pool under the gaze of the ornate clock tower.
The rooms: The spacious rooms and dazzling suites bear the names of distinguished former residents, all of whom are part of the property’s history. Measuring 75m2, dressed in shades of blue and gold, with a private terrace with breathtaking views, authentic antiques and a handmade king-size bed, Lady Astor is rightly one of Britain’s top accommodation experiences, but for something more authentically country, the charming Spring Cottage on the banks of the Thames is a magical hideaway hidden in lush vegetation, and the place where Queen Victoria enjoyed her tea.
The food: Similar to Cliveden’s grand dining room, the fine dining menu has been awarded a Michelin star, while the more relaxed Astor Grill occupies the site of the former stables. Its stone courtyard is set to be transformed in winter into an alpine setting with vintage cabins for atmospheric meals.
The extras: Don’t settle for the spa’s relaxing indoor pool. Be sure to take a dip in the infamous “Profumo” outdoor pool, where the illicit affair and political scandal of John Profumo and Christine Keeler began.
Heckfield Place – Hampshire
The location: Beyond the meadows and two National Parks of Hampshire, the English countryside meets the seaside serenity of the southern British coast. From the rolling hills of Winchester with its wild ponies, ancient oaks and paths that seem to disappear into the evening light, to the historic villages of the New Forest with their stone houses and traditional pubs, this is the kind of countryside that makes you want to walk for hours, stop for tea by a log fire and let time pass slowly. Just what you would expect from the birthplace of Jane Austen.
The Style: Set in 1,000 acres, a Georgian country house dating back to 1760 has been lovingly restored to create a natural extension of the walled, biodynamic gardens and beyond, the lakes, glades and woodlands of the area. Here, luxury is all about relaxation and harmony with nature. A family-run business with its own organic farm, everything revolves around respect for the environment and the slow pace of nature itself. With refined interiors that feel like they’re embracing you, plenty of comfy sofas, rich rugs and cosy nooks by the fireplaces, Heckfield Place is the perfect antidote to modern life.
The rooms: Six different types of rooms in the main house share a view of the gardens, which empties and calms the mind. The simpler and smaller “Friends Rooms”, the quiet luxury “Signatures”, are distinguished by their soft tones and natural materials, while two separate authentic British cottages, with visible wooden beams in their structure and private gardens, are the fairytale hideaway where you will never want to be discovered.
The food: With chef Skye Gyngell at the helm and raw materials mainly from the family farm, the flavors are one of the highlights of a stay at Heckfield, whether it is the dishes of the Marle restaurant or the cooking over the fire of the Hearth. Here, every meal is a true celebration of seasonality and locality.
The extras: Beyond the revitalizing treatments of the Bothy Spa, detoxification of body and mind comes through the secret door of the garden: on nature walks, swimming in the local lakes, or in the personalized activity package that the Heckfield Place therapists will prepare for you.
The Fife Arms – Braemar
The location: In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the wilderness is at its most majestic. The tiny, stone-built village of Braemar, nestled within the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by dense woodland and moorland that changes its appearance with the time of day, with the famous Balmoral Castle nearby, exudes a sense of peace and regal grandeur. As the cool breeze carries the scent of wet meadows, morning walks along the Clunie Water and hikes through the untamed countryside are unforgettable. Put on your raincoat, get your wellies dirty and relax – at the end of the day, a roaring fire, a glass of aged whisky and the ballad of a bagpiper will warm the misty autumn nights.
The style: Who would have thought that the imagination and inspiration with which a Victorian coaching inn was transformed into a boutique hotel would earn it two Michelin Keys and an award from the World’s Best Hotel Awards. Maintaining the “Scottish Borough” architectural style intact, maximalist, full of artwork, dressed in tartan upholstery and curtains, with atmospherically lit alcoves in front of windows and cozy corners next to the imposing fireplaces adorned with coats of arms, the theatrical Fife Arms is the epitome of wonderful Scottish craftsmanship and tradition.
The rooms: The same eclectic atmosphere is carried over to the 46 rooms and suites, spacious havens of warmth, each with its own character and charm. The decor is not afraid to mix dark but warm color tones and bold patterns, an ideal backdrop for the wooden-poster beds, brocade canopy and checkered blankets and for the velvet armchairs that await you to curl up next to the fireplace. Absolutely unique, the Artist’s Studio room draws inspiration from the Bloomsbury Circle and the works that its members created for Charleston House, while with its painted walls and small office with a view, it becomes the loft-hermitage that every aspiring artist dreams of.
The food: From the formal dining room of the Clunie restaurant, decorated with works by Argentine painter Guillermo Kuitca, to the light-hearted osteria Da Fife, and from The Flying Stag pub – which has become a focal point of Braemar’s social life since the hotel opened in 2019 – to the seductive setting of Bertie’s Whiskey Bar, the menu always focuses on enjoying the authentic flavors of Scotland.
The extras: With your days here filled with hiking, cycling, historical walks, cultural tours, creative workshops, tastings, fishing, and even swimming in lakes, the wellness treatments at the Albamhor spa are the most indulgent and rejuvenating experience you can give yourself.
