By Chloe Lambert

It’s the attention to detail that makes Cowley Manor stand out.

The rack of Hunter wellies at the door, to wear while you stroll around the exquisite Grade II listed gardens, the golden triple cooked chips that compliment the club sandwich, the funky, Scandi-style rugs and throws. From the service to the salt cellars, everything feels like it’s been carefully and lovingly thought out.

Cowley is cosy and chic on the inside, but the exteriors of the 19th century manor house are gloriously untouched. There are 55 acres of land to explore, including two large lakes, a 13th century church and a stunning old fountain lined with stone lions. We were lucky enough to spot a deer darting through the woods, too.

Despite the size of the land, Cowley has just 30 bedrooms, so you can wander the wild, country gardens with a rare sense of privacy and solitude – you really do feel like you’ve been transported back to another era. Indeed Lewis Carroll, a regular visitor to the village of Cowley, was said to have been inspired to write Alice in Wonderland while walking in these grounds.

C-Side Spa

Nestled tastefully to the rear of the main house is the glass fronted C-Spa. There’s an indoor pool with a lovely green slated bottom, big enough to do decent lengths in, and a heated outdoor pool – heavenly on a crisp sunny November morning.

There’s also a gym, steam room, sauna and four treatment rooms. In the summer, you can eat and sunbathe outside on the terrace.

The Treatment

Green and Spring Massage: A one hour body massage, incorporating elements of acupressure and reflexology and using Green & Spring products, made from local, natural resources, including the spring waters and herbs found in the grounds of Cowley. The massage was masterful, and the oils were refreshing and subtle. You can choose your own music, too!

Other Treatments

Repair & Restore Ritual – An enveloping ritual that works to repair body and mind. After each area is prepared, a warm herbal compress is applied and gently worked into the nerve pathways, clearing blocked energy, ensuring all ingredients are fully absorbed. Using a combination of techniques to boost micro-circulation, skin elasticity and release tension, the body is then cocooned whilst the face receives a rejuvenating massage, followed by an enriching mask to clear toxins and boost circulation.

Cloud 9 – A deeply relaxing, holistic massage which combines aromatherapy, Qi energy balancing, reflexology and acupressure leaving the whole body in a state of bliss. It works along the sensory pathways of the body using light to medium pressure to balance and nurture leaving you with an inner sense of tranquillity and indulgence.

To Stay

The 30 bedrooms are light and spacious, fitted with handmade furniture and fabrics created by British designers. All have airy bathrooms with huge bathtubs and showers. Half of the rooms are in the Main House, the other half are in the Stable Block. Room categories range from:

Good Rooms: Many with period features, Good Rooms are located on the 1st and 2nd floor in the Main House. Their smallest rooms come with King size beds, generous bathrooms with full size Green & Spring bath and body products, as well as coffee and tea making facilities, complimentary WIFI and all the other creature comforts you need for a cosy night away in country.

Better Rooms: The Better Rooms are located in the Stable Block, with the exception of one located on the 1st floor in the Main House. All Better Rooms offer something unique, some are laid out over two floors and a few over three. Each has a King size bed, large bathroom and plenty of space to spread out and relax. An array of amenities, including full size Green & Spring bath and body products, coffee and tea making facilities and complimentary WIFI ensure a comfortable stay.

Great Rooms: Located in the Main House, with the exception of one located in the Stable Block, Great Rooms are Cowley’s larger rooms, some with views over the top lake and others that are well suited to small families with the ability to interconnect. With King size beds (or twins on request), large trademark Cowley bathrooms with full size Green & Spring bath and body products, tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary WIFI and much more, all the comforts of home are here for you to enjoy.

Exceptional Rooms: Exceptional Rooms are all located in the Stable Block and ideal for families or those who just prefer extra space. Four of the Exceptional Rooms have private sitting rooms with bunk beds and separate ground floor washrooms for the little ones. All Exceptional Rooms are incredibly special and give the feeling of being in a private residence with plenty of space to kick back or come together. Full size Green & Spring bath and body products, tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary WIFI and all other amenities you would expect are on hand for a truly relaxing stay.

Outstanding Rooms: Two located in the Main House and one in the Stable Block, all of the Outstanding Rooms have large private terraces with either lake or treetop views, making the most of the spectacular surrounding countryside. Of a generous size, including King size beds, all amenities are on offer with full size Green & Spring bath and body products, tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary WIFI and the rest, ensuring both a comfortable and indulgent night (or two) away.

We stayed in The Best Room. There is only one room and it really is the best. With a four poster bed, a vast bathroom with a bathtub for two and walk-in shower, a large private terrace with gorgeous views over the lakes and countryside, it is a truly luxurious experience. Above and beyond the many trademark Cowley amenities, the mini bar is also included with your stay!

To Eat

With a commitment to working with the seasons and trusted suppliers, the menus feature sustainable produce and the finest ingredients. Malt is led by Head Chef James Graham. Reflecting Cowley Manor’s own unique blend of contemporary design and home-from-home comfort, the menu allows you to share and socialise in beautiful surroundings. We chomped on a delicious wild mushroom & wild leek risotto with 24-month aged parmesan and healthy salad of beetroot & goats cheese with pickled pear & salsa verde

There are also a selection of lighter dishes, pizzas and entree size salads, and the restaurant will rustle up a picnic in the summer so you can spend all day exploring the area.

Don’t Miss

Look out for the sculptures dotted through the grounds, part of the annual Cowley Manor Arts Awards.