As it is my husband’s birthday in December we usually take a trip around this time. Last year we were in freezing cold but beautiful Venice, the year before hot Dubai, and the year before a warm Barcelona. This year I treated him to a staycation in the Cotswolds as neither of us had been before. However, having recently discovered we were pregnant and suffering from pretty horrible morning sickness, we postponed the trip until mid-January when surely I’d be feeling better by 11/12 weeks. Little did I know I would continue to be sick until 18 weeks. But the hotel was booked and we couldn’t change the booking again. So off we went on the long road trip (with lots of stops!)
When I started my search for a hotel in the Cotswolds I knew I wanted to stay at one of the Calcot Collection properties. It was a toss-up between The Painswick and Barnsley House having heard great things about both and fallen in love with them from seeing other people’s photos of their stays on Instagram.
The Painswick won. The perfect luxury boutique hotel in a beautiful grand period property, cosy and warm for a getaway in cold January with views of the rolling countryside. The little village of Painswick in the Cotswolds is also stunning. I booked a long weekend with the hotel directly as that seemed to be the best price rather than via a third party booking website. With only sixteen bedrooms you have a choice of small, medium, big, bigger or a suite. I booked the Hawkers room from the ‘bigger’ rooms which was on the corner of the second floor with amazing views to the front and side of the property.
When we arrived, wow, the interiors were spot on for a country retreat and did not disappoint. Panelled walls and herringbone floors to die for! The main restaurant and the snug were our favourite rooms.
Our room was just as beautiful as downstairs. The bed was huge and incredibly comfy. We had a large walk-in shower and a roll top bath of dreams.
Bedroom views…
Breakfast was included which was a choice of a buffet filled with delicious pastries, breads and cereals or you could order from the menu, also included, for a cooked breakfast from a full English or eggs of your choice to porridge. There was a fab drinks station too.
As I wasn’t on top form, we mainly relaxed in the snug on the oversized sofas reading the paper and magazines, and relaxed in our room. We just wanted a lazy weekend. We enjoyed dinner in the restaurant and in local pubs in the village which is literally outside the door. We also enjoyed playing pool and board games in their games room which is just off the snug.
Bathtime with Ren products provided and even a cute book.
They provide wellies for all different sizes and walking routes printed on to scripts. So cute!
We headed in to the little village of Painswick which is literally just outside the front door of the hotel. The village is beautiful, even under the cold and grey skies. Can you imagine it in the Spring or summer though, or the snow!
The village had the most beautiful houses. We walked around choosing which one we wanted to live in.
And of course we continued with my front door obsession. Here are a few of my favorites…
And then it was home time, but not without a little goodbye bag from the wonderful staff at The Painswick. It really was the most wonderful long weekend. Everything about the hotel was perfect. The food, the location and most of all the interiors. Panelling and herringbone floors to die for! I couldn’t recommend this hotel enough, we will be back for sure!
On our drive home we stopped off for a little hike as I was feeling a little better at that point, and thought the fresh air would do me good.
Any boy was it worth it…
Farewell the Cotswolds, you were stunning. See you soon.
Claire
