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The backstory: About an hour outside Central London, England, in the West Berkshire countryside, the Georgian manor house known as Elcot Park has stood since 1772. It was once home to Percy Bysshe Shelley’s mother (a painting of the poet will greet you as you walk in), and until recently, it was an outmoded, midscale Mercure hotel. In May, following another change of hands (it’s now part of the Signet Collection) and an exhaustive refurb, the property reopened as the Retreat at Elcot Park.
The space: There are 52 guest rooms and three suites, all individually styled. The design mood is heritage-rooted but far from prim — expect a whimsical medley of patterns, colours and textures: floral-print William Morris wallpaper, romantic pastels contrasted with pops of richer tones, plush armchairs and antique furnishings. Select rooms come with sweeping views of the grounds, which stretch 16 acres.
The dining: Head to the contemporary brasserie 1772 for mains like honey-glazed duck and grilled chateaubriand, or check out the pan-Asian spot Yu for their fine-dining take on sushi rolls. There’s a proper afternoon tea service if you fancy mini sandwiches, scones and strawberry jam — as well as a dedicated Whisky Library, stocked with more than 60 types, if you’d rather sip something more potent.
The extra amenities: At the Signet Spa, you’ll find signature skin care treatments featuring the made-in-Cotswold line Ila, and spaces you can lounge around pre- or post-pampering: an indoor hydrotherapy pool, an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the greenery, a Finnish sauna and a steam room. There’s also a Matrix-equipped gym, but if you prefer fun in the fresh air, hit the tennis court or croquet lawn.
The nearby sights: Find the real-life “Downton Abbey” — Highclere Castle, one of the show’s principal settings — just 15 minutes from the hotel by car; book ahead as admission tickets sell out. A similarly short drive will also get you to the Newbury town centre, where you can take in the performing arts at the Corn Exchange, or all the action at the historic Newbury Racecourse, one of Britain’s top horse-racing venues.
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