Billesley Manor Hotel

I do sometimes feel a little guilty when I desert my partner at antisocial times for a work commitment, but no one was complaining this time! By combining a long weekend in the lovely Billesley Manor Hotel with my Saturday morning commitment, he hardly noticed my absence. Even better, I hardly felt that my luxury retreat had been interrupted! Our two night VeryChic offer started with dinner and bed and breakfast on the first night. It also included bed and breakfast on the second night, with a guaranteed late check-out, so we didn’t have to deny ourselves our Sunday morning lie in. There was even afternoon tea to set us on our way back to the real world at the end of our break.

When we arrived at the Billesley Manor, the sprawling old manor building with classic Cotswold honeystone and well-manicured lawns all around made us breathe a long sigh of contentment. The 11 acres of grounds surrounding the manor were the perfect picture of a country estate: mature trees and wonderful topiary shrubs, meandering paths and great expanses of greenery. It felt like being in the heart of the countryside, and indeed it was, and yet only a ten-minute drive from Stratford-upon-Avon and its historic delights, as well as what must be one of England’s most impressive castles in Warwick.

Inside, the polished wood-panelled reception hall signals the style of the whole building. Our room was a continuation of the theme of country manor comforts. It was warm and cosy, with soft velvets and rich brocade curtains. It was spacious enough for a generously sized sitting area, with armchairs and a coffee table, as well as one of life’s modern necessities: a good working desk space. The bathroom was luxurious, fresh and inviting. But the prospect of a luxury spa treatment was even more inviting, and, so, since we had time before dinner, we set out for the health club. My partner checked out the gym facilities (which he pronounced to be very well-equipped) and I indulged in a massage and facial – just right before a glamorous evening in the renowned Stuart Restaurant.

The atmosphere in the Great Hall was absolutely splendid. The oak-beamed ceiling, wood-panelled walls and massive stone fireplace with a carved wood surround looked very grand and sophisticated. Yet the service was friendly and relaxed, and the food delicious. The menu is based on produce from local farms – even the venison is from a local estate. My starter of wood pigeon breast was a work of art, and my partner’s venison was, he said, the best he had ever tasted. My vegetarian option based on mushrooms and a local blue cheese was memorable too.  

In the morning, I was fortified by a good selection of cooked and cold breakfast choices before setting off for my work commitment. My partner spent the time in the gym, in the pool, and strolling around the estate admiring the topiary. I am sure he barely even noticed I was gone! Sightseeing in the lovely local countryside took up our time the next day before we returned for that wonderful English institution of afternoon tea to fill us up us for the journey home. As we left, I reaffirmed my determination to continue my battle for a good work-life balance. Our weekend may have mixed business with pleasure, but, thanks to the Billesley Manor Hotel, the accent was definitely on the pleasure side!