Category

Interiors

Category
Food & Drink

Escape to the Château: A Weekend of Adventure in the Dordogne

Here at House of Coco we love far-flung escape and the growing trend for secret travel but we can’t ignore that our budgets don’t always stretch to the luxe long-haul break we crave or that our boss is always happy to sign off… bienvenue en France, a dreamy destination closer to home where a long weekend can take you to another world.

‘But the English, you have cheese after dessert, what madness?!’ is not necessarily the heated conversation I expected to have with a sommelier in a historic castle a mere 15-minutes drive from a markedly less luxurious campsite that I lived in one summer, learning French. Yet, there I was, dressed up for dinner at the stunning Château de la Treyne, overlooking the Dordogne river, my base for a long weekend of rediscovering the region. My grubby shared staff tent had been upgraded to the breathtaking Dordogne Master Suite with a terrace overlooking said river. If only my fellow kids camp animatrices could see me now.

The Château de la Treyne is part of the Relais & Châteaux family, meaning I was already dreaming of the luxe that awaited on our drive from Toulouse airport deep into the historical heart of France. Driving along in the mist of a November afternoon, the castle appears across the river, the tyres crunched over manicured gravel and the scent of delicious candles entered our noses as we were greeted by co-owner Stéphanie Gombert over a glass of fizz in the dark wood bar, in front of a crackling fire. Feeling not unlike a traditional Disney princess, I had arrived at my castle, butterflies in my stomach, drinking in the classic romance of it all.

You could very easily spend a week on and around the Château de la Treyne property itself with its heated infinity pool, extensive gardens, tennis court and walks across 120 hectares of private forests. But what would be better is to wake early to the ducks and mist over the river for a stroll around the gardens and a sumptuous, locally prepared breakfast, before heading out to explore

The beauty of this region of France is that it pretty much ticks all the boxes for reasons why you would visit France at all. Great food? Oui. Beautiful villages? Bien sûr. Nature’s finest? Exactement. A short drive from the Château will bring you to the medieval town of Sarlat, so well protected from modern life that you’ll be forgiven for going full-on Belle and wishing bonjour in a sing-song voice to everyone you pass. You’ll likely get some funny looks but, like I say, I reckon they’ll forgive you.

We drove into town on Saturday, market day, and it was buzzing with food and craft stalls – some more authentic than others and plenty of the town’s most famous produce – vegetarians and vegans please look away now – foie gras. With so much history, the town is packed with sights to see and museums to enter but the best experience has to be from taking winding cobbled streets at random and seeing where you end up. I entered the town with one vague aim, to track down the Bordeaux speciality, canelés and was rewarded with a dinky one on the end of a pick in my bière, sat in the winter sunshine outside Lemoin Canelé.

In fact, by hitting the road in this area you can visit numerous well preserved, evocative towns with towering castles like Beynac which you might recognise from the film Chocolat, Saint Cirque Lapopie which is consistently voted as one of the most beautiful towns in France and of course, the jaw-dropping Rocamadour teetering on a cliff edge, best seen at night as the lights sparkle. With deep religious and historical importance to many of the towns in the area, exploring the Dordogne region is a step away from modernity as development is fiercely controlled and tourism centres around what’s already there and not inventing new cheesy tourist traps.

A great example of where technology has been embraced to enhance the existing attraction is Lascaux 4 (24290 Montignac, lascaux.fr) which opened in 2016 at the foot of the hill where the original Lascaux was discovered back in 1940. The striking modern building mimics the landscape behind it and houses a replica of the original cave complete with the temperature, air pressure, scents and sounds from when it was discovered and became the most famous example of Palaeolithic cave paintings in the world.

In fact, a lot of the exploring to be done in the region is underground and you’re spoilt for choice with nearly every town including a cave attraction but don’t tuck into your evening cheese board without experiencing the epic Gouffre de Padirac (46500 Padirac, gouffre-de-padirac.com). On arriving at the Gouffre you’ll first be hit by the immensity of the chasm to the outside. Step by step, you’ll enter another world as the temperature drops and the light fades and you reach the floor, ready to enter the cave and onto a magical boat tour of the subterranean river. On our visit, we caught the last boat trip of the day meaning we had the awe-inspiring cave pretty much all to ourselves, which was incredible. Well, until a well-meaning staff member turned the lights out on clocking off…

Driving back to the stunning Château we were all quiet in contemplation at the wonders we’d taken in over just a short weekend and only a few hours from home. While we were staying at hand’s down the most incredible hotel in the region, the exploration of that luxe property and their flawless Michelin starred restaurant menu was only part of this seductive adventure. I can’t wait to escape to the Château de la Treyne again in warmer months for kayaking down the Dordogne, long walks and sundowners sat on the terrace, dreaming of upping sticks like Dick and Angel and starting my own romantic French adventure.

Where to stay:

We stayed at the stunning Château de la Treyne (chateaudelatreyne.com , phone: +33(0) 5.65.27.60.60 , email: treyne@relaischateaux.com) in Lacave where unique luxury suites start from 200 Euros a night.

If you are travelling with a group, the family behind Château de la Treyne also rent out the jaw-dropping 4 bedroom 14th Century Château de Bastit (chateaudubastit.com) only a 10-minute walk across the main property so you can have your family gathering and pop to the main Chateau for dinner.

Not far from either Château you’ll find the family’s 17th Century period property which sleeps 10 people for a week of relaxation and exploration (chartreusedecales.com)

by
Keep Reading
Dog-friendly

#TeamCocopup: Doggy Afternoon Tea at the Egerton House Hotel

This week’s dog-friendly adventure takes us to Knightsbridge, for a doggy afternoon tea at the Egerton House Hotel. Just a stone’s throw away from the iconic facade of Harrods, and a quick walk from the V&A and the Natural History Museum, the Egerton House Hotel is the best spot to spend a lavish afternoon in town for both mums and pooches.

As House of Coco’s official doggie journalist, Team Coco pup Charlie has explored plenty of dog-friendly places in London, but nowhere reaches the same level of puppy-pampering as The Egerton House Hotel. Part of the impeccable Red Carnation Hotel Group, the Egerton House Hotel exudes all of the essential charms of a luxury British hotel, balanced with the warm familiarity of a family run establishment. Before Charlie could do the proverbial shake, and excited tail-wagging, Andiswa, the Egerton House’s operations manager was already greeting us with a warm smile and some necessary fuss. She then led us to their beautiful Ivory hued Drawing Room, and to a table right by their exquisite bay window. While London winter did its worst outside, inside we were getting warm and cosy as Charlie settled into his perfect little doggie blanket and from the Egerton House Hotel.

Before digging into the perfectly baked scones, we started with a brief history of afternoon tea, and learned about how it is inextricably linked to British life. From traditional loose leaf teas, to minimal asian flavours, and even some show-stopping herbal infusions; the Egerton House Hotel has something for even the most discerning tea connoisseur. No afternoon tea would be complete without a selection of delectable sandwiches and pastries, and the Egerton House Hotel’s menu certainly doesn’t disappoint. The delectable sandwiches included organic smoked salmon on freshly baked Cape seed loaf (my personal favourite), roast ham and English mustard, and coronation chicken on granary bread among other British classics. On the sweeter end of the spectrum, the homemade cakes included a perfectly balanced carrot cupcake, lemon and poppyseed layered cake, coffee and walnut gateaux, and some lovely plain and fruit scones too. And while I enjoyed a glass of champagne with my afternoon tea, Charlie enjoyed a three course doggy menu of his own — also served in doggie-themed three-tiered tea stand.

This very special doggy menu comprises of homemade chicken and beef meatloaf, freshly baked dog biscuits, and some pure fruit doggie ice cream, not to mention some pup-friendly PAW-secco too — now that’s VIP (Very important Pet) treatment. Beyond the fresh food and beautiful environment, what makes Egerton House Hotel special is the absolutely faultless service. Because here, they welcome every guest like a VIP (even the four-legged ones)

The Egerton House Hotel’s Doggy Afternoon Tea surely gets five paws from Charlie, and we shall definitely be returning. If not for more cakes, then definitely for a luxury puppy staycation. You can rest assured that your pet will be treated like a king, from top to tail.

The Doggy Afternoon tea at The Egerton House Hotel is £45 per person and £25 per pooch. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 12pm to 6pm. The Egerton House Hotel also offers Vegetarian and Vegan options. For more information visit www.egertonhousehotel.com
by
Keep Reading
Interiors

Office Design and Productivity: Everything You Need to Know

If you are in charge of running a business, then you will know that it is exceptionally stressful. You have a lot of different balls in the air that you need to juggle constantly. You oversee everything; even if some systems have been put in place to streamline the process, it does not mean that it is any easier. One of the most difficult areas to manage is employee productivity, as there are so many different things that can affect this. This is why laying down the proper foundation is important; constructing a strategic office design that promotes productivity provides an excellent base.

How Does Office Design Effect Productivity?

A well-designed office space is integral to creating the right working environment, and it can offer many benefits to your employees. Conversely, ill-designed offices can increase distractions, lead to more disruptions and generally slow down productivity. Take stock of your office using the below factors to assess just how effective your office design is.

Light & Ventilation

Your employees spend the majority of their day inside your office; a dimly lit space can dampen moods and reduce levels of concentration. On the other hand, a well-lit and well-ventilated office can energise staff and act as a motivator. It can also decrease the number of absences and increase work satisfaction. In short, it comes down to comfort; if you create a comfortable, welcoming environment, your staff will be happier and work harder.

Furniture & Equipment

From this, the importance of comfort should be obvious. For example, in an office, your staff spend most of their days sitting at their desks. Are they ergonomically designed? If not, you may find that more injuries occur and so more absences. A comfortable chair can keep them healthier and reduce aches and pain, leading to a more efficient workforce.

Speaking of efficiency, what extra equipment do you provide for your staff? Incorporating other equipment such as bottled water coolers offers your staff an opportunity to socialise whilst also promoting hydration, both of which are good for the brain. Cooler Aid has a number of models, including both the traditional bottled water coolers and the more modern mains fed water coolers.

Visual Stimulation

Take a look around your office; what do you see? The aesthetics of your office space can have either a negative or a positive effect on an individual’s brain. Therefore, it is worth adding some colour or some art, as depending on the colour combination, it can reduce stress and boost creativity. You can choose a colour theme that is specific to your business or industry to add a little continuity. It also provides a good impression should you receive visitors.

To Conclude

The design of your office can impact the longevity of your business which is why a well-designed office is instrumental to the success of your business. In addition, it can help to encourage the best from your employees and increase loyalty. So look at your office with fresh eyes, in light of what you have read – it may be time for a new design.

If you are in charge of running a business, then you will know that it is exceptionally stressful. You have a lot of different balls in the air that you need to juggle constantly. You oversee everything; even if some systems have been put in place to streamline the process, it does not mean that it is any easier. One of the most difficult areas to manage is employee productivity, as there are so many different things that can affect this. This is why laying down the proper foundation is important; constructing a strategic office design that promotes productivity provides an excellent base.

How Does Office Design Effect Productivity?

A well-designed office space is integral to creating the right working environment, and it can offer many benefits to your employees. Conversely, ill-designed offices can increase distractions, lead to more disruptions and generally slow down productivity. Take stock of your office using the below factors to assess just how effective your office design is.

Light & Ventilation

Your employees spend the majority of their day inside your office; a dimly lit space can dampen moods and reduce levels of concentration. On the other hand, a well-lit and well-ventilated office can energise staff and act as a motivator. It can also decrease the number of absences and increase work satisfaction. In short, it comes down to comfort; if you create a comfortable, welcoming environment, your staff will be happier and work harder.

Furniture & Equipment

From this, the importance of comfort should be obvious. For example, in an office, your staff spend most of their days sitting at their desks. Are they ergonomically designed? If not, you may find that more injuries occur and so more absences. A comfortable chair can keep them healthier and reduce aches and pain, leading to a more efficient workforce.

Speaking of efficiency, what extra equipment do you provide for your staff? Incorporating other equipment such as bottled water coolers offers your staff an opportunity to socialise whilst also promoting hydration, both of which are good for the brain. Cooler Aid has a number of models, including both the traditional bottled water coolers and the more modern mains fed water coolers.

Visual Stimulation

Take a look around your office; what do you see? The aesthetics of your office space can have either a negative or a positive effect on an individual’s brain. Therefore, it is worth adding some colour or some art, as depending on the colour combination, it can reduce stress and boost creativity. You can choose a colour theme that is specific to your business or industry to add a little continuity. It also provides a good impression should you receive visitors.

To Conclude

The design of your office can impact the longevity of your business which is why a well-designed office is instrumental to the success of your business. In addition, it can help to encourage the best from your employees and increase loyalty. So look at your office with fresh eyes, in light of what you have read – it may be time for a new design.

by
Keep Reading
Hotels & Spas

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa: A Paradise in a world of it’s own

Team Coco checked into Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa for a week of unrivalled tropical luxury. From lounging in our own private water villas, to sipping coconuts beachfront, farm-to-plate dining, and even sailing yachts among spinner dolphins; we’re letting our inner island girl free and living our best life at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa.

A picture is worth a thousand words – and so what better way to give you some mid-week travel inspiration than by sharing our own visual diary of our dreamy trip to the Maldives? We’ll just leave these here.

The Water Villas

Think natural wood interiors, a seductively comfortable king-sized bed, and a bathroom that’s bigger than a Victorian semi-detached. The Water Villas are exactly what our travel dreams are made of. Enjoy some in-room dining on your veranda, and lounge on a hammock-directly suspended from the sea. Have a soak in your oversized oval bath tub, or better yet shower outdoors. Trust us, there’s nothing more liberating.

Dining by Design

The resort has three restaurants, and each one has its own distinct personality, but if you’re looking for a truly bespoke culinary experience — try the Shangri-La’s Dine by Design. Fancy having lunch on the equator? A barbecue in your villa? Or maybe even a dinner in the Chef’s garden? Then let the Shangri-La’s expert chefs create an unforgettable dining experience just for you. We tried their new farm-to-plate dining experience, which began with picking our choice of island grown ingredients from the chef’s garden, followed by a visit to the neighbouring town of Meedhu.

A Traditional take on Wellness

Hidden amidst large banyan trees and tropical shrubbery, CHI, The Spa has eleven spacious treatment villas, two meditation pavilions, and a yoga pavilion overlooking the ocean. We tried the Kandu Boli Ritualmassage. This traditional treatment is a soothing body and face massage, where coconut oil is rubbed on you with a hot cowrie shell – absolute relaxation.

Eco-luxury at it’s finest

At the Eco-Centre, marine biologists take guests on nature trails, while dive-masters guide diving enthusiasts across the Addu Attol’s best kept snorkel gardens. After doing our part for the environment and planting some coral in the resort’s coral farm; We went on a snorkelling excursion just a 30 minute boat ride away from the island, and swam amongst incredible aquatic wildlife and coral — even spotting some sea turtles along the way.

Sailing with the dolphins

From jungle treks and golf to coral planting and sea-bobbing, here’s plenty to do at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa. We highly recommend venturing away from the resort’s many luxuries — and jumping onboard a Yacht for a sunset cruise like no other.During our brief expedition out to sea — we were greeted by large and friendly groups of Spinner dolphins, racing with our boat’s bow, and showing off with some pretty impressive flips too!

Room rates at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa are from US$645 (approx. £501) per night. This is based on double occupancy and includes all taxes and fees. To book, please visit www.shangri-la.com/male/villingiliresort or call 0800 028 3337.
by
Keep Reading
Food & Drink

City of stars, are you shining just for me? Reliving LaLa Land at Grand Central Market

You’ve seen it haven’t you? And you either can’t get enough of Emma and Ryan and their modern Romeo and Juliet, dreams will tear you apart, dancing around lamp posts joy. Or you can’t stand the flipping thing; the jaunty tunes, slightly off key singing and the relentless nods to classic movies.

Whatever your take, you can’t deny that it makes Los Angeles look like the absolute dream. Surely the tourism board put Damien Chazelle up for that but if not, they owe him, big time!

Basing a whole trip around an epic film would be crazy (but don’t put it past #TeamCoco!) but we were lucky enough to cram in a number of romantic spots from the movie by simply heading to DTLA’s Grand Central Market.

This year is the market’s centenary as a covered market and refreshingly since 1917 the core values of the market have remained the same. As the City of Stars has had face lift after face lift, the market has maintained its charm and its purpose in the community as somewhere to grab fresh produce, some dinner and a drink and meet a friend.

The current administration of the space want to continue to preserve it as a place that showcases the best of the local area’s produce, chefs and entrepreneurs with carefully vetted vendors and live DJ nights that keep the atmosphere alive.

We could spend all day telling you about where to eat and drink (for instance, Eggslut is a phenomenon, G&B coffee have world class baristas and a green juice from Press Brothers’ Juicery will cure any hangover) but we’re here to walk in the foot steps of our star crossed lovers aren’t we?!

In one of the most heart-soaringly romantic parts of the movie we’re treated to a number of incredible dates where the city of Los Angeles facilitates Seb and Mia falling deeply in love. Within the market you can sit (as many couples who were there did!) at the stools at Sarita’s Pupuseria for Salvadorean cuisine.

Leaving the market to the Hill Street side you will catch a real slice of old Los Angeles with the funicular Angel’s Flight, once the world’s shortest railway when it opened in 1901. This incredible piece of old school public transport had been out of service for years, including when the film was filmed but has since been confirmed to be restored and reopened to the public.

We’d like to think that some movie magic might have helped that to happen…

.If that isn’t enough movie magic for you, we have two options left: jump in a cab up to Griffith Observatory to try out dancing with the stars and incredible views of the Hollywood Sign and the city beneath you.

Or, a little closer to the market, we were tipped off to pop into the Bradbury Building across the road which, while not in La La Land has starred in movies like Blade Runner, 500 Days of Summer and as the Twix factory in the recent TV campaign…

Find out more about how you can visit more La La Land filming locations through Discover Los Angeles at https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/lalaland

by
Keep Reading
Home

Three Hot Interior Design Trends Seen at Casa Decor

House of Coco visited Casa Decor, one of Europe’s most distinguished design exhibitions in Europe, to identify the hottest interior trends for 2019.

Pretty in pink
Pink has been on-trend since Pantone named ‘Rose Quartz’ as their colour of the year in 2016 and it seems it’s not going anywhere soon. The sugary sweet colour may seem a bold option for interiors, but it surprisingly works with many other colours, such as green, blue, black and grey. Try using accessories, like lamps and rugs to add a touch of pink without committing to paint.

Will the popularity of pink ever cease? We don’t think so…

Jungle is massive
Green spaces, leaf motifs and houseplants were everywhere at Casa Decor. The colour green is a great choice for interior decorating, as it oozes calm, chilled vibes. The trick with houseplants seemed to be mixing it up: think a range of plants with different, intricate leafs as well as those that trail and hang.

It’s all in the details
No space was forgotten at Casa Decor – small details cleverly drew the eye to every corner of a room. Flowers and plants were placed in attention-grabbing vases or pots, tables were piled up with beautiful books and a creative mix of textures (think fluffy rugs thrown over chairs and velvet cushions stacked on sofas) add interest to the most mundane surfaces.

by
Keep Reading
Home

Take home the Scent of Italy with Acqua di Parma’s new Home Collection

Attention all avid decorators and home fragrance connoisseurs, because Acqua di Parma’s New Home Collection lets you bring the sweet scent of Italy to your home.

If you’re a late-twenty something new home-owner/renter, you’ll be familiar with the all encompassing obsession of creating the perfect space. Beyond choosing your colour palette and finding just the indoor plant, the finishing touch to any space is always a signature scent. Lucky for us, luxury Italian fragrance brand Acqua di Parma has just launched their exclusive home range, which lets you recreate authentic Italian moments from your living room to your terrace.

The collection was inspired by the scents of the Italian Mediterranean and is made up of candles and diffusers in five different scents. These are Luce di Colonia, Buongiorno, La Casa sul Lago, Caffè in Piazza, and Oh L’amore. Each one of the scents creates an olfactory journey through different quintessentially Italian scenes. Whether that is having a ‘caffè in the piazza’ or falling in love.

Acqua di Parma’s Home Collection also features five fragrances inspired by Acqua di Parma’s Blu Mediterraneo Line. These are Francia di Capri, Fico di Amalfi, Bergamot di Calabria, Chinotto di Liguria, and Mirto di Panarea. All five of these scents were inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of the Italian Mediterranean. So if you’ve just re-watched ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ or still dreaming about booking your last holiday in the Amalfi Coast, why not bring the Italian Mediterranean to your home instead?

WWW.ACQUADIPARMA.COM

by
Keep Reading
Interiors

6 Tips for Designing a Stylish Bathroom

If you want to make your bathroom stylish, read this post and learn from some of the tips we’ll share. You do not need to be an expert interior designer to come up with bright ideas for a chic bathroom. A little creativity is all you need! Don’t forget to check out these amazing bathroom suites at victoriaplum for added inspiration. A little creativity is all you need!

  1. Use a Bathtub as the Focal Point

As soon as you enter the bathroom, there is one piece that needs to immediately stand out. This can be your freestanding bathtub. Select a freestanding bathtubwith design and shape that will complement the rest of the bathroom. It does not only improve aesthetics but also gives you a spot to relax after a tiring day. This makes the bathroom feel like a high-end spa.

If you are looking for freestanding bathtubs, visit badeloftusa.com to see their selection.

  1. Tile Diagonally

Diagonal bathroom tiles will give the bathroom a livelier appearance. This is better compared to parallel and square tiles, which look boring. To add, tiling diagonally also opens up space, which makes it excellent for a small bathroom. The V-shape of the tile will create an opening effect. In contrast, when it has a grid-like pattern, it looks like a jail.

  1. Match the Colors

Before you start designing the bathroom, you need to have a color palette in mind. This gives you an idea on the colors that will be used for the floors, walls, ceiling, sinks, bathtub, and other essentials in the bathroom. This does not mean that everything should be the same color. The key here is to coordinate. Use colors that will perfectly complement each other.

  1. Add Art

Nothing makes a bathroom more stylish than an attractive artwork. However, be careful when hanging artwork. Exposure to moisture and temperature fluctuations will easily damage it. It will be best to have it framed before installing in the bathroom. Also, choose art with warm colors to make the bathroom more relaxing.

  1. Find the Right Mirror

The bathroom is not complete without a mirror. However, rather than using a traditional rectangular mirror, be more unconventional. When choosing a bathroom mirror, pay attention to the size. If you have a vanity, the vanity and the mirror should have the same width. For a large bathroom, especially for the master bath, double mirrors are good.

  1. Get Rid of the Clutter

A stylish bathroom is not just all about the decorative pieces. It is also all about how clean and organized it is. Get rid of the clutter in the countertop or anywhere in the bathroom. Keep all your stuff in the cabinet. If you want to create a seamless look, transfer your shampoo, conditioner, and body washes in containers with a design that complement the bathroom.

Keep in mind our suggestions above to make your bathroom stylish. From adding a bathtub to getting rid of the clutter, these tips will make the bathroom one of your favorite places at home!

by
Keep Reading
Arts

An architecture lover’s guide to Palm Springs: The Mid-Century Modern Hub of America

Palm Springs is a stunning desert oasis that becomes a hot spot for festival goers during the two spectacular weekends of the Coachella Music Festival. Beyond Coachella, a little known fact about Palm Springs, (well for me at least) is that it is one of the biggest mid-century modern architecture hubs in America.

We catch the Palm Springs Mod Squad Architecture Tour with Kurt Cyr, to check out all the most iconic architecture in this beautiful desert town. Greater Palm Springs has been attracting artists, designers, and architects for over a century, and was the place to be for Hollywood Stars for the golden age. Kurt Cyr himself is local celebrity in his own right. A treasure trove of architectural knowledge, and bucket loads of charm, make Kurt an absolute delight; and this tour a great way to spend an afternoon in Palm Springs.

We start the tour at the super Instagrammable Saguaro Hotel. The hotel itself is built with a spectrum of rainbow colours and is the perfect spot for a California Pool party. Bursts of colour decorate the building and permeate every aspect of this ultra-cool property. We continue the tour by learning how to spot key mid-century modern deign elements all throughout Palm Springs. Flat planes, shadow play, and geometric shapes, became instantly recognisable as we learned more about the roots of this architectural movement in Palm Springs. Highlights include seeing the homes of some of Hollywood’s biggest icons, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and even Marilyn Monroe. Check out some of our favourite spots on the tour below.

visitcalifornia

by
Keep Reading
Dog-friendly

#TeamCocopup: The Perfect English Countryside stay at The Eastbury Hotel

Here at House of Coco, we’re love the occasional countryside escape, especially an escape that lets our four-legged friends tag along too. So – armed with a large glass of GNT, I write about my wonderful doggy retreat to The Eastbury Hotel in Dorset with TeamCocopup Charlie.

Located in the charming Abbey town of Sherborne, The Eastbury Hotel is where familiar home comforts and country elegance come together in perfect harmony. Exuding a wealth of west country charms, The Eastbury Hotel is a quintessential English countryside escape that will surely impress any guest — especially the four legged ones.

This handsome Georgian Townhouse dates back to 1740 and was originally built as a gentleman’s residence. It was recently refurbished in 2018, following the acquisition by Peter and Lana de Savary of the prestigious de Savary Group. Outside, its red brick facade harks back to its Georgian history, but inside it is a picture of classic luxury, with all the modern touches of a luxury boutique hotel.

The Eastbury Hotel has all the signatures of a de Savary property; from the timeless elegance of its interiors to the impeccable service of its staff. We made our way across the hotel’s beautiful walled garden and into our delightful Garden Deluxe Room. Four of the Garden Deluxe rooms are dog-friendly, and the hotel even provides luxury dog-bedding for your pampered pooches. Each of the 21 rooms is named after a traditional English flower; a reflection of the beautiful flowers and trees that occupy the hotel’s idyllic gardens. Inside, these spacious room is a home away from home, with Egyptian cotton sheets, a cosy seating area and a handsome wooden writing desk, accented by a window that overlooks the garden below.

We were lucky enough to have been met by gentle winds and plenty of sunshine during our visit, which gave TeamCocopup Charlie the opportunity to truly make the most of the walled gardens and the spacious lawn at the hotel. The terrace is the perfect spot for summer drinks and overlooks the lawn, where guests can also enjoy a game of croquet, badminton, table tennis — and a very large game of chess.

If you are looking to explore outside of the hotel, the charming town of Sherborne has plenty of things to discover. The 1000 year old Sherborne Abbey is just a 10 minute walk away, and thequaint cobblestoned streets are worth exploring as well. These streets are filled with charming independent boutiques, to hearty restaurants serving excellent British cuisine. Look out for the paw signs outside restaurants and bars — which means that pets are welcome. Dorset is as dog-friendly as can be (so much so they have their own local doggy magazine)! So there’s plenty of places for your pup to explore. We recommend checking out the beautiful garden landscapes of Sherborne Castle too.

There is no better way to end a day of exploring than with dinner at The Eastbury Hotel’s award-winning Seasons Restaurant. The restaurant has won 2 Rosettes for culinary excellence and it is easy to see why. Chef Matthew Street offers up a refreshing take on British classics and uses only the freshest local ingredients. All of the produce is sourced from local suppliers, and the herbs come directly from the gardens.

As we bid goodbye to the beautiful Eastbury Hotel its cosy rooms, the calming sanctuary of its gardens, and the wonderful staff that have made our stay truly special — we’re already dreaming of our return to The Eastbury.

WWW.THEEASTBURYHOTEL.CO.UK

Hannah and Charlie travelled to The Eastbury Hotel via South Western Railway, which is the easiest and pet-friendliest way to travel to Sherborne from London. Book your next SWR tickets to Sherborne via www.southwesternrailway.com

by
Keep Reading