As you’d count on from a grand previous property courting again to the time of the Norman Conquest, Billesley Manor has loads of historical past. It’s mentioned that this was a favorite hang-out of William Shakespeare and that he visited in 1599 to write down his comedy As You Like It in what’s now a lounge bearing the play’s identify. He’s additionally believed to have married Anne Hathaway in a church within the grounds of the property. These days, visitors can admire the historic web site and its interval options with modern-day luxuries. A advantageous restaurant, cosy wood-panelled bar and spectacular spa can all be loved on this tranquil spot within the Warwickshire countryside.
Background and Idea
Billesley Manor resembles a conventional historic English countryside property of the kind you’d see on a interval drama. It’s a advantageous institution however there is no such thing as a stuffiness or pretension, the group are pleasant and solely too completely happy to let you know concerning the resort’s historical past or supply a meal suggestion. Trendy furnishings sits comfortably in historic rooms full with Tudor picket panelling, giant fireplaces and ornate archways. Its quiet, rural location on 11 acres of grounds makes it a spot to actually change off, a sense helped by a go to to the spa.
Location
The resort is 5 miles exterior the medieval riverside city of Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s situated simply off the busy A46 Alcester Highway however is way sufficient away to not hear any of its visitors. Stratford is definitely reachable in a automotive in about ten minutes and the historic market city is effectively price a go to.
Rooms and Suites
There are 71 rooms throughout the unique manor home and restored cedar barns, with each conventional and up to date rooms effortlessly combining Sixteenth-century allure with trendy services. Some rooms have four-poster beds, giant fireplaces and unique interval options providing the chance to take a step again in time to the period of the Bard, whereas others supply a extra trendy theme. There’s a Shakespeare suite on the primary ground which is the biggest of the rooms on supply. All bedrooms have flat-screen televisions, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service.
Our Keep
Our room was quantity 33, a pleasant suite on the primary ground with a terrific view of the well-manicured topiary backyard, which is a beautiful sight to get up to. Our mattress was as comfy as they arrive and the spacious room was thoughtfully designed with floral armchairs including welcome splashes of vibrant color. A big gray headboard and darkish blue wallpaper complemented one another effectively, with framed quills adorning the partitions in one other nod to the mansion’s most well-known visitor.
A pleasant little further was the espresso machine, very welcome certainly to me as a espresso lover, which sat on a desk which doubled up as a dressing desk. The toilet was glossy, clear and white, with Molton Brown toiletries and a rainforest bathe head including to the sensation of luxurious.
Meals and Drink
The Stuart Restaurant, a wood-panelled eating room with excessive ceilings and open fires is cut up into two to provide the probability to determine which facet you want to eat. Historic portraits on the partitions are given a splash of vibrant paint to supply a contemporary vibe within the house the place visitors can take pleasure in native and regional produce through a menu that modifications with the seasons. Cotswold lamb, greens from the kitchen backyard and gin distilled domestically are all on supply. The kitchen is overseen by government head chef Richard Dewey who believes that high quality native produce makes for nice dishes and figuring out the provenance of substances is important. Subsequent door is the Nice Corridor Bar and Lounge which is one other great setting for a meal, in a barely much less formal setting. Visitors can take pleasure in a meal, cocktail or afternoon tea whereas sinking into cozy armchairs.
Our Eating Expertise
We got a heat welcome and a quick historical past lesson concerning the resort earlier than being proven to our seats tucked away properly in a cushty nook of the Stuart Restaurant. Our waitress was pleasant and attentive as she handed out the menus. Programs are given playful names with a nod to the resort’s proximity to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Firm in Stratford, with pre-show nibbles, Act 1 (starters), Act 2 (mains) and supporting (sides) listed. I opted for scallops for a starter – a favorite of mine – and I wasn’t disenchanted. The dish was fantastically introduced with pickled apple and coriander yoghurt giving it freshness and zing. My spouse selected the scrumptious goat’s cheese mousse with truffle soil.
For mains, I used to be torn between venison and duck breast however recommendation from our server gave me a mild nudge into selecting the meat fillet. Cooked medium uncommon as it’s endorsed and served with truffle mash and black garlic emulsion, it was an actual deal with. My spouse selected the resort’s signature Billesley Burger which arrived in a ravishing pretzel bun.
We nearly had room for dessert and selected a crème brulee and chocolate brownie from the engaging checklist.
Breakfast
The morning providing is plentiful, with visitors greeted and welcomed into the Stuart Restaurant earlier than setting out to select from the cold and warm buffet. The sausages, bacon and eggs had been of wonderful high quality and there was plentiful contemporary fruit, juices and bread.
Lounge
The As You Like It Lounge is a pleasant spot to retreat for some peace and quiet, or perhaps some inspiration. It’s on this room that Shakespeare is claimed to have written his well-known play of the identical identify. The tranquil house has books hanging the ceiling engaging you to hunker down and have a learn your self, together with a day tea. There’s additionally a desk searching onto the gardens if an concept takes maintain that you just immediately must decide to paper.
Spa
The big pool is ideal for some gentle train earlier than working up a sweat within the steam room or sauna. A variety of massages and coverings can be found specializing in wellness of pores and skin, physique and thoughts. It’s potential to make a day of it with comfy loungers across the pool and meals and drinks accessible within the bar space.
Closing Ideas
Billesley Manor is ideal for a romantic break in Stratford at any time of yr. Whether or not sitting in a comfy chair by an open fire in winter or strolling the gardens and having fun with dinner on the outside terrace in summer season. These are grand environment, however they quickly really feel like dwelling. The historic manor home acts like a cocoon to flee the stress of on a regular basis life and actually change off to do as a lot or as little as you would like. In spite of everything, that is luxurious As You Like It.
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