Cotswolds88 is a gem hidden away amongst the picturesque narrow streets of Painswick village, nicknamed 'The Queen of the Cotswolds'. For city dwellers in need of a luxurious country break, this is a superb, stylish place to stay. Nestled in the rolling country hills, it's three miles from Stroud Station (an hour and a half's train ride to London's Paddington).
Behind the traditional Cotswold stone exterior lies an unexpected eclectic interior: striped and ornate wallpaper and carpets in black and white, alongside sleek retro and vintage furniture re-upholstered in graphic textiles with jolts of colour. It's no wonder that Sienna Miller chose to escape here for a weekend away.
The Palladian Suite is one of the most spacious of the 17 rooms. A huge four-poster bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and fluffy pillows, is the centrepiece of the room and is surrounded by gilt-framed artwork, architectural drawings, red velvet and cream stripe covered furniture, plus iPod dock, flat screen TV with sky, and instant WiFi without the fuss of having to use passwords. The en-suite bathroom has a huge room-for-two free-standing bath with stunning views over Painswick Valley. So what else could I do first but have a long panoramic soak?
When supper time arrived, my husband and I headed to the small bar for cocktails, and then through to the dining area that spreads across the ground floor. The simple but delicious menu offered local organic produce from newly appointed chef Lee Scott, whose career includes running the Savoy Grill for Gordon Ramsay, and even a stint at catering for Tom Cruise whilst on location. (Once a month, guests can book on a three-hour cooking course with Lee, which provides hands-on opportunity to develop culinary skills).
The ham hock terrine with celeriac, followed by a Hereford rump steak on a bed of wilted spinach and a smoked bacon pommes Anna with a celeriac and truffle puree were delicious. My dessert of chocolate and coffee mousse, poached pear with vanilla ice cream didn't stand a chance. A flat screen at the end of the dining room showed a live feed of the dishes coming from the pass to add to the experience, and provided a nice distraction in the less than bustling dining room.
The next day, after a hearty breakfast, we headed off on a cross-country hike. But after stopping for a quick half in a nearby pub to sample the local ales, rain cut our ambitious walk short. Instead we spent a cosy afternoon in the Cotswolds88 lounge reading, and indulging in their homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, and a pot of tea.
The beauty of this hotel is the views and peacefulness that the Cotswolds offers, but the service and amenities that you expect from a boutique hotel. It has the comfort, luxury and serenity to truly unwind.
Cotswolds88 Hotel, Kemps Lane, Painswick, Gloucestershire GL6 6YB (+44 (0)1452 813688; cotswolds88hotel.com). Prices range from £165 for a night's B&B to £515 for a night's B&B including dinner.
