Over a hundred years ago, stately British Manor houses were the norm, those in high cotton spent time in the countryside at their Manor homes, a life of indulgence and luxury. There is a certain glamorous elegance in lounging about these popular British properties. More in the Manor House type properties, we have always loved Coworth Park, a Dorchester property just outside of London. Ponder the moment we ease out of our isolating Shelter in Place situation, dip a toe into civilization in a private cottage, with full five-star amenities. Civilized is a perfect description of any Dorchester property, but this is Country Civilization at the premier level! Coworth has several one and two-bedroom single access suites, and a three bedroom cottage, an exalted shelter in place, but with hundreds of acres of scenic walkable grounds, ease back into civilization here!

Location  – Of course, the location is perfect – just so accessible.  Heathrow is merely 20 minutes away, yet when you arrive you feel like you are a million miles away as the gorgeous 250-acre estate literally envelops you.  Just greenery and nature as far as the eye can see.  It is as if you have stepped off the world.  London is also within easy reach – a 40-minute train ride or one-hour car journey.  Also, one I sometimes forget to mention – Farnborough the private airspace is close by – private jet peeps can land close by.  To note on that point, helicopters can and of course do land on the Estate. 
 
Cottages – I think the best way to describe these is if you think about the movie The Holiday! –a series of cottages – little houses on the grounds.  These were created on the foundations where many the original outbuildings of the Estate were positioned.  They are ideal for couples, families and multi-generational families alike. Safety in serene environment.

A country cottage of your dreams. Open your door into a traditional English country house. These elegant suites feature a luxurious open-plan design with a sitting area, dining area and fireplace. Where history lives on. There’s something so restorative about waking up to a silence broken only by delicate birdsong. Coworth Park’s grounds have been faithfully restored to preserve their majestic history, and now offer a village-like atmosphere to this exclusive enclave of rooms and graceful outdoor spaces that surround The Barn.

I’ve stayed here in fall and can attest to the singular beauty, the gorgeous rolling grounds and the delicious dining – five-star menu or quaint pub menu. One of my finest Fish & Chip suppers with a pint was enjoyed on the sheltered terrace, on a fine autumn afternoon.

Several one-bedroom cottages, a two-bedroom cottage and a three bedroom home. An idyllic family retreat. With plenty of space and seclusion these cottages are favored by families looking for a bit of downtime together. And when the exact opposite is required, the layout across two floors allows for early bedtimes on one floor and late lie-ins on the other. Deep soaking tubs or as I prefer to describe them – if you can drown in it, the to die for tub is perfection. You’ll find The Book of Idle Pleasures waiting in your bathroom. Slip into a deep bubble bath and you’ll soon see why this sums up the experience perfectly.

Within the Stable Building with separate entrance is the Fairway Suite- the bathroom is extraordinary! One-bedroom suite with king bed and TWO copper roil top tubs – my suite at Coworth Park had such a tub – a five star tub if you are a soaker, ease away the stress of a day before cocktails and a proper dinner!

Perhaps the jewel in the crown is The Dower House.  This was where Prince Harry stayed with Prince William the night before his wedding to Megan, Coworth Park backs into Windsor Great Park – so Windsor is their next-door neighbor.  The Dower House is an original 18th Century three-bedroom cottage, built in 1775. 

Three bedrooms en-suite. A unique and listed house of your very own, set amongst idyllic private garden. Fully equipped kitchen, merely request private chef. Private gated entrance. Traditional beauty with a modern personality. The Dower House is a private cottage built in 1775. It has been immaculately restored by Fox Lindon Associates who have honored the legacy of the property’s Georgian history and origins. A stylish and enchanting English country escape. The bespoke, copper roll-top bathtubs take luxury to new heights. Both bathrooms are wonderfully spacious, filled with natural light and fragranced by the subtle aroma of Mitchell and Peach toiletries. Soak with spectacular views of the estate and its feathered inhabitants, as well as the glorious countryside that surrounds you, The Dower House has its own secluded garden complete with a river running through it, where you’ll often spot our family of swans.

Excellence in service. Be it a butler, a chef, or someone to prepare the fire, Coworth Park is ready to tailor everything to your heart’s desire. Activities: A walk to the outer edge of the estate rewards you with the discovery of a tranquil lake, which is home to the resident swan named Chukka, inspired by the polo fields he overlooks. This is a place of true serenity in which to enjoy a relaxed moment of calm. Saddle up – Have you ever been on a horse? Would you like to try? This is the finest way to explore the huge estate, breathe in fresh air, relax into the moment and experience life from a new perspective. Even for the complete beginner, there’s no feeling of freedom quite like the adventure of being in the saddle. All things equestrian, Coworth Park is home to eight friendly horses, the equestrian centre welcomes both beginners and seasoned riders. Take a leisurely hack around the grounds, head off for a canter or try your hand at dressage ─ the choice is yours.

Polo lessons- Whether brushing up your polo skills or trying polo for the first time, both theory and practice will be provided on Coworth Park’s High Goal fields. Half day polo master class (three hours). The best way to get up and running and hit a polo ball within one session. Gain an insight into the world of modern polo including its rich history, a thorough engagement with the fundamentals of polo riding, and a fun and pro-active exercise in polo practice from a sporting perspective. The half day experience includes further polo riding practice. All lessons include access to Guards Polo Club on the day.

Country pursuits – For guests looking to stay active, guest services can provide walking and jogging maps. For more adventure, try your hand at laser clay pigeon shooting, mountain biking, tennis, or croquet on the upper lawn. You can also look forward to delicious picnics in your favorite area of the grounds.

Sumptuous Scottish Seaweed Treatment at the Coworth Park Spa. The word is derived from Gaelic word for water – ‘ishga’ and it is the name of the brand which creates all the organic skincare products at Coworth Park Spa. From the remote Scotland Hebridean Islands, the seaweed has for centuries been prized for its natural oxidant and therapeutic properties.

Need more enticement: several restaurants on property, Restaurant Coworth Park, proudly awarded the Michelin star of excellence, the relaxed elegance of Restaurant Coworth Park, led by executive chef Adam Smith, showcases a modern outlook on classic British dishes with stunning views of the gardens. For a more relaxed and rustic dining experience, muddy boots are most welcome at The Barn, which offers a delicious brasserie-style menu of comfort food in an informal setting, this is where I enjoyed scrumptious Fish & Chips. Full service spa with indoor pool, chill before cocktails!

Pack your essential country tweeds and corduroy pants for fall, light linen for summer sojourn. Did you know that in 1571 British Parliament fined any man not wearing his tweed flat cap? In an effort to boost domestic woolen sales, every male over seven was required to wear the woolen flat cap on Sundays and public holidays. From the Royals to the rurals, scholars and country farmers, wellies and woolens are the perfect fashionable attire for the Coworth Park. You learn so much here!

Coworth Park, oozing country charm!