For Gloucestershire residents at least, mention Stow-on-the-Wold’s Wyck Hill House Hotel and you’ll inevitably hear tales of the venue’s unfortunate past, having gone into shock administration back in 2008. We admit, the less than flattering legacy also floated into our minds, before the 18th century manor came into view, that is.

Following the 30-minute country drive from Cheltenham, we were instantly taken aback by the charming dark honey-coloured country house, set in no less than 100-acres of picturesque grounds, with a Bentley parked up outside, naturally.

Under new ownership and with an extensive refurbishment completed, on first impressions it seemed the fresh management’s hopes of putting the hotel back on the map as a premier Cotswold venue were off to a flying start.

The warm reception we received was equally impressive, as we trod the weathered wooden floor past tall vases of fresh flowers, antique gold-framed oil paintings and fine period furniture to be greeted by the friendly receptionist, before being escorted to our room by a well-attired porter with a remarkable moustache.

Climbing the stunning staircase to a feature bedroom in the original part of the manor, a heavy wooden door was unlocked to reveal what can only be described as country house elegance at its best.

Light beamed in through the huge original sash windows, framed by luxurious floor-to-ceiling curtains, highlighting a tasteful hard wood bed made up with goose down bedding. Two imposing, regal antique chairs, lavishly wallpapered walls, and a hefty – but by no means out of place – flat screen Samsung television completed the scene.

We peered out of the window to enjoy views of the hotel’s sun terrace and well-kept lawn, with nothing else but uninterrupted Cotswold countryside as far as the eye could see, before unpacking for the night.

Dragging ourselves away from the home comforts, the afternoon was spent being pampered in the spa by her, and exploring Wyck Hill’s grounds by him – with plenty of mature woodland to be enjoyed.

The evening saw us indulge in some fine courses in the hotel’s restaurant, followed by cigars – care of the hotel bar’s well-stocked humidor – in the dedicated outdoor cigar shack. Retiring back to our charming room, legs stretched out, bellies filled and whistles whetted, a superb night’s sleep was next on the agenda.

Waking to the sounds of birds chirping – yes, really – and a gardener tending to the shrubbery, our storybook stay was completed with a superb breakfast in the sun-drenched restaurant, packed with fresh local produce – mine a full English with salmon and eggs across the table. A blaring radio (with local news from Luton, strangely) was the only niggle, but was soon put right by one of the staff after a quiet word.

While it would be all too easy for Wyck Hill House Hotel to fall into the bracket of stuffy country house hotel – of which there are already plenty in the Cotswolds – the new owners have done a fine job of drawing upon the manor’s original charm while creating a relaxed atmosphere, welcoming guests of all shapes and sizes.

From the decadent reception, original library and excellent restaurant to the unique rooms, extensive grounds and talking-point cigar shack, no expense has been spared in re-launching this Stow-on-the-Wold venue as a truly luxurious Gloucestershire retreat. There’s no doubt Wyck Hill is here to stay – and we’re looking forward to seeing it rise all the way to the top.

James Fryer
9 August 2010