Nestled in the Anglo-Saxon village of Freshford, Homewood is a stylish country house hotel, just six miles south of Bath, in the rolling hills of Somerset. Set within an 18th-century Georgian mansion, it makes for the perfect rural escape with Taittinger afternoon teas, eccentric suites, and an AA award-winning spa. So, if you’re looking for a snug countryside escape—accompanied by your pooch—choose Homewood.
Location
Freshford is a charming village nestled along the banks of the River Frome, surrounded by wild meadows and dense woodlands. With a population of just over 550 residents, waltz along its narrow streets, and you’ll find honey-colored cottages, a village shop, a classic 16th-century village inn—The Inn at Freshford, and its Grade II listed St. Peter’s Church.
Style and Character
Sweep down a leafy lane guarded by Victorian lanterns and towering English oak trees as you approach Homewood. Inside, you’ll be welcomed into its eclectic reception, wrapped in antique clocks, with a myriad of cozy living rooms branching off—quintessentially British, with comfy mustard loveseats, Victorian oil lamps, shiny copper kettles, and quirky French cabinets filled with ceramic poodles.
Outside, wander across its 20 acres of manicured grounds, expensive lawns, and honey-colored courtyard—dotted with utopian Dining Domes (think fluffy throws and comfy armchairs) serving decadent 3-course dinners, al fresco. You can truly expect the unexpected at Homewood—and you’ll find little quirky touches along the way, like bronze chimpanzees, giraffe topiaries, and oversized marble lollipops—a feast for the eyes of country boho lovers and hip aesthetes alike.
Rooms and Suites
There are just 31 rooms at Homewood, from Elegant Rooms to Spa Suites with barrel saunas and plunge pools. Mews Hot Tub Suites, however, are quirky and retro—boasting private courtyards, bubbling hot tubs, and sweeping views across the Avon Valley.
Spill into its snug lounge, with a modern French twist—wrapped in pomegranate walls, with industrial lamps and golden mirrors, where you can sink into crimson zigzag sofas and comfy leather armchairs with a glass of smooth Montagne Saint-Émilion as you settle in for a cozy night watching Netflix on your flat-screen TV.
Sliding doors open onto a sweeping terrace with towering potted bamboo, ornate garden furniture, and a canopied bubbling hot tub—perfect for sipping Moët & Chandon under the stars.
Back inside, a drawn curtain reveals a quaint Master Bedroom—stylish and eccentric, with a pink zigzag super-king bed (think Lansdowne cashmere mattresses), a small mirrored wardrobe, an antique French dressing table, golden vanity mirrors, and vintage telephones. You’ll also find little comforts like Dyson hairdryers, a Nespresso coffee machine, Birchall herbal teas, and oozing homemade brownies.
Next door, your toasty bathroom boasts a commodious walk-in rainfall shower, a deep soaking bath, and glowing vanity mirrors.
Spa and Wellness
Swanning along a cobbled stone passageway through a secret farmhouse gate, you’ll uncover Homewood’s AA award-winning spa.
It boasts two hydrotherapy pools, a Swedish sauna and steam room, experience showers, shaded cabanas, and a row of comfy vermillion sunloungers guarded by giant potted olive trees—where you can order a cheeky cosmo via Homewood’s savvy WhatsApp chat.
Opt for high-tech facials, from a 60-minute Gaiayoga Lifting Facial ($130 per person) to a 90-minute Probiotic Rose Quartz Facial ($145 per person) utilizing cooling rose quartz crystals along with a facial peel and toning massage—or indulge in a mighty 2-hour GAIA Total Holistic Ritual (using advanced GAIA and Lomi Lomi techniques from Hawaii) with a GAIA mud exfoliation, soothing massage, and facial.
Food and Beverage
Overlooking Homewood’s lush sweeping grounds, Olio is its beacon of fine dining—creating a Mediterranean-meets-Somerset fusion—adorned with frilly chandeliers, Turkish rugs, Picasso-style paintings, and rich velvet banquettes.
Utilizing fresh ingredients from its on-site ‘No-Dig Garden’—a la carte feasts balance gourmet with a countryside homey-feel, serving nibbles and small plates from honey-coated chipolatas to grilled halloumi and home-cured Chalkstream trout.
For mains, negotiate between Cornbury Estate venison loin (with bacon jam and blackberry jus) and Loch Duart salmon—or wild mushroom gnocchi for vegetarians—complete with honeycomb ice cream, dark chocolate bombe, and warm sticky toffee pudding with rich butterscotch sauce. Those without a sweet tooth, however, will adore its cheeseboard: think Driftwood goats, Westcombe Cheddar, Vale of Camelot Blue, and Somerset Brie.
Outside on its terrace, opt for a Champagne Afternoon Tea ($56 per person with Taittinger Brut Reserve)—grazing on delicate savory bites like smoked salmon on ale bread, pumpkin arancini (served with saffron aioli), and little balsamic onion and goats cheese tarts.
You’ll then move onto warm scones (served with clotted cream and strawberry jam) and a tray of decadent mini-desserts from passion fruit slices to blackberry and vanilla cheesecake, and choux buns (stuffed with salted caramel chocolate cream). Pair it with myriad teas—from rooibos to high-grown chai cinnamon and Radiant Rose (sprinkled with rose petals).
For a post-dinner digestif, head to Valentines Bar, exuding eclectic glamour—wrapped in sexy crimson walls with industrial mesh chandeliers, an ivory leather bar, gold leaf mirrors, and still life oil paintings.
Sink into zigzag loveseats by a crackling log fire as you sip tickling cocktails like Pollination (with Kaleidoscope vodka and peach & hibiscus liqueur) and Rumayana—served with Vapoura spiced Rum, Peychaud’s bitters, and Double Dutch ginger beer.
Sexy, countryside, chic.
How To Get There
Travelers in London can hop on an 80-minute direct service with Great Western Railway from London Paddington to Bath Spa. From there, it’s a 12-minute cab transfer to Homewood. For more information, visit homewoodbath.co.uk.