Nestled high on the 500-acre Farncombe Estate above Broadway – Dormy House Hotel forms part of a trio of distinctive properties, alongside The Fish Hotel and Foxhill Manor, each offering a different expression of the estate’s countryside hospitality.
Luxury and history blend seamlessly to create the perfect luxury getaway at the charming Dormy House Hotel and Spa – a rather special haven that offers the ultimate in opulence.
The 17th-Century farmhouse, which underwent a multimillion pound refurbishment, now has a modern stylish feel, while still retaining the Nordic origins of its family owners with Scandi-chic décor and hand-picked furnishings throughout.
We were instantly made to feel like special. I hadn’t even finished manoeuvring my car into a space when a smiling staff member dashed over to greet us and relieve us of our luggage, ushering us in out of the impending rain shower.
In keeping with its homely vibe, there is no check in desk but rather a friendly face to greet us in the first lounge (yes, there are multiple cosy areas in which to hunker down by a roaring fire and enjoy a good book or newspaper and glass of something cold). From here we are given a brief tour of the venue, so not to miss anything (although I do think there’s something fun about exploring on your own.)
Indeed, the property offers a real sense of home while is at the same time, grandiose in feel, with its preserved paneled hall, window seats, vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, chandeliers and artworks among the many stand-out original features.
It was quickly clear this was going to be hotel luxury at another level. And our Courtyard Suite delivered opulence and home comforts in equal measure. (Who doesn’t love a mini fridge filled to bursting with complimentary snacks? Chilled ready-to-drink cocktails proved the perfect pre-dinner treat.) Premium brand coffee, local beers, soft drinks, water and snacks were also a welcome addition.
Clever and stylish interior design made the very best use of the space which was separated by a pristine bathroom, into living and sleeping quarters. The Courtyard Suites are just two among the 39 individually-styled rooms, including a musical Studio room complete with record player and vinyls and soundproofed drum kit (you can be let loose with no fear of reprisals!) How cool is that?
But it’s the attention to detail that most stood out for me, from the music already playing as we entered our room (although no instruments here!) to the premium toiletries and special touches throughout – including a collection of current lifestyle glossies to flick through whilst enjoying aforementioned treats.
While rooms are not available until 3pm, guests are invited to make full use of Dormy’s on-site facilities from midday, including what some might regard as the jewel in Dormy’s crown – the House Spa has a string of awards to its name. The latest is a 5 bubble Spa rating in the Good Spa Guide just last year.
And this is where the Scandie theming most excels, with its thermal suite, featuring Himalayan salt sauna, aromatic steam room and snow and tropical showers, alongside the 16m indoor infinity pool and outdoor terrace hydrotherapy hot tub – aside a roaring fireplace! It’s all too easy to while away a big quota of your day in this very soothing spot! I swear I could feel those stresses and strains ebbing away with the water.
For those who desire it, there’s also a gym, meditation suite, wave massage bed and float tank, plus a menu of facial and body treatments for the ultimate indulgence.
Between spa sessions there isn’t far to amble to The Greenhouse spa café, for a healthy snack or smoothie should you desire.
And, modestly named The Shed, the cosy lounge bar is the perfect pitstop for everything from fireside light bites to pre-dinner cocktails en route to The Back Garden fine dining restaurant, where there is a focus on high-welfare meats and produce from the hotel gardens.
It’s little surprise to me that Dormy House wins high praise from so many quarters, not least the likes of Vanity Fair and Good Housekeeping Magazines which praise the hotel’s ‘creature comforts’, spa-hotel ambience’ and ‘culinary flair.’
I’m lucky enough to have stayed in some incredibly beautiful hotels across the world – who knew one of the most memorable would be 40 minutes down the road?
Dormy House has a casual (definitely not snobby) sophistication and five-star level of service the price tag would dictate (it’s hefty!) That said, for the most discerning it’s a clear choice for the ultimate weekend retreat which is far from off the peg and offers that ‘extra’ touch of luxury you’re looking for.
An especially good choice ahead of Valentine’s Day for a romantic break that won’t fail to both woo and wow!
Visit: https://dormyhouse.co.uk/ for more information.
