Wanderlust in Wiltshire
GETAWAYS
Wanderlust in Wiltshire
THE WIDBROOK GRANGE HOTEL
WITH SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT WORLD HERITAGE SITES , ANCIENT HISTORIC WONDERS , MEDIEVAL CITIES AND HALF THE COUNTY DESIGNATED AS AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY , WILTSHIRE OFFERS IT ALL IN A PERFECT ESCAPE PACKAGE . BY SAMANTHA READY
Ah , the elusive family short break dream : scenic drives through rolling English countryside , picnics by babbling brooks , educational and inspiring trips to historical wonders , and peaceful sleeps fuelled by local gastronomic delights and fresh countryside air .
If only !
Our own family adventure began with a nonstop inquisitive preschooler preaching the classic ‘ are we there yet ?’ from the moment we joined the M20 , demands for a wee in the absolute middle of nowhere , and a miserable teething baby . Living the dream …
Whilst the journey wasn ’ t quite what we were hoping for , our end destination was the definitive light at the end of the tunnel , or more accurately the beams of sunlight on a beautiful Georgian house , as we arrived at the Widbrook Grange Hotel .
Originally built as a model farm during the early 1700s , Widbrook Grange ’ s main house – with its light stone facade , cosy lounges , dining rooms and bedrooms ; and stables and barns blocks , home to yet more cosy bedrooms and even an indoor swimming pool and gym – is located in 11 acres of Wiltshire countryside , just outside the historic market town of Bradford on Avon .
Entry along the winding driveway framed by lawns , lush gardens and a hive of nature quietened the 3-year-old as gasps of ‘ look there ’ s a bunny , and another , and a baby one and a bird ’ ( all said in one not-pausing-forbreath sentence ), impressed even the screaming 11-month-old , who happily pointed out of the window at one of the dogs running freely around the quirky metal sculptures within the impressive grounds .
Not only priding themselves on being family friendly ( travel cots , camp beds , high chairs and children ’ s menus were all effortlesses produced ), Widbrook Grange is also the epitome of ‘ dog-friendly ’, as pooches are encouraged to stay and can even join guests for dinner in a dedicated separate dining room – but without compromising comfort , design and style .
The Music Room , one of three super deluxe double rooms in the main house , was the perfect example : classic English countrysideinspired décor and furnishings with a musicthemed twist . Alongside stunning views across the grounds from the dual aspect windows , comfortable bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and goose down duvets , and much to the amusement of the 3-year-old , a stunning rolltop bath located in the bedroom , were lamps made of instruments ; milk , coffee and biscuits stored in an old violin case ; and musicthemed framed prints . Although the quirkiest ( and our most loved ) feature was found in the bathroom , where beside the huge modern walk-in shower was an old pedal bike , lovingly
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