Out past Oxford, just on the edge of the Cotswolds, Estelle Manor presides over 85 acres of its own and some 3,000 more of rolling Oxfordshire parkland, gardens and ancient woodland. It's both a country house and a private members' club, all done up in a maximalist swirl of vintage finds and beautiful 20th-century pieces, atmospheric lighting and soothing tones. Days here are busy in the best way: a Roman-style bathhouse, four restaurants, a long outdoor pool, a kids' club for the little ones, and a paddock kitted out for archery and axe-throwing. It's part grand country mansion, part grown-up playground – and absolutely fantastic.
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The old manor house is the heart of it all, its grand rooms given over to lounges, bars and a clutch of restaurants, each with its own singular mood. Out on the south terrace, a Riviera air takes over, with a 25-metre pool, striped umbrellas and a well-stocked bar, all of it looking out over the gardens. Over in the clubhouse sit a serious gym, studio and padel courts for working off lunch. Something is always going on.
Rooms are scattered right across the estate – in the grand manor itself, around the walled garden, and out in the converted stables overlooking the lawns. No two feel quite alike: some flaunt original panelling and fireplaces, others velvet banquettes and their own dining tables, and the walled-garden suites add private sitting rooms. Bathrooms are deep and characterful. For larger groups, two-bedroom woodland cabins and whole houses sleeping up to a dozen sit a short stroll from the manor.
The 25-acre paddock is where days fill up fast – fly a hawk to your glove, meet the resident ponies, or take aim with an air rifle. Beyond the formal grounds, two new waymarked trails strike out across the wider estate, through quiet corners and sweeping views. Best of all, neighbouring Blenheim Palace lays on lakeside dining: row out on the water, then feast on a private jetty as the light fades. Dreamy, or what?
The bathhouse, hidden deep in the woods. Drift between its five pools and the steamy bathing hall then work your way through a hot-and-cold thermal ritual to feel fully rejuvenated.
Restaurant-wise, hold out for the glasshouse at the heart of the walled garden. It's a working greenhouse thick with climbing plants and flowers and the food is equally as fresh and fabulous.
This is definitely not a hushed country hideaway. The members' club is busy, as is the events calendar - probably not the place for total solitude or silence.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Estelle Manor can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made UK trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended UK trips featuring Estelle Manor or get advice and suggestions from one of our UK specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Estelle Manor start from around $290, or US$290, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
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800 square miles of honey-gold villages, winding lanes and quintessential English-ness.
