The credentials
A 17th-century farmhouse turned luxury hotel with 38 bedrooms and suites, three restaurants and spa. Situated on the 400 acre Farnborough Estate (also home to The Fish and Foxhill Manor) and close to the picture-perfect village of Broadway, Dormy fuses the best of quintessential countryside living with a touch of Scandinavian style.
Sleep
With the cosy interiors and welcoming staff, arriving at Dormy feels like entering the country house of an old (and rather wealthy) friend. The multiple reception rooms combine original features – think open fireplaces, flagstone floors and wood paneling – with modern design details thanks to the work of internationally-renowned interior design company, Todhunter Earle.
Our room epitomised the Scandi-inspired take on countryside chic (a nod to the owners’ heritage) with its cool grey and pale blue palette, clean lines and Danish furniture. I particularly liked the botanical drawings above the bed and the retro-printed throw cushions. Modern touches such as the Nespresso machines, iPod docks and tablets for ordering room service are all a welcome touch.
Dine
Diners are spoilt for choice with three restaurant options. The main restaurant, The Back Garden, serves breakfast and a seasonal dinner menu, The Potting Shed offers a more laid back vibe and gourmet pub grub while MO is the fine dining option with an 8-course tasting-menu experience for 12 served around a chef’s table and ideal for a big blowout celebration.
On the autumnal-feeling August evening we enjoyed the snug setting and classic but comforting food at The Potting Shed. The hake was cooked perfectly and my dining partner raved about the lamb while the triple-cooked chips got a 10/10. The chocolate brownie we shared to finish was mutually agreed to be the best we’ve tried in a long time (perhaps ever).
Who goes there
Couples on a romantic getaway, pairs of friends on a celebratory spa trip and a few young families. It has a cosmopolitan feel for an English country hotel and we noticed a smattering of American accents at breakfast.
Out and about
We spent our first afternoon sloth-like, dipping in and out of the candlelit 16m infinity-edged pool and the outdoor hydrotherapy hot tub. This was broken up with spells in the hot juniper sauna, salt-infusion therapy room and lavender sauna – a nice local-inspired addition. It’s safe to say the gym didn’t get a look in.
The next morning the staff lent us wellies for a walk to Broadway tower, a stunning viewpoint to admire the miles of beautiful rolling countryside on Dormy’s doorstep. If we’d ventured a little further we could have sampled the delights of Broadway itself, including the honey-hued houses, delis and the Design Museum.
The best bit?
The super relaxed atmosphere and caring staff. It feels like a proper escape from real life.
The worst bit?
The children in the pool. The hours are restricted but we timed it badly with two toddlers throwing toys for a short spell of our visit. Their adorable mini Dormy-branded dressing gowns made it hard to be angry though.
The details
Dormyhouse.co.uk; Willersey Hill, Farncombe Estate, Broadway WR12 7LF, United Kingdom; Rates at Dormy House start from £269 per room on a B&B basis. Special ‘Hot Date’ rates available from £215 per room on a B&B basis.
