The Best Room At... Cowley Manor Experimental
The Cotswolds has evolved far beyond its medieval roots as a wool-trading powerhouse into one of Britain's most desirable destinations. While its honey-colored stone villages and rolling hills remain unchanged, this slice of countryside now pulses with contemporary energy, counting Kate Moss, David and Victoria Beckham, and Hugh Grant among its residents. Historic towns have transformed into creative hubs, where centuries-old pubs share streets with Michelin-starred restaurants, and traditional craft workshops neighbor chic boutiques.
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cowley Manor Experimental's grand exterior stands as a striking counterpoint to the quintessentially English landscape that surrounds it. Built in 1855 on the site of an early 17th-century house, this historic and nationally protected property holds its own place in literary history—it's said that Lewis Carroll found inspiration for Alice in Wonderland in Cowley’s gardens, after spotting a white rabbit disappearing down a hole. The manor unfolds across 55 acres of meticulously maintained grounds, gently enveloped by meadows and pastures, with Italianate gardens featuring majestic specimen trees and fed by seven natural springs, with lakes cascading along the River Churn. A spectacular 19th-century water-staircase features delicate fountains and pools, overlooked by ornamental statues of eagles and lions carved from stone.
Inside, 36 bedrooms showcase designer Dorothée Meilichzon's marrying of classical elegance with modern sophistication. The vibrant restaurant and tranquil C-Side Spa further exemplify this fusion, offering guests experiences that honor the past while embracing the future.
As part of the Experimental Group's curated collection of European addresses, Cowley Manor Experimental now brings a dash of innovation to the timeless charm of the Cotswolds. Here Romée de Gorianinoff, co-founder of Experimental Group, talks about the manor’s best room and how the team blends history and modernity.
What do you consider to be the best room at the property and why?
Each room at Cowley is unique, and equally special but If I had to choose, I would book Water Lily. It’s located in the original manor house and just beyond the doors, guests find beautiful oak wood paneled walls and fireplaces in the bedroom and bathroom. It’s so special that this room is listed by English Heritage, and we had to keep the original features intact. The room is bathed in beautiful greens and rusts, echoing the lush rolling hills and gardens just outside the windows.
How much does it cost per night?
Water Lily ranges from £500-£750 per night.
How would you describe the guests and vibe at the hotel?
We get a mix of people at Cowley, and we truly have something for everyone under our roof. Some of our guests are from the local area and London, out for a weekend treat where they take advantage of our spa and restaurant. We also have a lot of international guests who have a keen appreciation for great design and a thirst for discreet indulgence. Cowley has so much to offer. At the hotel, we have our own spa, two pools, a restaurant and a cocktail bar. Some guests just stay and experience everything we have, from lunches and dinners to evening cocktails, walks through the gardens and dips in our pools. Others are there to explore the Cotswolds, from its incredible walking paths to quaint villages.
What feeling about Cowley Manor do you hope to impart to guests?
We want everyone to feel welcome, from the moment they arrive to after they leave. It’s a place so many people come back to over the years, for a weekend break, to celebrate a milestone or just to take a deep breath of fresh countryside air. Cowley is a place for comfort and a place of discovery. It changes with the seasons, and every journey there might be met with something different, from seasonal dishes on our menus, to new flowers blooming in our gardens and the arrival of our bell tents in the summer months. I guess it’s a feeling of yearning to return to something you love, with the knowledge that there might be something new to discover the next time you step through our doors.
What’s a local attraction that you always recommend?
There’s an alpaca farm just next to us, and it’s such a fun thing to do whilst staying at Cowley. They welcome guests to book in and take the alpacas on their daily walks. I also have a special place in my heart for the endless trails throughout the countryside. You can walk for hours, soaking up bucolic views.
You Might Also Like
