Aintree

"If you have the dosh, don't bother looking elsewhere."

That was the verdict of Jane Knight, deputy travel editor of The Times newspaper. Greeted by elegant interiors, access to an indoor, heated pool and champagne on arrival (selected stays), most guests would find it very difficult to disagree. In fact, taking into account the brilliant kids facilities, BFB would wager that more than a few families would consider moving in for life!


Converted from the Victorian stableyard and outbuildings of Bruern Abbey, this pretty cluster of 12 cottages sleep from 2 to 10 and are stylish, luxurious and well-equipped, country houses in miniature with the added benefits of an indoor pool, treatment rooms, fantastic facilities for mini guests and optional housekeeping and chef service on request (must be pre-booked).


Modern comforts like seriously powerful showers, underfloor heating and state-of-the-art kitchens blend with elegant antiques, pretty fabrics, four poster or tester beds, and open-fires (guards provided). Fans of Osborne & Little, Sanderson and Nina Campbell will be in heaven! Outside, the beautifully landscaped grounds hide communal gardens, a croquet lawn and a heated indoor pool with fitness suite and treatment rooms. Mini guests and their parents are exceptionally well catered for with a raft of nursery equipment, toys and books provided in the cottages, plus a walled garden complete with elegant two-storey 'wendy house' (be warned, some may want to move in for good!), heated play cabin with dressing up gear, more toys and arts materials.

Accommodation Overview:

Aintree Cottage is set to the rear of Bruern's courtyard, left of its central arches and as a former stable it benefits from lofty, spacious rooms all finished to Bruern's sophisticated standards. Its luxurious four poster and luxuriant use of designer fabrics, give it an opulent country house feel. Guests enter into a drawing room, with Jocasta Innes (colour consultant to Tate Modern and author of 'Paint Magic') stencilled fern walls and an elegant yet comfortable mix of antiques ranging from the huge down-cushioned Howard sofa to the tall George III secretaire. Opening out from this room and facing west through its own trellised arbour is the well equipped, oak beamed kitchen, floored in apricot terracotta with off white units and all mod cons.


Upstairs is an indulgent master bedroom with a grand four poster mahogany bed, hung in an indigo and white Ralph Lauren cotton. The large en suite has a power shower over the bath and a huge marble washstand with inset basin which runs the length of the wall. Opposite the master is a pretty twin, ideal for little ones, with a handsome set of antique beds, marbled in green and terracotta with Farrow and Ball wallpaper. The second twin has a set of brass beds complemented by leafy Nina Campbell wallpaper. The two twins share a bathroom with marble topped washstand and bath with power shower over.


Outside, there's a private terrace (approached via French doors from the lounge) overlooking the communal lawns, equipped with outdoor dining furniture and a BBQ.