Out of office firmly on for the weekend, we departed from Boutique HQ with an enchanting escape to the country on our agenda. Following sleepy lanes lined by golden fields and rolling Wiltshire countryside, we eventually found ourselves in the quaint Cotswolds village of West Kington – an idyllic corner of the world where pretty cottages and uninterrupted quietude awaits.
Pulling into the driveway as dusk began to fall, we uncovered our heavenly homestay for the weekend set against lilac skies. Promising a façade worthy of a storybook scene, we were spellbound by the setting for our fairytale foray at Lavender. Welcoming up to ten guests in five equally luxurious bedrooms to offer an otherworldly escape from reality, this original schoolhouse is a divine dwelling carefully curated by its owner, award-winning designer and founder of Sims Hilditch, Emma Sims-Hilditch. With eye-catching design features throughout, from exposed, honey-hued Cotswold stone and vaulted ceilings to a calming interior palette, it’s no surprise we found ourselves in a country-cottage dream.
As we began to settle in and explore our charming abode we were captivated at every turn, eventually deciding an evening soirée would be fitting to celebrate the commencement of our girls’ weekend away. Lavender’s impressive kitchen is equipped with everything you could desire to craft delectable dishes during your stay, with a wonderful selection of Neptune tableware for dining in style. Dressing the stunning dining space with a candlelit tablescape, we gathered together to pair wine with our favourite charcuterie treats for an Italian-inspired summer banquet. Accompanied by the soft notes of a smooth jazz playlist on the Sonos, we savoured our first night in the blissful embrace of this ethereal escape.
After a serene slumber in cloud-like linens, we awoke to gentle morning sunlight and only the sound of sweet birdsong – the rural setting of Lavender ensures a tranquil spot to flee reality for a slower pace of living. Following the striking, stone spiral staircase down to the kitchen and all-important coffee machine, we began the day with slow morning lattes before heading off to explore more of the Cotswolds. Our first must-visit beauty spot was of course the renowned Castle Combe, an aesthetic-lover’s dream and iconic location for those seeking the epitome of Cotswolds charm. We whiled away our morning wandering the characterful rows of quintessential cottages, next heading to Burton Farm Shop & Kitchen for coffee and cake. Over oat flat whites we settled on returning to our dreamy retreat so we could enjoy Lavender’s glorious gardens in the afternoon sun.
An English garden of heavenly proportions awaited us, landscaped with perfectly pruned greenery and adorning an array of wildflowers, beautiful blossoms and abundant in the bloom of its namesake – a lilac sea of richly aromatic lavender. We took to the lovely outdoor table for a sun-soaked afternoon of candle painting, accompanied by cocktails and conversation. Lavender’s outdoor space is an oasis of calm, thoughtfully crafted to offer a dreamlike garden where serene staycation moments reside. Promising scenes straight from the pages of an enchanting tale, it was only fitting to roam the wildflowers and climb to the eaves of the library ladder in storybook style…
With Lavender set just under half an hour from Bath, it allowed for a weekend of both city and country living. We chose to venture into the city for the evening, dining at La Perla where a tapas-style menu awaits in the historic vaults of this charming eatery. Following a wonderful dinner with evening cocktails at The Ivy, we explored the captivating streets of Bath as the sun began to set before heading back to our exquisite homestay.
Sunday morning found us reluctant to depart from the calming embrace of our ethereal escape, bidding a fond farewell after a wonderful weekend spent resetting our life balance in this luxurious setting. We decided to venture once more into the city of Bath before our journey homeward, beginning with a lovely brunch at Coppa Club in The Bath Townhouse, before exploring the remarkable collection of portraits and historic artefacts at The Holburne Museum.
For the lovers of luxurious escapism, Lavender is a must-stay retreat where timeless beauty reigns and a soul-soothing retreat from reality is surely promised. A charming home to gather with friends and family in all seasons, it’s no secret that magic moments reside at our spellbinding abode.
Feeling inspired? Seek your dream stay and uncover the art of Lavender living here.
