2010 Reviews

The Good Hotel Guide

‘Painstakingly restored' and ‘tastefully decorated' by owners Christopher and Enid Richmond, this ‘gorgeous' Grade II listed Georgian house was once part of the Longleat estate. Old features have been preserved. ‘Inherited antiques and new furnishings are in keeping,' said inspectors. ‘All is fresh and clean.' Two of the bedrooms have a bathroom en suite ; the Officer's Room has an adjacent bathroom with bath and walk-in shower, and separate lavatory. The Heytesbury Suite ‘was a pleasant place to sit and read; a large, light room, with king-size bed, and big windows overlooking the gardens'. The Silk Room overlooks a lane running down to an old mill. All rooms have flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi. Visitors who arrive before 5 pm are given free tea, at a large table under a tree in the garden if weather permits. Mr Richmond ‘is a pleasant front-of house'. An Aga-cooked dinner, at 8, is served by arrangement (main courses like slow-cooked organic beef in red wine); no licence; bring your own wine. ‘Breakfast was elegantly presented. Excellent bread, home-made preserves'; also freshly squeezed juice, organic cereals, eggs, bacon, etc. The grounds, with hedges, herbaceous borders, orchard and kitchen garden, face meadows that lead down to the River Wylye, in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.

The Good Hotel Guide has established a formidable reputation over more than three decades as a fiercely independent source of where to stay in Great Britain and Ireland. Unlike most other guides, it does not take money, advertising or free hospitality. Hotels are selected on merit, based on reports from readers backed up by professional inspection.

Wolsey Lodges

Historic, luxurious, stylish, charming – words that just about sum up Crockerton House, but hardly do it justice. This house needs to be visited and enjoyed to fully appreciate it. It offers everything one could wish for – the warmest of welcomes with delicious afternoon tea, beautiful furnishings and décor, fabulous bedrooms and bathrooms equipped with every modern luxury, and the most attentive hosts.

Originally part of Lord Bath’s Longleat Estate, the house dates from 1669 and has been devotedly restored to provide a magnificent ‘home from home’ for guests. Restful colour schemes enhance the tranquil feel of the house and provide a perfect ambience for a candlelit dinner in the beautiful dining room in front of the inglenook fireplace.

Christopher and Enid have many years experience running an hotel in Devon and have used that expertise to great effect to ensure their guests experience the finest hospitality with delicious, mainly organic, locally sourced food supplemented by fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables from their outstanding garden.

Christopher and Enid are a most welcoming couple. Enid was awarded an AA rosette for culinary excellence six years running at their hotel in Devon and Christopher arranged UK tours for 30 years and will be happy to help guests plan their itineraries to make the most of this wonderful area of the country.

This is an ideal centre for exploring Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset and is an area brimming with things to do and places to see. Longleat House, Safari Park and Forest, and easy access to Bath, Salisbury, Stonehenge and Stourhead are just a few. There is also the opportunity for bird watching, fishing and horse riding and a choice of golf courses nearby.

For over 25 years Wolsey Lodges have been welcoming guests into their homes. The name Wolsey Lodge recalls Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey who, when he toured the realm in the 16th century, expected to receive generous hospitality at suitable country houses along the way.