Countryside Luxury At Backwell House

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to join a group of fellow bloggers for an evening at the recently launched and luxuriously refurbished Backwell House. This 19th century country house has been painstakingly renovated by General Manager Guy Williams (our host for the evening), and his team before opening it’s beautiful rooms to the public in September last year. Following it’s success I was invited along for the launch of it’s new 40 cover restaurant helmed by head chef Ross Hunter and I couldn’t have been more excited and thoroughly spoiled by the experience!

Located just six miles outside of Bristol, within a 15 minute drive you are transported from the hustle-bustle of the city into open countryside, rolling hills and the sound of chirping birds. Backwell House makes the ideal boutique choice for a stay-cation, a dreamy romantic weekend getaway or indeed a fine dining experience featuring creative twists on traditional dishes. Set within impressive grounds featuring an ornamental walled garden abundant with beautiful rose bushes, the house itself is a strikingly impressive and quintessentially English abode. Built in 1817 the independently owned  country house is currently home to nine unique and quirky bedrooms, each named after an important character in the history of the property. Guy has made sure to give each room it’s own personality through additions of antique finds, handmade fixtures and luxurious details. When touring the rooms you could really feel the love and attention that has been poured into this renovation, it really has been a passion project for Guy and his team and every attention to detail has been carefully considered. We were informed that there are plans in place to double the number of bedrooms within the next couple of years through extending the project into the nearby stable block – I’ll be excited to make a return visit to see what other sumptuous designs are added to the fold!

Speaking of which, whilst making our tour through the retro Cider Barrel Bar, the bright and spacious breakfast room/conservatory area and on to the garden Guy also mentioned that there are plans afoot for renovation of the outdoor swimming pool. His goal is to develop a relaxing spa retreat complete with covered pool, sauna and treatment areas to create the ultimate indulgent overnight location. I can certainly imagine popping here for afternoon tea followed by a soothing massage and swim! The gardens I have to say are simply stunning. If you follow my instagram page (if not head over to The Blonde Blog) you’ll know I can’t resist a pretty flower photo and here I was spoilt for choice! Roses of all sizes and colours have been carefully tended to, herb gardens supply the kitchen, whilst near the rear of the garden you can find the in-house chickens that will gladly provide your eggs for breakfast. Indeed ‘provenance’ is a key word at Backwell House, herds of beef graze the lush pastures surrounding the hotel, the local farmer’s pigs are fattened on the land, whilst bees provide home-made honey. Even the Bramley toiletries found within the bathrooms are fair trade and made in locally in Somerset. Overall I was strongly given the impression that Backwell House is focused on sustainability, the homemade touch and aims to create the feeling of staying in a boutique home-from-home.

Following our explorations of the hotel itself my blogger buddies and I were treated to a delectable three course gastro meal. Chef Ross’ wealth of experience at both restaurants and pop-ups alike, guided by local food hero Josh Eggleton have bred a wealth of knowledge, creativity and a love of foodie design. I was treated to pressed pork, new season peas, pancetta and taragon to start, followed by sirloin with ox cheek in a beef jus and indulged in an assiette of chocolate and raspberry for dessert. Although these were not typically dishes that I would tend to order (well…except the chocolate of course!) they went down a treat. There were many mumbles of agreement from around the table, including from those who had chosen the crab starter, cod main and fantastically designed strawberry cannelloni pudding! Priced at £24.50 for two courses and £30 for three I definitely think this is a location I’ll be heading back to for an artistic fine dining experience!

All in all I cannot express enough how much Backwell House drew me into it’s unique country pad vibe. Stunning grounds, delicious food, attentive staff and a unique style makes this boutique hotel one not to miss. Guy made us feel so welcome and no request was too much trouble…we also went away thoroughly spoiled with a goody bag including one of my favourite treats – homemade macarons! I’ve also been dropping hints to The Canadian that it would make the ideal wedding location…just imagine the beautiful photographs you could have in front of such a impressive building with such scenic country views… not that I’m hinting of course!

If you would like to visit Backwell House you can head to their website for more information and keep up-to-date with events through their Facebook and Twitter feeds or swoon over gorgeous pictures on their Instagram grid.

The Blonde x

*I was treated to a meal by the lovely folk at Backwell House as part of this post. All opinions are my own and I only feature products or events that are fitting and in keeping with the tone and content of my blog or Instagram page.