VIDEO TOUR AND REVIEW:
BROOKS COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL
NEAR ROSS-ON-WYE, HEREFORDSHIRE
One drizzly morning at the beginning of the school summer holidays we drive the short distance from Bristol to Herefordshire to be amongst the first to try out the recently refurbished Brooks Country House, a 22 bedroom Georgian manor house between Hereford and Ross on Wye. The hotel is one of four in the Brooks family’s portfolio: Brooks Guesthouse in Bath, Brooks Guest House in Bristol and Brooks Hotel in Edinburgh complete the set.
First impressions are excellent. The curved driveway sweeps through beautiful countryside towards the elegant white painted Georgian house.
Inside there’s a cosy bar …
… which leads out to the large garden.
The lounge is comfy, with stunning views and we soon settle into our country pile, even though we might be a tad underdressed for lords and ladies of the manor!
The two bedrooms we’re allocated are not in the main house so this gives me chance to give you a peek at the courtyard building.
The courtyard rooms have been renovated, decorated with elegant Cole & Son wallpaper and, just like the Bristol guesthouse, furnished with an interesting mix of modern and vintage pieces.
The bathroom has a luxury feel with smart Hansgröhe fittings and travertine tiles.
The finish is to a high standard, although this is such a recent refurbishment that there’s still evidence that it’s a work in progress. For example, during our stay the boys’ wake up earlier than usual as their bedroom doesn’t have curtains yet!
The hospitality tray includes hot chocolate (a very important plus point for my children) but the husband and I skip the instant coffee sachets and wait until breakfast to enjoy a decent cafetière.
FOOD & DRINK
Like the lounge, the dining room is light and elegant and takes full advantage of the Wye Valley views.
The restaurant is closed on Sunday evenings and while most people are hopping into their cars in quest of their evening meal, we make the most of the evening sunshine and enjoy an al fresco picnic in the grounds, overlooking our stunning surroundings.
Service at breakfast is friendly but not as organised as we’re sure it will be once they’ve settled into a routine. It takes a while to arrive but we enjoy it all the more once it does.
THE GROUNDS
It’s very early days and the swimming pool has not quite been declared officially open when we arrive but the children are allowed in for a quick dip before the heating has been turned on! Giant outdoor chess is a nice touch and we understand there will also be a pool room, games room and small gym.
Theres’ even a vineyard where they produce their own wines.
BROOKS COUNTRY HOUSE VIDEO TOUR
This brief video shows Brooks Country House Hotel, including the swimming pool, bar, courtyard, grounds and a tour of our bedroom and bathroom.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY?
Symonds Yat Rock is about quarter of an hour’s drive from the hotel. It offers a scenic viewpoint over the River Wye and Wye Valley. We were lucky enough to visit when volunteers from the RSPB had set up telescopes so we had the chance to see Peregrine Falcons nesting on the cliff side. This is definitely with a visit and is a free outing, apart from a charge for parking.
We also stopped at Tintern Abbey in Chepstow on the way back, which is just over half an hour away. Near the abbey there’s a pub with plenty of outdoor space and play equipment. We didn’t actually pay to go into the abbey as we were just passing through – this is the view from the pub garden.
Perhaps too old for the pub’s play equipment, our 12, 10 and 7 year old boys had about a pint’s worth of fun playing with a ball in the field next to the pub, which, as they were very pleased to discover, is equipped with a football goal.
TAKING 5’s TAKEAWAY?
The hotel has masses of potential but wasn’t quite the completed article when we visited and the builders were still on site. We look forward to returning once all the finishing touches have been completed.
We stayed in two separate rooms as there were no rooms available for a family of five at that time, but there is now the option of a suite to accommodate five in the old stables. (Hurrah!)
Many thanks to Brooks Country House for hosting Taking 5 at your beautiful hotel!
You can find out more information about booking this hotel here
I love hearing your feedback so please do leave any comments about my Brooks Country House Review below.
DISCLOSURE:
WE WERE HOSTED BY BROOKS COUNTRY HOUSE FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS ARE MINE AND MY FAMILY’S. MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS.
Looks a lovely place for a night away and some good family time. Beautiful English countryside all around too. #mondayescapes
You’re right Fiona, both the house and surroundings are very attractive.
It looks very posh yet still relaxed. A great little getaway place to the country.
We did enjoy playing chess in ‘our’ drawing room ?
Looks so lovely – especially the surrounding countryside would be greatin the summer too
It is a lovely location with plenty of scope for walks around the area.
How grand and very exciting that you got to stay when it was so new. The curtains would have been a. It if an issue for us as my girls get up early without some good blackout material up – not ideal when you’re meant to b relaxing. The rest of the facilities and the area look lovely. Thanks so much for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Thanks for visiting Claire. It was great to be invited to stay right at the start and yes it is a beautiful spot!