The English countryside is a magnificent portal to a world of nature and history. With luscious green lowlands and highlands, ancient woodlands and ancient monuments, the villages of England are a breath of fresh air from London city.
The reason why so many people are drawn to Wiltshire is because of its serenity. While it may seem like the perfect place to disappear for a bit and do nothing but laze and relax, there is actually much to do and see here in Wiltshire. In fact, if you’re a history buff, Wiltshire contains a number of popular Neolithic period monuments, such as the world-famous and still mysterious stone circles known as Stonehenge and Avebury, and a former settlement of Old Sarum— an iron age hill fort.
If you love brisk physical activities like walking and cycling, you’re in for a treat. The county of Wiltshire offers numerous cycling trails to those who are up for a peaceful and yet heart-pumping workout. The Wilshire Cycleway is a whooping 160-mile long cycling route that explores the timeless rural landscape of the town. It is broken up into 16 smaller interconnected trails that one can explore, some longer and some smaller, when in town.
The Craftsman’s Cottage is a quaint luxury boutique hotel located on the South Western side of Wiltshire. As the name suggests, this holiday home pays homage to British craft in all shapes and forms. Be it the furnishings and wallpaper or home decor items and artwork, the beautiful things that make up The Craftsman’s Cottage have all been designed and created by British artists.
This 19th-century cottage offers you the chance to immerse yourself in an environment that exudes comfort, warmth and a very village-esque homeliness. If you’re a curator, interior designer, purveyor of arts or just someone who appreciates well-crafted home decor, this luxury holiday home is the place to stay when in Wilshire. At the Craftsman’s Cottage, you’ll find that some of their decor items are actually available to buy or can be sourced directly from the artisans who made them. And another added benefit is that guests can avail exclusive discounts on several items.
You can also try your hand at one of the many courses taught by expert craftsmen, available exclusively to guests. Be it lifestyle photography, woodwork and carving, basket weaving, or bookbinding, here is your chance to dabble and pick up a new skill. Make sure you check out their website to know what course will be able during your stay.
The property houses two structures, one being the ancient Semley Lodge and the is the Annex. The historic Shaftesbury greenstone lodge was built to accommodate a party of 6, and the Annex can house 2. The ground floor of the lodge comprises a sitting room, main kitchen, dining room and living room. Each part, spaciously laid out to provide you with various lounging and dining options. A dining table for 8 is set up in the middle of the room, dividing the kitchen and sitting room. If you enjoy having a stunning view while you eat, you can sit at the teak dining table set up outside on the brick herringbone patio. It also includes a brick BBQ and food preparation area if you’re looking to test your charbroiling skills.
The first floor of the lodge is made up of three rooms— the master bedroom, another double bedroom and a third bedroom with twin beds. Both of the double bedrooms are style using a mix of antique and contemporary furniture and decor that tie in the with rest of the house. With five-star hotel quality Siberian goose down duvets and pillows along with mattress toppers that have a 400 thread count bed linen, you won’t want to get out of bed during your stay here.
If you’re just a party of two, then perhaps staying at the Annex is the perfect fit for you. This self-contained studio building comes with a kingsize bed, underfloor heating, a wood-burning stove and several other amenities. It also has its own slate courtyard that overlooks a gorgeous gravelled garden. The Annex is linked by a garden door to the back of the cottage, allowing you to pop in whenever you wish.
Just a two-hour drive away from London, The Craftsman’s Cottage is our pick for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re in the mood for some me-time or a mini romantic vacation, this luxury boutique hotel is just the place to be. And don’t forget to let out your inner-craftsman while you’re enjoying your stay there!
Written by Mohit Gupta
Week 26 July, 2021
