Corse Lawn House Hotel is an elegant Queen Anne Grade II Listed building with 12 acres of land, set back from the village green and fronted by an unusual, ornamental pond. Originally, this was built as a coach wash where you could drive and turn your stage and four horses around – sounds a bit like today’s ‘car wash!’
We were to spend two days here before moving on to another location in the Cotswolds.
Corse Lawn has belonged to the Hine family (of Cognac fame) since 1978. During this time it has been carefully extended, refurbished and restored to that of an attractive Country House. It has 18 bedrooms, individually furnished, many with antiques and all have private bathrooms, telephone, colour TV, hair dryer and trouser press. We even had someone call in during the evening to see if we would like clean cups – a first!
During our stay, it was interesting to learn that the place had formerly been a ‘jazz nightclub’ which went bankrupt!
As soon as we stepped inside the hotel, we were greeted by a friendly, smiling receptionist called Vikki and felt to feel very welcome. She has worked there since leaving school.
Our room was a spacious, corner room called ‘Pendock.’ It had three windows with different view aspects and a comfy sofa to relax on while enjoying a cup of real tea (leaf) or coffee with fresh milk. No packet biscuits – a jar contained delicious home-made shortbreads. A working fridge was also useful.
The bathroom had all the necessary accompaniments and large white bath towels as well as thick white bathrobes.
After settling in, we went downstairs to enjoy a cream tea where the scones were wonderfully light and crumbly.
The restaurant is the heart of the hotel, but Baba Hine, who has presided over the kitchen for almost thirty years, handed over to her chef of sixteen years, Martin Kinaham. As well as the restaurant, there is a Bistro and The Snug eating areas. The hotel is also Baba’s home and her son, Giles is involved with the day to day running of the place.,while she herself sees her role as between ‘hostess and dog’s body’.
There are two comfortable Drawing Rooms, and a Private Dining Room also used as a Conference Room for up to 14 people. Outside, we found the large, heated indoor swimming pool, obviously closed at the moment (February). An all weather tennis court is available and a croquet lawn. Beyond the gardens you will find a few ponies in the paddock as well as a couple of dogs who seem to be a natural part of the house.
Our second day fell on Valentine’s Day and the main restaurant was booked up, but we were able to eat in The Snug, which was decorated with Valentine theme balloons etc. as was the main restaurant. The food was excellent and couldn’t be faulted.
Our breakfasts were great too with a variety of choice and everyone had a personal waiting service at the table. It was a treat to enjoy a fresh glass of orange juice, as being diabetic I usually pass on that item because of the added sugar.
Black pudding was on the menu which I love, but this was my only disappointment as it was of a ‘mushy’ texture,’ whereas I love mine nice and crisp.
Corse Lawn is a relaxing house to visit and well placed in the Cotswolds for visiting places being within 20 minutes of Gloucester, Cheltenham and Worcester and only 6 miles from the M5 and M50. We went to nearby Tewkesbury with its Abbey – well worth the visit!
The hotel is very keen to ensure the guests have the best of everything. It is evident to see why this place has won a Caesar Award in the past for the Best Country House Hotel from the Good Hotel Guide. In the past it has been County Restaurant of the Year Winner and currently holds the AA inspector’s Choice Hotel.
Certainly a place I would love to revisit!