Dumbleton Hall: A return to life, lived grandly | News
Dumbleton Hall opens its doors after a careful two-year restoration under its new owner, returning the historic Grade II listed building to its former glory as an elegant country house. With interiors shaped by its storied past, locally sourced food and an inviting and cozy atmosphere, the newly renovated hotel offers guests a quintessential English countryside stay.
Located in the North Cotswolds, Dumbleton Hall is set in a beautiful 40-acre estate, surrounded by ancient cedar trees and overlooking a tranquil lake, walled gardens, rolling hills and extensive woodland. Broadway and Winchcombe are just minutes away, while a network of ancient footpaths connects to numerous charming Cotswold villages.
The design: a tribute to the past
Built in 1830, Dumbleton Hall has long flourished as a salon of intellect and creativity, animated by conversation, conviviality and laughter. It was founded by the Holland family and welcomed famous figures such as Elizabeth Gaskell, Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens. Under the Eyres-Monsell family it continued to attract notable guests, including the Mitford sisters, John Betjeman and Patrick Leigh Fermor, while Eyres-Monsell himself, later First Lord of the Admiralty, played host to influential politicians and diplomats. During World War II it housed the Women’s Land Army before later becoming a hotel.
Paying tribute to its historic grandeur, Dumbleton Hall has been carefully restored, combining heritage with a renewed sense of English elegance. Drawing on the sophistication of the Belle Époque and the spirited glamor of the Roaring Twenties, the design invites the surrounding landscape in at every turn. High ceilings with ornate neoclassical cornices, large windows overlooking the countryside and carefully redesigned antique furnishings create a sense of timeless sophistication.
Celebrating William Morris and his deep ties with the Cotswolds, iconic Morris prints are in a palette of rich, lush hues, layered with soft velvets and bold patterns to evoke warmth and character. Animal prints, green palms and antique chinoiserie pieces pay tribute to the exotic travels of the Eyres-Monsell family, while playful curiosities and black and white prints provide a sense of story and intrigue.
Influences of Frederic Leighton can be felt in the Library Bar, inspired by the Arab Hall of his London home, and in the presence of Flaming June, exhibited in the Cedar 1905 restaurant. The Drawing Room, Library Bar and Pheasant Lounge are characterized by original fireplaces and inviting corners for quiet moments. Like a private country house, each of the 34 bedrooms and suites has been individually designed. Like a private country house, each of the 34 bedrooms and suites has been individually designed. Floral wallpaper, soft greenery, warm earth tones and framed bird illustrations come together to create a soothing atmosphere.
Paul Vezolles, owner, comments: “Dumbleton Hall has been carefully restored to embody the charm of quintessential English elegance. Guests are invited to step back into the golden age of the manor and become part of its unfolding story. We hope they feel inspired by the hall’s rich heritage, whilst enjoying exceptional Cotswolds cuisine and the beauty of the surrounding countryside.”
A culinary revival
Dumbleton Hall’s kitchen is overseen by Chef Dean Westcar and reflects the traditions of a well-managed country house, rooted in the land and its seasons. The kitchens work closely with the finest produce from the Cotswolds, creating menus that celebrate contemporary British cuisine, with quality ingredients being the star of the show.
The hotel’s main restaurant, Cedar 1905, serves classic British cuisine in elegant surroundings, surrounded by views of the estate’s cedar trees. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu features seasonal favorites, from Cacklebean Eggs for a hearty breakfast to fresh fish from the day boat and game from the farm. A traditional afternoon tea is also served in the drawing room, with delicious sandwiches, home-made scones and a range of sweet treats, which can be enjoyed overlooking the beautiful gardens which open onto a charming terrace.
Styled with mood lighting, soft velvets and open fireplaces, The Pheasant Lounge exudes 1920s glamour, while the Library Bar is a cozy lounge for lively conversations, classic cocktails, fine spirits and nightcaps.
The Orangerie, which opens in August, completes the dinner offering. The intimate fine-dining restaurant serves an innovative tasting menu, from the open kitchen.
The pearl of the Cotswolds
Set on an estate surrounded by the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, Dumbleton Hall offers unparalleled access to nature, allowing guests to restore a sense of wellbeing. The surrounding gardens have been designed to reflect the traditional landscaping of a country house, with manicured parterres, topiaries and sun-drenched terraces, as well as a walled vegetable garden and orchards.
Located within close proximity to Stratford-upon-Avon and Cheltenham, Dumbleton Hall is well positioned for those wanting to enjoy both rural activities and culture. Guests can walk along the Winchcombe Way, which passes the hall that connects to the Cotswolds Way, browse the boutiques of Broadway, take part in horse riding, discover the Cotswolds lavender fields or visit the Hawkstone Brewery for a tour and tasting.
Rates: From £380 per night based on B&B for two people, including taxes and fees
