Sarah James
Sarah James
After homemade coffee sipped while listening to the Roberts Radio on Saturday morning, we headed a few minutes up the road to The Yurt at Nicholsons restaurant. This was one of a handful of recommendations that Charlie had sent us ahead of time. Normally, I’m a stickler for doing my own research (read: a snob and a control freak), but in the name of keeping things as relaxed as possible, I decided to put my faith in his suggestions. I shouldn’t have hesitated: a gooey camembert croissant, cut through with umami bacon, and a full English breakfast with melty pork belly chop and smoky baked beans hit the spot.
Our supper, also recommended (and booked for us) by Charlie, at The Norman Knight was every bit as impressive. I ordered perfectly blushing steak frites and felt smugly like I’d uncovered a hidden gem. Our Sunday lunch at The Duke of Cumberland’s Head, where we shared bowls of cauliflower cheese and crispy potatoes, was one of the tastiest roasts I’ve had in a while. Trust me, having Charlie as a de facto concierge is one of the biggest unsung perks of booking a stay here.
Sarah James
Sarah James
Back at the house, we hibernated on the sofa, reading the paper and watching Netflix in the dinky living room. I took mental notes of my favorite design details: the antique coffee table laden with magazines, the books plopped into recesses in the stone chimney, the deep-green rainfall shower stocked with Bamford products, the Steamery steamer and Dyson hairdryer in the bedroom vanity, and the Soho Home robes. If I could make my London flat one-tenth as comfortable as this little countryside cottage, I’d be thrilled. For now, I’ll bookmark the cottage next door for my next escape.
This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
