<<< Back To Articles

HOTEL FAWSLEY HALL

Nr Daventry, Northamptonshire

By Lucy Hopkins

Location, location, location?  Idyllic, idyllic, idyllic.

Mobile reception, mobile reception, mobile reception? Couldn’t be worse if it tried.

The Tudor Manor House perched on 2500 acres of rolling Northamptonshire countryside that is the grand hotel of Fawsley Hall, describes its guests as experiencing “affordable excess”.  Excessive luxury?  Without a doubt.  But this exclusive hotel does, not surprisingly, come at a price.

20 minutes from junction 16 on the M1 at Northampton and you will already have a sense of its magical isolation, as you rattle over the three cattle grids strategically placed along the drive.  You will be forgiven for commenting on the seemingly bizarre nature of the “cattle grid next to the drive”, so indicative of the uniqueness, quirkiness and unexpectedness of the Hall itself, which suddenly looms up ahead, impressively, especially if you have had your eyes fixedly on the road prior to the wrought iron gates to avoid reducing the Fawsley Hall sheep population.

Landscaped by Capability Brown, the Hall sits amongst strict topiary, croquet lawns and a small rose garden which extends to numerous fields and meadows, cut by the river and various “official walks” to nearby “thatched” villages.  The nearest field contains a decrepit ancient church, which still has services, and all this before we enter Fawsley Hall itself.  Seven hundred years of royal, political and tragic past, and Fawsley only opened as a hotel five years ago, giving its guests a sense of privilege and allowing for an exciting blend of modern comfort and historical richness.  Prepare for pampering...

The hotel’s lavishness can be thankful for its spa, sauna, mini gym, fitness studio, massage and beauty treatment rooms (Crystal Eye Treatment £25, Intensive Anti-Aging Facial-Treatments, Vitamin Response Treatments up to £65, ACN Treatment, Swedish or Indian Massage up to £50, all hair and make-up packages imaginable from £20 upwards, Cocoon, Mosaic OR Slimming Treatments, Tanning and Waxing Treatments, manicures and pedicures) or spa bath, over-confident mini-bars and dangerously comfortable crested bathrobes.  Needless to say there are many “packages” available including Bridal and Accommodation comprehensive, weddings being one of Fawsley’s favourite things.  The hotel could almost be a health farm in disguise! 

However, I have identified four particular features of the Hall which stand out so far as to be irresistible, and I heartedly endorse making the most of the notorious gourmet restaurant, The Great Hall, and, budget permitting, the Queen Elizabeth I suite and its gorgeous yellow rubber bath ducks.  In fact, I would go so far as to say that staying here goes hand in hand with choosing this particular suite, unarguably the most historically superior one in the county.  Elizabeth herself stayed at the Hall and her lodgings were immaculately designed so that, from an internal window in her spacious drawing room, she could gracefully observe the situation below, in The Great Hall, and select the optimum moment to make an entrance to her congregating company!

 Until now, I have tried to not focus solely on the “highlight of the Hall”, but Room 9, aka the royal residence is truly magnificent.  From the bedroom, bay window views stretch from prime viewpoint through the yew trees, framed by ridiculously thick stone walls which tower above the writing table, digital TV, fireplace, sofas and cafetière tables.  The elegant four-poster sits centrally, complete with Fawsley Hall teddy if you so desire, its faded floral paintwork evocative of former aristocratic occupants.  A dispute over “who has which bathroom” is inevitable, although even in this ultimate romantic setting this could easily become a fighting match.  However, the battle between a bath-view of the grounds and that of the honeysuckled central quad is one that some are too busy devouring Jelly Bellies (whilst trying not to spill champagne over the Queen’s counterpane) to notice.

I find it hard to believe I have written so many paragraphs on the subject of this place without going into detail about Fawsley cuisine.  Those who have dined at Le Manoir aux Quatre Saisons will know the general standard.  To wonder whether hanging your exquisitely presented duck course on the wall would be more appropriate than eating it is not abnormal, and yes, the lemon for your smoked salmon does come wrapped in muslin.  Comme font les français, the waiters keep a keen eye on your wine glass although I am afraid that their shapeless tartan attire is slightly out of keeping with the stunning decor, flawless conservatory and as for that Great Hall...

Arrive for a light lunch in the courtyard and then you are free to enjoy an afternoon of Fawsley and its grounds and pampering before dinner (included with your stay, along with a freshly squeezed, mini pain-au-chocolat breakfast).  Oh.  A word of advice... do not go down to eat much later than 9.30pm as you may be turned away.  I recommend asking to take aperitifs and amuse-bouches in the Hall itself, where you can select your CD, drown in the candlelit sofas, gaze up at your drawing room window, antlers and historical oil paintings and nibble your mystery-shot-glass-mousse whilst ploughing through the wine list and menu.  If you smoke, let the staff know before your meal, as breaks between courses can be extensive; the dining room is smoke-free and the Great Hall with roaring fire and the Conservatory are ready to welcome you in the interim.  By the way, do not overlook the cheese option!

They press, they pamper, they cater for every need and they are incredibly conducive to romance.  Whether Fawsley is an excuse for having an en route break on a trek up north or whether your helicopter feels like popping in for the time of its life, DO NOT ignore this article.  Your wallet may forgive you, but your mind and large intestine may not.

Tel: 01427 892 000
Fax: 01327 892 001
Email: info@fawsleyhall.com
Website: www.fawsleyhall.com
FAWSLEY HALL, Nr Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 3BA

<<< Back To Articles