Checking in to North Lodge at Coworth Park

In recent months, much emphasis has been put on The Dorchester, as details emerge about its latest renovation that should be unveiled this September. However, without taking away the significance of that historical project, I headed outside of London for our latest hotel review in order to explore Coworth Park, which has for over a decade added a leafy layer of luxury hospitality to Dorchester Collection’s UK portfolio.

Image credit: Dorchester Collection

The iconic hotel, designed originally by Martin Hulbert who at the time was working for Fox Linton Associates, sits in the quiet village of Ascot – just 45 minutes by road from Central London – and shelters 71 suites and rooms, as well as two signature suites.

The luxury country house hotel and spa is set over 240 acres of picturesque Berkshire parkland. The estate includes polo fields, an equestrian centre, an award-winning luxury Spa with indoor pool and three restaurants including the Spatisserie, relaxed dining in The Barn and one Michelin starred dining at Restaurant Coworth Park, serving a modern British menu.

Inside, the design and décor is an ode to Coworth’s origins and yet avoids the predictable country house clichés one might wrongly expect. Hulbert’s approach was one of seamless comfort and simple beauty. As a result, he created a relaxed and informal environment that encourages intimacy and privacy. Furnishings, furniture and art are mostly British-made, acknowledging a British tradition of craftsmanship. Throughout the hotel, the flooring is of English smoked oak adorned with beautiful bespoke rugs. Textiles include wool, cashmere, mohair and linen. Natural pigments and dusky colours predominate to instil a character to the hotel that is undeniably English – subtle, understated and elegant.

Image credit: Dorchester Collection

As impressive as Coworth Park is, with its timeless elegance and awe-inspiring architecture, I arrived with the intention of exploring the hotel’s latest premium suite, North Lodge, which is housed in the estate’s gatehouse located on the outskirts of the estate. To my initial surprise, I was told that North Lodge, unlike the rest of the estate, was not created by an award-winning interior design studio. Instead, it was designed by the two people who arguably knew the hotel – and its regular guests – best; General Manager Zoe Jenkins and Director of Rooms, Rowan McFeat.

Here’s the full hotel review:

I have been fortunate enough to experience three properties that are under Dorchester Collection’s umbrella. What strikes me as significant is the fact that while the design of each hotel is a unique – unmatched like a fingerprint – each are connected in hospitality and in style. Coworth Park, for example, may be a junior in comparison to how many more decades its siblings have stood for, but it uses its assets, such as its captivating, manicured grounds, to its full advantage in order to offer something no other hotel could in, or outside, the collection. And that is testament to the hotel group, but more importantly, to the team who, day in and day out, effortlessly ensure that quality never goes out of fashion on the hospitality scene.

Main image credit: Dorchester Collection