Flamboyant meets functional, with luxuriously comfy decor, say hello to Sherborne this summer and put The Hillbrook on your hotel hit list. Sophie Ritchie rolls her suitcase over the gleaming new threshold of this Dorset hotel to share more
The Venue
There’s something about a brand new hotel that I just adore. Maybe it’s the ‘new car’ smell of the interiors, the flawless carpets, the pristine exterior – either way, fresh-out-of-the-packet properties are one of my favourites. And at The Hillbrook in picturesque Sherborne, Dorset, this exciting new June launch ticks all the boxes when it comes to a modern meets affordable staycation – even if it does involve tackling a teeny single track lane in my MINI to get there.
The Room
I stay in a Junior Suite (number 31, to be exact) which opens to reveal a spacious room with ample amounts of room to roam. It’s divided into different sections, starting with a living room kitted out with velvety soft sofas and armchairs, plus a statement circular window to peer out of.
A small kitchen is on the other side of this space, fitted with all the essentials for a longer break (or one with hungry little mouths). A coffee machine, fridge, electric hob and toaster all complete the staycation essentials.
I also notice endless places to lounge – in the form of soft chairs, sofas, armchairs and stools – unless you’re bringing a small army, everyone will have somewhere to rest their weary legs here.
The bedroom sits on the other side of the suite – where the pièce de résistance, a vast dark ivy green bed with colour complimenting teal pillows and matching bedspread throw on top of white linen, awaits you.
With a mix of hardwood flooring and patterned carpet throughout the suite, it’s contemporary and calm, luxe but inviting. The warm colour scheme makes you feel at home, with plenty of comfortable fabrics and bright, care-free artwork lining the walls with depictions of summertime and beautiful places. Think less hotel room, more mini apartment.
Contemporary tech aspects come feed into the suite experience – there’s the enormous plasma tvs (two, to be exact!) plus clever mirrors that light up for a little Hollywood moment.
An equally large bathroom features a powerful walk-in shower and large bottles of British brand Elemis toiletries. Tick, tick, tick. Robes hang up on the door outside, beckoning to be worn from the moment you arrive. Well, if you insist…
The Food & Drink
Quaint and charming, this hotel is ideal for those that love to retreat to a space that feels like home after a busy day of adventuring and ticking off tourist attractions. All meals are served in the Raleigh restaurant, where modern British flavours can be devoured from dawn to dusk.
Heritage is key here – expect local Dorset produce courtesy of Head Honcho Neil McCarthy in the form of classic Sirloin steaks, White fish with prawn, Hens Egg and asparagus plus plenty of other flavour-rich dishes.
Breakfast is also served in the suave Raleigh restaurant surrounds, with a small selection of continental items and an additional a la carte menu. Prepare to be served a super friendly and chatty team, who curiously ask me about my accent and origins whilst I wolf down an avocado toast breakfast after my night in interior design dreams.
Try This
1 An on-site beauty treatment: Partake in some pampering with an on-site beauty treatment, with options ranging from facials and massages through to talon taming services.
2 A morning run: Pack your trainers and explore the nearby area, with plenty of scenic routes and trails to follow for a rejuvenating start to the day.
3 Dinner at Tamburino Gold: Bon appetite! This small but mighty Italian restaurant is packed with locals even on a midweek evening (always a sign of foodie success). Eat your way through fresh pizza, pasta, classic desserts and a wide array of breads before strolling (or rolling) back to the hotel. tamburino.co.uk
The Wordrobe Verdict
As always when it comes to the world of luxury travel, the best properties don’t scrimp on the details – they go the extra mile and they pay the extra penny. It always shows – and this hotel with its Nespresso machines, fresh milk for a morning coffee, welcoming tray of teas and gleaming posh toiletries sets the bar high when it comes to a South West staycation.
Charming and flamboyant, with luxuriously comfy decor, say hello to Sherborne this summer and put The Hillbrook on your hotel hit list. With so much care and attention to detail, it’ll make you want to sink back into the pillows and explore for at least a weekend longer.
Make it happen
Where: The Hillbrook Sherborne, 1 Canon Woods Close, Sherborne DT9 6FD
How: Find out more and make a booking via thehillbrook.co.uk
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
