Us Bristolians are super lucky to have the countryside on our doorstep and now we have a country house to stay in.
Located only a 15 minute drive from the city centre, Backwell House could not be further removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Bristol.
With magnificent views of Somerset’s rolling hills, the property is a converted 19th century home.
Owned by the Hobbs family, the house lay empty for many years. Not wanting to sell it on or live in it, the family met Guy Williams, now the hotel’s general manager.
Guy and his team spent many months living on site to turn the house into the stunning accommodation that it is today.
It was a truly personal project with floorboards turned into bed headboards and restaurant tables and the awe inspiring bar made from an old kitchen floor.
And as Guy told me during a special evening at the house for a group of Bristol bloggers, even the curtains have a story. “They were made by my mum,” he said proudly.
Walking around the corner from the car park, the building is immediately impressive. As us bloggers sipped Pimms and looked up at the grand Georgian architecture, I could tell everyone had fallen in love with the place before we had even walked inside!
Backwell House really is a home away from home (albeit a very rich homeowner!) that’s full of style but is in no way stuffy.
The team has managed to combine the history with the modern. Guy’s collection of antiques and comfy leather furniture are dotted around the house while an art installation of glittering baubles hangs from the ceiling above the main stairs.
Each of the nine rooms is named after individuals associated with the house including legendary cricketer W.G. Grace. If the two rooms we saw on our tour are anything to go by, they are all amazing!
In ‘Toogood’, for example, you’re greeted by industrial lamps, a vintage bakelite telephone and one of those expertly converted floorboards turned headboards.
But the highlight is the bathroom. With its free standing bath overlooking the rose garden below and two stone sinks, it looked the epitome of luxury.
After taking in the rooms we headed outside to the gardens, an oasis of calm and tranquility with a rose covered pagoda and plenty of space for lounging around while sipping a drink during long summer days.
Backwell House will eventually have 25 rooms as the buildings surrounding the garden are converted. There is also an old swimming pool at the back which Guy told us will soon have a roof added so perfect for a dip in all weathers.
We were really spoilt during our evening at Backwell House with the experience ending with a three course meal around a large wooden table that’s perfect for big family gatherings or other special occasions.
Chef Ross Hunter has created an intriguing menu with a twist on traditional English fare and a commitment to local suppliers. The strawberry cannelloni was a particular highlight and an Instagramming photographer’s dream!
Backwell House really is a must-visit and even if you’re local, the perfect place for a stylish holiday on your doorstep.
Rooms at Backwell House start at £95 a night including a cooked breakfast.
I was invited to attend an event at Backwell House with complimentary food. All opinions are my own.
