HORWOOD HOUSE, MILTON KEYNES, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Nestled in the rural tranquillity of the Buckinghamshire countryside sits this Grade II listed manor house hotel and spa, accessed via a tree-lined approach surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens. Designed in a Jacobethan style, the manor building incorporates tall brick chimneys, bay windows and stone surfaces with handmade red brick walls and original stone steps leading up to it. The H Spa is home to a 15-metre swimming pool complete with tranquillity beds, a thermal sauna and a steam room. With the festive season upon us, the property is offering a host of festive experiences throughout December. Book one of the hotel’s brand-new Manor Suites located on the top floor of the original house offering spacious lounge areas, deluxe super-king beds and Art Deco-inspired bathrooms from £249.50 per person, per room including breakfast. Guests can also book a table at Harry’s Bar & Kitchen and tuck into their new menu, which has been curated by executive chef Will Dimartino. The All Wrapped Up package (available until 23rd December) is offering a 50-minute body wrap and facial treatment, use of the wet-spa facilities from 9-5 pm and a delicious afternoon tea complete with finger sandwiches, sweet and savoury festive bites, and freshly baked scones. It’s priced at £130 per person during the week and £145 per person on Friday and Sunday. Alternatively, the Spa-ty Season package provides a 50-minute Gelebration manicure and pedicure priced at £140 per person midweek, or £155 per person on Friday and Sunday. See in the New Year in style where glitz and glamour will be at the heart of the evening. As a live jazz band provides the sultry sounds, enjoy a welcome glass of champagne followed by a spectacular sharing spread of lobster and oyster from a decadent seafood tower, alongside delicious savoury plates of confit duck pastilles, spinach and feta filo rolls, and roast rib of beef with bearnaise and peppercorn sauce. After dinner, dance the night away to the rhythmic sounds of jazz. Priced at £89 per adult, the event will be on from 7.30 pm until 12:30 am. When it comes to weddings at the property, The Drawing Room, which seats up to 80 guests for the ceremony, is brimming with grand features including high ceilings decorated with magnificent detailing, an impressive stone fireplace and a stunning bay window providing plenty of natural daylight. It leads directly to the Manor Bar and panelled seating area – ideal for reception drinks during the winter months. The Eyre and Cook Suites are also licensed for larger ceremony numbers and provide generous spaces for the wedding breakfast. For a picturesque outdoor backdrop, stroll past the tranquil lily pond and through the secret garden gate into the blossom garden, home to a white wedding pavilion to be enjoyed throughout the summer months, with a capacity to host up to 190 guests. Couples can also choose to use the manicured grounds for a drink reception and photography. There’s also a less traditional setting for a wedding blessing or renewal of vows as the Manor House steps are framed by elegant wisteria and there’s a magical well hidden amongst the woodland. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01296 722 100, www.horwoodhouse.co.uk We love... the prosecco, cocktail, champagne or gin stations that can be set up for a wedding accompanied by the chef ’s homemade canapés, or couples can suggest favourites of their own. For intimate winter drinks receptions, don’t forget the Manor Bar! THE FEATHERED NEST, NETHER WESTCOTE, OXFORDSHIRE This charming gourmet country pub built from traditional Cotswold stone provides some of the best views in the Cotswolds of the surrounding valley and beautifully landscaped gardens. Dating back to the 15th century, the interiors are full of rustic charm, combining contemporary and traditional pieces with cool muted tones, mismatched furniture and exposed wooden beams. The Feathered Nest is the ideal location for an intimate celebration or grander affair. The gardens are the perfect location where a canopy provides shelter and bespoke art sculptures and firepits are dotted around the grounds. Ceremonies take place in the main restaurant or garden room where up to 65 guests can be seated either inside or outside the building on the covered terrace. The restaurant and bar allow for smaller celebrations, with diners enjoying 3 AA Rosette cuisine and for larger events, a marquee or tipi can be erected on the grounds. The property has recently launched a new cottage to add to its bespoke room collection. The cosy accommodation combines period charm and modern elegance with original features including flagstone flooring, an exposed fire mantle and wooden beams. The sitting room and modern kitchenette feature a comfy sofa and dining area. On the middle floor is a modern bathroom and on the top floor is a luxurious double bedroom home to a super king-size bed. The cottage is offered free for the couple on the night of the wedding as well as a six-course tasting menu (with wine) on their first anniversary. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01993 833 030 https://thefeatherednestinn.co.uk 24
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