No. in Party   2
Visited    November 2008

A birthday treat, an eagerly anticipated property and an excellent few days at this unusual Landmark.

A spotting mission a few years back had identified potential in the EBH and Chipping Campden but we couldn’t seem to get the right crowd together - dogs, small children, marital break-ups - that sort of thing, all seemed to get in the way. In the end we made it a 2-er and to be honest, didn’t feel like we were rattling round at all.

It’s hard to describe the house as there are so many contrasting elements both in the original architecture and the conversion to 20th Century living. The EBH (and the whole Old Campden site) just seem to exist in their own space and time; each morning you open the main gates and step out into (a kind of) reality in the town, then return in the evening to your own mystical land. I know this all sounds a bit like tosh but that’s how it feels to stay there... see for yourself!

What is there to say about Chipping Campden? There’re lots of nice little shops, the high street is among the most lovely you will see anywhere; best of all is the extant soul of the Arts & Crafts movement, alive and well at Harts Silversmiths.  However, my overriding memory will be the ease with which it manages to separate you from your cash.  Granted this was always going to be a pricey few days as eating out was high on the list of things to do, and blimey - this is the Cotswolds!

Eateries appear to have settled upon a standard price for a main course of about £14.  This does not seem to vary regardless of the surroundings or food quality/quantity. If it’s good grub, £14 is fine; if you’re faced with frozen chips and mixed veg vomit on your plate, perhaps it’s a little overpriced. Choose your restaurant carefully - Hicks Brasserie was the best we tried and I would strongly recommend a visit if eating out’s your thing

Don’t get me wrong, we loved the EBH and the town but I’d rather stay for a week than a fortnight!