Coombe Abbey Park and Hotel

 hotel, park, monastery, Order of Cistercians

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Built around the shell of a 12th century Cistercian monastery, Coombe Abbey became a private house following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. More buildings were added during the 18th and 19th centuries, creating a unique combination of gothic and classical styles.

When No Ordinary Hotels took over the Abbey ten years ago, the building was a crumbling ruin but original architectural features were painstakingly restored to their former glory. Antiques, fabrics and furniture were sourced from across the globe to create interiors that are both luxurious and dramatic.

From the Victorian gothic of the Strawberry Hill corridor to the elegant baroque proportions of the Cloisters dining room, Coombe's décor reflects its rich and eclectic history and there are ecclesiastical touches throughout, including confessionals transformed into telephone boxes.

There are now 83 bedrooms at Coombe. Each one is individually decorated, with period details concealing modern fittings. The main feature room, the Lady Craven Suite, takes its name from the family who owned the house for centuries, boasts a magnificent four poster bed and its own staircase.

Coombe is set in 500 acres of national parkland and its formal gardens were designed by the renowned landscape architect Capability Brown.

Although we are in no doubt that once you arrive at Coombe Abbey you may not want to leave, should you stray across the moat you can explore the beautiful surroundings of Coombe Abbey Country Park.

The 500 acre park, with all-weather pathways for wheelchair users, has a visitor centre, gift shop, large bird hide, children's play area and lake with coarse fishing.

www.coombeabbey.com