Review: We Check into a Gardener's Cottage on Wynyard's Estate
Surrounded by private parkland, we check into a gardener's cottage on Wynyard's estate to enjoy the luxuries of Wynyard Hall
Checking in, we are gifted the wonderful surprise of a welcome hamper filled with breakfast treats for the weekend and we quickly collect our keys and head straight to our cottage. Tucked away in the walled garden, the aptly named Gardeners Cottage is picture perfect, its red brick facade blending seamlessly into the garden walls. We’re also thankful for the ample parking space allocated to the cottage, which can accommodate up to three cars.
Gardeners Cottage has a homely, country feel, with calming neutral soft furnishings and decor. Upstairs, the three bedrooms have beautiful views, including over the walled gardens, with each room taking on its own colour scheme, and there are two bathrooms, one on the ground floor. The cottage would be ideal for a group of up to six or a family, and as we spot the dog bowl in the kitchen we know our family dog would have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the whole area.
It’s early evening as we get ready and take the short walk to The Glass House for dinner. We’re welcomed warmly and can quickly tell that the restaurant has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The setting too is perfect, nestled as it is in Wynyard’s gardens which, it transpires, provide much of the fresh produce for the evening menu.
We order drinks – a go-to favourite of Aperol Spritz for me, while my mum opts for a berry spritz. Both are an excellent way to kick-off the evening. To start I order the harissa carrot with pesto and pomegranate which proves to be a delicious balance for the smokier flavours. My mum opts for the cod and salmon fish cake served on a bed of spinach with a poached hen’s egg and peppercorn sauce. To follow, I opt for the gnocchi with courgette and cucumber, a deliciously summery dish for veggie and vegan foodies whilst mum chooses the Glasshouse Burger made with pancetta and cheese, alongside skin-on fries, which we both enjoy sharing. Both are delicious and substantial dishes, but despite that there’s no way we can resist dessert, sharing a strawberry and rose Eton mess and a carrot cake with orange sorbet – both definitely worth making room for as an end of the night treat.
We wake to August sunshine and start our day with coffee and breakfast from our hamper, before heading to the spa for a morning pamper session. We receive a warm welcome, alongside our fluffy robes and slippers and are taken on a quick tour around the various rooms that make up the spa.
The spa at Wynyard Hall is set in a stunning location, a real hideaway on the edge of the hotel’s lake and we head straight for the outdoor hot tub to catch a bit of the lunchtime sun. With limited numbers, the spa feels exclusive, and the spa team remember each face, putting us at complete ease to relax and enjoy the morning.
Following a coffee by the lake, I head in to enjoy some of the spa’s other facilities. The relaxation room – a quiet aromatherapy space with the scent of the day being lavender, was a personal favourite. After a little quiet time, I head to the salt inhalation room and then finally to the heated sauna, which I have all to myself.
I am currently training for the Great North Run and have needed a massage for a while, so I’m more than ready for the promised back and neck massage. I select my oil, a detoxing oil from ESPA as well as the muscle balm, and enjoy the ultimate in 60 minutes of relaxation.
Rather reluctantly leaving the spa, we head off to explore more of the hotel’s gardens. Entering via the café and shop we pick up some treats, and head past the many visitors enjoying the sunshine in the café out into the garden itself. There’s a famous rose garden with 3,000 David Austen roses, an Italian garden and a kitchen garden – at this time of year they’re filled with bright colours and wildlife, including lots of lively honeybees and butterflies.
Gardeners Cottage is at the very edge of the gardens and after an enjoyable walk back, we have lunch in the cottage’s own private garden, including delicious scones procured from the café. The cottage’s outdoor space comes complete with a private hot tub and plenty of seating to catch the afternoon sunshine.
As we check out the next morning, the main hall is in full swing preparing for a wedding. But even when things are busy, the staff take their time to offer an efficient, friendly service.
Wynyard Hall, while a premier wedding venue, offers so much more – it’s a special place for friends and families for any occasion.
wynyardhall.co.uk
