THE HOTEl: Some 90 minutes from London and 20 from Oxford, this pretty, family-run twin venue in the Cotswolds is easily found from Jct 8 off the A40 in the village of Minster Lovell. It is spread over 63 acres of meadows, riverbanks and manicured grounds.
THE CHECK-IN: Reception is in Minster Mill, the 200-year-old former water mill that forms half of the venue. A tiny, low-beamed reception area was staffed by a receptionist that speedily dealt with the formalities, so I didn’t have time to sample the sloe gin left for new arrivals.
THE ROOM: Mine was a suite in the 600-year-old former inn, the Old Swan, across the road. The 16 rooms here are chintzier, characterised by uneven floors, low ceilings and dark beams, but also with every modern creature comfort.
I had a cosy sitting room with flatscreen TV, four-poster bed in the bedroom, small but well equipped bathroom, tea- and coffee-making equipment, iron and ironing board, wifi, DVD player, desk and nice touches such as home-made biscuits and a hot water bottle at turn down. There are 44 rooms in the Minster Mill.
THE BUSINESS: There are three spaces: the beamed Oak Room on the first floor of Minster Mill, with natural light and warm red decor, for up to 16 boardroom style. The main space is the Malt House with large reception and refreshment area and three main rooms for up to 24, plus two syndicate spaces for six. There is also a barn that will take 50 theatre-style or 24 boardroom. A Great Hall will seat 150 theatre-style or 120 for dining when it opens by the year's end. The day delegate rate is £75; 24-hour rates are £175-£285, all plus VAT.
THE FACILITIES: The restaurant is in the Old Swan and it offers good gastro pub type food. Outside is England’s largest wildflower garden and fly fishing for brown trout and the like. All manner of activities can be laid on for team building events. A full spa is opening by January 2012 and this augments the gym and two treatment rooms there now.
THE VErDICT: This is a charming addition to Peter de Savary’s collection of boutique inns and is sister to The Cary Arms in Devon. Nicely refurbished without taking away from its largely 15th century roots, and with good service, it’s an ideal venue for away days.
THE DETAILS: Old Minster, Nr Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 ORN. Tel: 01993 774441. Rooms from £165 including VAT and breakfast. www.oldswanandminstermill.com GILLIAN UPTON
