The best country retreats for this autumn

You aren’t sleeping properly, work has become a complete bore and the idea of remaining in the city for the weekend seems utterly awful. Just two days in a week of chaos, to relax and enjoy, with beautiful or horrendous weather, you more often than not find yourself surrounded by cars, noise and impatient people. The cycle never stops and we usually let life run away with us. We have selected a short list of weekend retreats in the English countryside for you gentlemen to escape to this autumn. Change the mundane for a warm fire, long walks, vast iron baths and, most importantly, total tranquility.

Babington House, Somerset

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Located in Frome, Somerset, this is an 18th century country house turned luxury hotel, offering warm Georgian interiors, an Orangery and 18 acres of beautiful parkland. Its founder, Nick Jones, who owns the famous Soho House group has transformed this externally olden house into a boutique retreat. In its entirety, it houses 32 lavish suits, with lodges, tennis courts and cottages too. The Cowshed Spa has an array of treatments that would make anyone under intense stress melt into the hands of deep massage.

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The Pig, Bath

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The name says enough, surely. This mouthwatering restaurant with a variety of beautiful rooms is enough to make anyone pack their city suitcase and never return. Located just outside Bath, you will find yourself just a stone’s throw away from the sophisticated town, whilst remaining in rural seclusion. With its wood-panelled country house interiors, married with pretty wallpapers and velvet and tartan upholstery, this will certainly warm your rosy nose this autumn. It is the latest incarnation of The Pig’s and perhaps the most succulent and grandest of all three. With acres of deer park and an abundant kitchen garden you will feast just as well as you will sleep.

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Gravetye Manor, West Sussex

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This rural beauty is located in West Sussex, the former home of landscape gardener William Robertson. This Elizabethan house hosts 17 richly decorated, countrified bedrooms and its restaurant holds a Michelin star. Rich fabrics and fine antiques, lose yourself in its grounds and admire the tree species which each room is named after. A truly English manor, this more than comfortable retreat might just make you want to buy your very own weekend home.

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At The Chapel, Somerset

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This converted chapel in Bruton is certainly a must. As you wind down a rather traditional street to its large oak door, a modern and sophisticated stay awaits you. A Grade II listed chapel, its all-day restaurant uses the best West Country produce and houses a relaxed Mediterranean feel to great British food. Michelin has awarded the chapel a Bib Gourmand every year since 2010. The bedrooms are tranquil, contemporary luxury, with crisp white towels, modern artwork and marble wrapped bathrooms.

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Yarrow Cottage, Chipping Norton

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There is always room for more. Sometimes, on an escape, joining a few more friends only adds to the fun, so why not take a small weekend cottage. This refurbished, thatched 17th-century cottage with large oak beams, Cotswold stone walls and wooden floors lies in the heart of one of England’s most stunning counties. In the peaceful village of Churchill, it offers a well-regarded pub, a pretty church and nearby market towns. Sleeping four, lie by its fire all evening after exploring the areas beauty and enjoy an intimate dinner party from what will feel like the comfort of your very own home.

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