Fun on the Farm
Even the most convinced urbanites sometimes dream about country life and country life doesn't come much more appealing than at the Soho Farmhouse, which opened in autumn 2015 with promises to revolutionise country retreat holidays.
The Soho Farmhouse is part of the burgeoning Soho House private members clubs and hotels empire. Unlike Babington House, its sister property in Somerset, the Soho Farmhouse is close to London (near Chipping Norton in the heart of the Cotswolds) and is billed as a relaxing farm house rather than a grand country house.
The 100 acre retreat is dominated by a large barn house which contains the main public areas including multiple restaurants and bars. Guests stay in the main barn house, a converted farmhouse, a converted farm cottage or in 40 purpose built cabins dotted around the property. Those who are not content with moving from bar to restaurant and from restaurant to bar can indulge in the endless activities on offer including a private cinema, a Cowshed spa, cookery school and sports activities galore. We particularly like the stunning indoor-outdoor swimming pool, perched on the edge of a boating lake.
The decor is what you would expect from Soho House - rustic charm with a contemporary, relaxing makeover: cue overstuffed sofas and armchairs in modern pastels, warm lighting and acres of exposed woodwork. Quirky touches include the use of converted electric milk floats to ferry guests around and mobile food trucks to provide room service to the cabins.
With bookings available (surprisingly) for non-members (though Soho House members benefit from discounts), there is no better way to get a taste of country life, 21st century style.
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Product Inspiration
Create your own contemporary rustic look with an indulgent sofa such as the Gentry from Moroso, spiced up with a few colourful Toadstool pouffs from Missana.
Create romantically atmospheric lighting with the Link wood veneer suspension light from LZF and the Bell Mondo OLED table light from Blackbody.
A selection of quirky animals from LZF's Funny Farm collection is a great way to bring a taste of country life home. Alternatively try the Scrapwood wallpaper from NLXL to recreate the rustic barn style on any wall.