Soho Farmhouse: Where Countryside Heritage Meets Modern Comfort
Head into the Cotswolds and you’ll stumble upon a hotel that doesn’t try to hide its roots. Soho Farmhouse, once a working farm, now sprawls over 100 acres of picturesque Oxfordshire land. But it's not your typical luxury hotel with a splash of sheep memorabilia—here, you’ll actually spot horses and sheep grazing outside your window. It all feels relaxed and authentic right off the bat.
The site is dotted with 40 guest cabins, each designed for maximum comfort while keeping a sense of countryside simplicity. Think wide porches, timber walls, and those big windows facing lush pastures. Some cabins are close to bubbling streams, others look out on open meadows. No two feel the same, but each one nails that farmhouse-meets-five-star vibe perfectly.
A Social Hub with a Beer Garden Heartbeat
The real magic happens in the social spaces. The Mill Room is at the heart of the action. By day, it’s a laid-back spot for a pint. At night, the atmosphere flips— locals and travelers gather for pub quizzes and laughter, soaking up the open-air beer garden ambiance. It’s casual and lively, and beer flows freely from local breweries, while crafty cocktails are mixed at the bar. There's a big focus on using local produce in the bar snacks too, so you’ll eat well whether you fancy a Scotch egg or a fancy cheese plate.
If you’re hungry for more, the Main Barn hosts legendary weekend feasts—think hearty roasts, big breakfasts with eggs from on-site hens, and crowd-pleasing desserts. For something different, Pen Yen delivers Asian-inspired plates: sushi, grilled meats, and inventive sides. Both spots fill up fast, especially on weekends, but the staff—who are unfailingly friendly—usually keep things moving. Busy afternoons can mean the odd delay, though it’s hard to grumble much when you’re sipping a cold drink and gazing at the rolling Cotswold hills.
Entertainment is big at Soho Farmhouse. The Electric Cinema screens everything from recent blockbusters to indie favorites, roomy enough to share popcorn but cosy enough for date nights. There’s also the on-site boutique, a treasure trove of Soho House home pieces—so if you love the look of your cabin, you can take a bit of it home. Fitness fans won’t be bored either: there's an indoor-outdoor pool, tennis courts, a spa and gym, and even horseback riding for the adventurous.
Venture a little further and you’ll hit Daylesford Organic, a top pick for local foodies and not far from charming Cotswold villages. If you like to mix pampering with exploring, this place lets you do both. Whether you’re getting your boots muddy in the fields, warming up with a pint in the Mill Room’s beer garden, or sinking into a plush cinema seat, Soho Farmhouse manages to wrap up countryside living, social buzz, and luxury comforts in one slick package.