Escapism at the Eastbury Hotel and Spa

If immersing yourself in the great English countryside is what you’re looking for in a mini break, look no further than The Eastbury, says Verity Craig

Set away from the hustle and bustle, as you arrive in to North West Dorset at the picturesque town of Sherborne (6 miles east of Yeovil), a feeling of nostalgia may wash over you. For this typically English part of the world, in many ways appears to have stood still in time (but immaculately so!) With quaint shops, its’ narrow streets and sandy coloured Sherborne stone-bricked cottages, it’s no wonder it is known as one of the most beautiful market towns in England.

Positioned just off the main centre of Sherborne, and a 2-minute’s walk from the magnificent Abbey, is The Eastbury Spa and Hotel. Independently owned by Peter De Savary, this is one of 35 Hotel/Resort/Hospitality projects that the De Savary Group own, including 7 new championship golf courses and 3 marinas. The hotels range from five star boutique up to 550 guest rooms. Lana de Savary, Peter de Savary’s wife, assists with all the UK properties, whilst Peter de Savary particularly concentrates on all the overseas properties.

The couple’s hands-on approach certainly shows. The shabby-chic and artistically designed interior décor, and ingenious ideas (such as The Potting Shed Rooms), can only be that of an independently-owned hotel.

Upon our visit, my husband and I were booked for our evening meal at Seasons, the hotel’s 2AA Rosette fine dining restaurant. Set overlooking the beautifully manicured cottage-style garden, Seasons owns an extensive menu offering a good selection of locally-sourced ingredients. To start, I opted for the Devon crab with cucumber and horseradish, grapefruit and dill. It was the perfect refreshing accompaniment to go with my Cosmopolitan aperitif. My husband opted for, and enjoyed, the Carpaccio of octopus with pink ginger, a ponzu dressing and wasabi mayonnaise…alongside his Whisky Sour aperitif.

As we sat in the window, enjoying the live pianist playing nearby, and looking at the pretty garden; we started to fully unwind. The restaurant team were friendly and polite, wanting to cater to our every need (helping us unwind from our busy lives even more.)

Upon our mains arriving, we were once again grateful for the choices we had made. I had selected the cheese soufflé (an old favourite of mine from when The Sussex Arts Club used to make a superb one some years ago, as does The Marbella Club in Spain!) Sometimes, when you try one of your favourites elsewhere though, you can be disappointed; I am pleased to report that on this occasion I was not. It was most enjoyable! Meanwhile, my husband enjoyed the 28-day matured ribeye steak, cooked (according to him) to ‘perfection.’

After dinner, there are lots of activities to enjoy; from snooker in one lounge, to the large chess on a table in the garden, to croquet (if it’s still light enough.) As it was a bit cold, and a family had already beaten us to the snooker room, we opted for the lounge where we finished our Malbec wine and read some lovely glossy magazines on the comfy sofa.  

We were booked in to one of the ingenious Potting Shed Rooms, just a short walk down the path through the walled garden. Complete with a modern wet room, terrace, and kitchenette, we would have been happy to have stayed here a lot longer than our work commitments allowed.

Just like the interior of the main house, which dates back to the 17th Century, The Potting Sheds ooze charm and character. We were in ‘The Rosemary shed,’ almost opposite the uniquely designed spa pod building (pictured left), and external hot tub.

There’s lots of lovely walks in and around Sherborne (and dogs are also welcome for a sleepover at The Eastbury Hotel!) We walked through the small streets over to the impressive Sherborne Abbey and then enjoyed a drink in The Plume of Feathers’ pretty beer garden before making our way back to our cosy abode for the night.

Sherborne Abbey

This charming hotel, set in an exquisite small town, is one that definitely deserves to be added to your must-visit lists for staycation breaks.