Every year my hubby and I treat ourselves to something special for one evening to mark the occasion of our wedding anniversary. With two small children this limits our options somewhat. Most of the time we land up getting a takeaway and watching a movie at home for lack of anything better to do but this year I decided that we needed a real treat and booked a meal at a period country house hotel down the road.
I have been to Springfort Hall many times. Normally as a guest to weddings or christenings but sitting in the lounge on Saturday night was the first time that I actually looked around and took stock of the great features of this beautiful old building.
On approach, after making your way up through an avenue of beautiful, ancient oaks and other native trees, the drive circles around bringing you to the front door and you are greeted by the site of guests sipping champagne, tea and coffee on the lawn in front of the house. The grass is dotted with white, wrought iron filigreed tables and chairs and the odd bench - their colour matching that of the main house.
The house dates back to 1169 but was converted to a country house hotel in 1982. All over the country we see beautiful homes that are open to the public. Some of them are simple on view for a small charge while others have been converted to a house hotel. I would far rather see a house being used in this way than have it fall to ruins.
As we sat in the lounge sipping our drinks the atmosphere was quiet, relaxed and somewhat regal. What with the 12-14ft ceilings and the massive old fireplace adorned with a gilt edged mirror you could not help wondering what it would be like to be lady of the manor. The sensitive way in which the house has been decorated truly allows your imagination to drift without much encouragement. The windows are dressed with heavy, interlined damask curtains. The swags and tails drip with heavy bullion fringing in contrasting colours. This is all complemented by the dark burgundy red of the walls. The feeling is not oppressive as one might worry it could be as the ceilings are so high that as your eye drifts upwards you are met with wonderful coving and detailed moulding. The centre rose is more like a rose garden it is so elegant and extravagant. This has been tastefully highlighted with paint colours that compliment the rest of the room's decor.
When we retired to the dining room we were seated into an oval bay window. The original type of sash window with single glazing was still in place. The new radiators have been concealed and are quite unobtrusive. The wooden floors are varnished a dark oak and the slight uneven and worn texture makes me wonder how many feet have danced across these boards. The small details like decorative niches are highlighted with white paint against the Edwardian Gold coloured wall and a small detail like a simple vase of flowers completes the look. I was enchanted as I walk through to the bathrooms to see what looks like original slate, flagstone flooring leading to the kitchen.
A winding staircase leads one to the upstairs part of the house but as I only live 5 minutes drive from here I can't quite rationalise spending the night although falling asleep in a wooden four poster bed would certainly complete my 'lady of the manor' dream!
The facade of the original building is very much Georgian in appearance with large rectangular windows but the curved side of the building looks to be more in keeping with its earlier history and looks to be Tudor in style.
The surroundings and atmosphere in the house is such that you could have fed me a snack box and I wouldn't have minded but the food itself I must add was excellent. So after a delicious meal and very relaxing evening I went to bed dreaming of my next visit to this enchanting house hotel. Take time to visit these gems around the country even if it's just for a cup of coffee. Enjoy the decor and appreciate the time and thought it takes to maintain the perfect period home. It really is a treat!