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Winter Breaks at Combermere – BOOK NOW
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Winter Breaks at Combermere – BOOK NOW
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Let’s ‘lift off after lockdown’ and get back to supporting our local businesses and eateries. As the UK returns to tier restrictions, it means that we can start enjoying the things we love again, that includes brunch! With Cheshire and Shropshire both being in tier 2, that means our local brunch spots are back open for business and we couldn’t be more excited. To celebrate brunch officially being back, we’ve rounded up our favourite brunch ideas for both Cheshire and Shropshire, a stone’s throw from Combermere Abbey.
We’re big fans of brunch here at Combermere Abbey! Brunch is that curious mix of breakfast and lunch, usually you’d have it between 11am and 2pm. Any day of the week, it’s perfect after a good countryside walk, leg stretch around local markets and towns, or well-earned lie-in. Brunch is a great way to socialise with your loved ones and – as many establishments now have rigid Covid safe guidelines – in a safe and secure manner too. With Combermere Abbey as your base for weekend or even midweek stays, we really can’t think of a better way to spend a morning. Here’s where we’d recommend you head out during your stay…
The Flower Cup is an independent botanical coffee shop, located within the walls of Chester up on the historic Watergate Row level shops. They claim on their website to serve up “Chester’s very best all-day brunch menu” and we think they’re well worth a visit. If anything, 2020 has highlighted the importance of supporting local, independent businesses – so The Flower Cup is well worth a visit during your next trip to Combermere Abbey.
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Nantwich is just under 15 minutes away from Combermere Abbey and boasts a prolific Cheshire brunch spot in Olea, a quirky Italian café. It’s the season to support local and we can’t think of a better place than here; on the menu there’s some great sweets, as well as pizza, salads and even full English – a brunch must-have. You can keep up with updates on their social media.
The Pheasant Inn has great views across Cheshire, and there are some amazing walks around the Bickerton Hills to be enjoyed. Brunch is a perfect stop off after a relaxing stroll in the morning, making this inn the perfect stop off. They serve up a five-star menu and proudly overlook everything from the Cheshire Plain to North Wales from its location along the historic Sandstone Trail. For delicious, honest, homecooked food made from the finest locally sourced fresh ingredients and produce, look no further.
Battlefield 1403 is a superb farm shop that is on the outskirts of Shrewsbury, there you’ll find Sparrow’s Café – “the ideal place for a delicious brunch, lunch or afternoon snack.” Their mouth-watering food is freshly prepared to order using ingredients from the farm shop and other local sources. Plus, there’s also a child’s menu for the little ones – perfect for a family getaway at Combermere Abbey in the cottages. You can find out more about this hidden gem on their website.
Etzio is on our doorstep in Whitchurch, Shropshire and is a charming Italian cafe. They have an amazing lunch deal which is starting in the new year and their dishes come highly recommended by both us and our guests. Choose from pastas, burgers, salads and lighter bites such as paninis and sandwiches. You can even find tapas options, ideal for brunch with a twist. Keep in the loop by following Etzio on Facebook.
Peaberry Grand Café has earned a “great for brunch” Google review and is based in Shrewsbury. Being on the Cheshire/Shropshire border at Combermere Abbey, we recommend our guests take a trip to this town – there’s so much to do. If stopping for a spot of all-day brunch at Peaberry Grand Café, on the menu you can expect to find artisan food and drink including pancakes, sourdough melts, the classics and breakfasts with a twist.
Combermere Arms is walkable distance from the cottages, they welcome dogs and they also serves a click-and-collect menu for those that want to buy their brunch and eat in the cottage instead of dining out. You really can’t get much more local than this and we’d really recommend for our guests. You can find the menu for the Combermere Arms on their website, there’s something to suit everyone.
The Loopy Shrew has boozy brunch on the menu and is very well recommended. The autumn menu includes classics such as the full English and crushed avocado on toasted sourdough. You can even also find a doggy sausage or doggy bacon option, perfect when you’re coming along on a dog-friendly holiday at Combermere Abbey. The Loopy Shrew is based in Shrewsbury and is just over 40 minutes away from us, certainly worth paying a visit to.
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Finally, Park View Café at the Park View business centre is quite literally on Combermere Abbey’s doorstep in Whitchurch. Great for a brunch after exploring the estate grounds, including the woodland walk, the café has lunchtime food on the menu as well as a prolific selection of hot drinks too. You can keep up to date with them on Facebook here, they are open Monday to Friday from 11am-2:30pm, so ideal for our mid-week cottage guests.
If you have any more recommended brunch spots in Cheshire or Shropshire, please let us know on Facebook or Twitter. Or, if you’re ready to book your relaxing break at Combermere Abbey, please get in touch with our team. Perfect for a reset following the Christmas break and even better now that brunch is back.
The pandemic has changed a lot of things, one of the main things being that people are keener to now discover what’s on their doorstep, and opt for a staycation, or perhaps even what’s being coined as a nearcation instead of jetting off overseas. Great news for the hospitality industry in this country, as a recent YouGov survey revealed that 48% of millennials (people aged between 25 and 34) plan to staycation in the future. Here are five reasons to consider a nearcation for your 2020 or 2021 break.
But first, what actually is a nearcation? Derived from the term staycation which means to holiday in the country where you live, as opposed to travelling overseas, a nearcation is exactly that – but closer to home. This can be as close as an overnight stay in the same town, or perhaps a longer holiday in the same county or region.
You might already be particularly fond of your hometown or city but a nearcation can help you discover what’s on your doorstep. We’re based in Cheshire and when we welcome guests from the area they’re still fascinated by the incredible countryside and wildlife that might only be 20-30 minutes away from home.
Holiday preparations are notoriously stressful, especially when you’re travelling abroad. When you opt for a staycation or nearcation, all you need to do is pack your car and get going. You’ll be familiar with the area, so it suits perfectly if you prefer opting for places you know and love. Or, if you’re open to trying new things – your eyes might be opened to a number of great attractions, shops and restaurants that have been in your local area all along. If you’re preparing for your nearcation, don’t forget to check out our self-catering holiday checklist.
Credit: Lets Get It Shot
You don’t have to invest hours into travel time for a well-earned break. A nearcation boasts the benefit of being a short car or train journey away, but it can still feel like an entirely different world. If you don’t care much for the idea of a 5hr+ car or coach trip, or even the drive to the airport, the plane journey, followed by the transfer to the hotel – then a nearcation could indeed be for you. Plus, a smaller travel time means you can bring your family dog along with no fuss at all. Our holiday cottages are all dog-friendly, and we love seeing your furry friends.
It’s totally normal to crave a break and a change of scenery. You don’t necessarily have to go far to do this. If you’ve missed celebrations this year, or perhaps had your holiday cancelled, then even just a weekend break can really help you to relax and rejuvenate. Short breaks at the North Wing are particularly excellent for this, as you’re tended to by our fantastic house manager, have a lovely breakfast included and can enjoy a taste of luxury. Or for a longer break, our self-catering cottages propose a fantastic way to break the cycle of working from home and staying indoors. We believe in the ‘3 Rs’ here at Combermere Abbey, re-balance, revive and re-energise.
There’s still a lot up in the air when it comes to overseas travel, many countries now require either quarantine on arrival, or quarantine when you land back in the UK. A nearcation doesn’t come with such barriers. Plus, with the tier systems expected to remain in place in England, the closer to home you can remain the better. We’re Visit Britain ‘Good to Go’ certified meaning our staff and venue are fully Covid-safe. With your own contained self-catering cottage or private North Wing room – you’ll be able to enjoy a responsible and sensible getaway here that still feels a world away than the same 4 walls you might have gotten used to during lockdown.
Credit: Girl About Cheshire
If you live in Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire or North Wales, Combermere Abbey could be the ideal nearcation destination for you. We’re nestled on the border, in the heart of the countryside and offer 10 self-catering cottages for our guests along with 2 B&B north wing rooms. Ideal for families, couples or friends* seeking a short retreat to relieve some stress and appreciate a change of scenery, we still have availability for 2020** and through to 2021.
To give you peace of mind when booking we’re offering a very low £50 refundable deposit for bookings made before 3rd December, for December 2020 to March 2021.
You can check this on our website, and be sure to follow our Facebook page for any further updates.
*Your nearcation must be in line with current government guidelines, adhering to tiered rules by region where appropriate.
**2020 availability is subject to change, but we are hopeful that come 2nd December we will be able to reopen for your winter nearcation getaways. We are offering a moneyback guarantee should circumstances change.
2020 has been an uncertain year and now, as the UK begins to ease out of restrictions, it’s the time of the English staycation*. More and more people are choosing to holiday here this year, thanks to the promise of no quarantine on your return and the peace of mind that a break in the UK offers. After being cooped up for several months, there seems to be a real interest in getting back to nature and enjoying holidays in the wild. So, we wanted to show you how Combermere Abbey can offer you this exact kind of break, right from our home on the Cheshire/Shropshire border.
One of the best ways to shake the stress of this year is to enjoy a relaxing but exciting adventure in the countryside, the kind that we offer at Combermere Abbey with 10 self-catering cottages, as well as 2 B&B rooms at our North Wing. Here are a few of the things you can do at Combermere Abbey to enjoy a real holiday in the wild.
We’re so lucky to be blessed with an abundance of flora and fauna on the estate. You only need to swing open the doors of your cottage or step out of the North Wing to experience that. There’s plenty of bees buzzing around the gardens in the summer, or why not pay the cows on our organic estate a visit on a crisp autumn morning? One of the best ways to experience holidays in the wild is to be at one with nature, and at Combermere Abbey, we’re lucky to have an array of wildlife. You might even enjoy a spot of birdwatching or photography
Combermere Abbey has one of the largest natural lakes on private land, our mere extends over 145 acres, is teeming with birdlife and is ideal for a number of activities including fishing and wild swimming. Our guests enjoy wild swimming all year round, and there’s truly no better way of connecting with nature than enjoying an open water swim. As the temperature starts to turn, remember to bring your wetsuits. You can experience wild swimming at Combermere Abbey all year round, taking a dip is truly an experience like no other.
Woodland walks bring fun for all the family. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic escape to the North Wing, or a family holiday in the cottages, a great way to experience a wild holiday adventure is to explore the acres of woodlands here. Our cottages are dog-friendly so you can bring your furry friends to enjoy a holiday of their own too. The smells and sights of the woods are a real treat for them. We have an Edwardian Pleasure garden full of specimen trees and a dedicated woodland walk, but you really only need to step out of your cottage or the North Wing to appreciate the serene natural beauty on your doorstep.
With a selection of local towns and cities on our doorstep, you can support smaller independent businesses too. You can now pre-order home-cooked dinners delivered to the estate by Covington, or why not head to the farmers’ markets in Cheshire or Shropshire and cook your own meals? Don’t forget, all of our cottages are self-catering. You can also support the local Cheshire and Shropshire economy by exploring the wonderful family-owned businesses nearby.
If your interests include photography, or perhaps portrait painting, then Combermere Abbey could be the perfect artsy break for you. We’re encompassed by woodlands and gardens, there are so many wonderful views. Here’s an illustration that artist Sallie Rebecca Illustration painted earlier this year.
Did you know that at Combermere Abbey, we encourage our guests to adopt 5 small steps to make a big impact during stays. We’re keen to encourage sustainable staycation-ing at Combermere Abbey. The steps include…
Don’t forget to check availability and book your stay on our website. Your holiday in the wild is just a few clicks away. We have availability in the cottages and both North Wing B&B rooms for the autumn months. Remember, all of our self-catering cottages are dog friendly too.
*Please ensure that your adventure is enjoyed in line with current government Covid-19 regulations.
With thanks for the lovely images: Declan West Weddings & Lets Get It Shot.
Following the outbreak of Covid-19, we had to temporarily close our doors, alongside other accommodation providers; in the interest of public safety. As lockdown begins to ease and as it looks more and more hopeful that we may be able to open up in July, we wanted to bring you an exclusive update as to what we’ve been up to behind-the-scenes at Combermere Abbey.
Combermere Abbey housekeepers have always followed the most rigorous hygiene procedures, but following the Coronavirus pandemic, we wanted to ensure that all of our staff are adhering to even stricter guidelines so that all self-catering holiday cottages and B&B rooms are ‘Covid-19 compliant’. We are currently following taut guidelines, with the Combermere Abbey team also undertaking relevant booster courses in sanitisation and cleanliness.
Your safety and comfort is paramount to us, and we want to ensure that all of our guests know that they can enjoy a relaxing staycation holiday with us without a worry in the world.
As well as keeping our accommodation in meticulous condition, we have also taken extra care to accommodate guests all around the estate. As part of our reopening for wedding showrounds, and our anticipated reopening for holiday guests, we have installed hygiene stations throughout the venue – so you can explore to your heart’s content.
Talking of gardens and grounds, while the abbey had to close its doors to guests a few months ago, we have still been working hard behind the scenes to keep it as beautiful as ever. When lockdown was first announced, the gardens were decorated with spring blossom, now they are in full bloom with the most beautiful colours coming through. We’re even expecting our fruit tree maze to give us lots of apples in the autumn. Though the world stood still, our gardens kept growing, and we can’t wait to show them to you soon.
You can find some short videos of our gardeners working their magic on our Instagram, just head to the ‘grounds’ highlight and click through.
After undergoing an extensive restoration, our privately-owned grade I listed building requires due care and attention to keep it looking beautiful. While we’ve been unable to accommodate B&B guests in the North Wing, we have been painting the exterior. The Abbey now casts an even more marvellous reflection over our 160-acre mere.
Here, you can see Graham (who’s also the well-praised driver of our Crossley wedding car) revitalising the outside of the North Wing, ready to welcome you back when the time is right.
There’s been plenty going on behind the scenes at Combermere, but there has also been quiet time for reflection and appreciation. Nestled in the heart of the countryside, the abbey is fortunately placed to enjoy a serene and tranquil location. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of life, whilst we’ve been caring for our gardens and woodlands – we’ve also been enjoying watching them come into bloom. Walking through the garden wood, you’ll now be met with vibrant leafy trees and superb brightly coloured flowers. The sun has been bouncing off the glistening mere thanks to the tremendous weather that we’ve been having, it is truly something to behold.
Though we’ve been unable to have guests come to stay for a few months, we couldn’t let you go without seeing the beautiful scenes at Combermere Abbey during these warm sunny days that we’ve been having. Videographers Lets Get It Shot very kindly came to visit us recently to take some on-foot and drone footage of the estate – so keep a lookout on our social media channels for that.
Of course, we’d rather share all of this with our guests and friends of Combermere, so we are excited that it won’t be too long now before we can open our doors to you once more, confident that our self-catering cottages are ideal for a well-earned restorative break. We are currently working with local chefs to bring you the offer of pre-ordered meals if you’re staying at the North Wing or the cottages. Local restaurant Docket no.33 is offering a ‘Dockett No.33 At Home’ menu.
We believe we are perfectly positioned to accommodate families in separate cottages, so that you can enjoy a holiday with your loved ones, all whilst adhering to the government guidelines. Now that you are able to meet with 6 or more people outside of your home, Combermere Abbey is the perfect place to enjoy woodland bike rides, garden walks and wild swimming with your wider family or friends – all the while still remaining safe and compliant. You can also bring your family dog along too.
To find out more, and to enquire about our no-risk booking policy, please get in touch with the team. We are now OPEN for bookings from July onwards, permitting we get the green light from the Government to go ahead.
You can find short behind-the-scenes videos at Combermere by going to our Instagram and clicking through our ‘grounds’ highlight.
Keep up with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.
With thanks for the photographs: Let’s Get It Shot & Amy B Photography.
World Environment Day was celebrated across the globe on 5th June, and both businesses and consumers have never been more tuned in to the effects we have on the planet – and the importance of protecting it. As we strive to reduce food waste, increase recycling and lower emissions – is it time to start applying our environment-saving tactics to our holidays and book eco-friendly breaks away?
At Combermere Abbey, we are constantly striving to improve our sustainability – which is why we manage our land organically, look after our woods sustainably and annually replant and plant new trees throughout the parklands and woods. This means looking long-term and ensuring the health of the trees. Many species are under threat today and estates like ours create important nurseries for the future. Combermere was the first estate to install a solar park and the energy powers up to 3,000 homes via its connection to the grid.
Although consumers may try their hardest to use eco-friendly products and boycotted single-use plastics, studies have shown that one of the biggest ways we can reduce our impact on the planet is to decrease our use of aeroplanes. Air travel is one of our planet’s biggest polluters – with aviation expected to contribute as much as 16% of the planet’s carbon emissions by 2050 if our current trend for overseas holidays continue. As much, a growing community of eco-conscious travellers are adopting a no-fly policy and holidaying closer to home.
And what’s not to love? Whether you’re looking for relaxation and tranquillity, indulgence and luxury or activity-filled adventures, there’s no need to spend hours waiting in airport security queues, cramped in aeroplane seats and suffering through jetlag for your dream holiday! UK holidays offer something for everyone – and you can even treat yourself to a longer holiday if you skip the price of flying. Here at Combermere, you can experience everything from adrenaline-pumping wild swimming, horse riding and hot air balloon rides to relaxing in-house spa treatments and luxury gastronomy, all whilst saving both the environment and your bottom line.
Finally, we pride ourselves on providing our guests with home-grown and local produce. From the food hampers in our cottages to the home-cooked breakfast in the North Wing B&B – all of our food either comes from our own gardens and orchards, or from small, independent producers from the local area. Not only does this ensure that guests are only treated to the freshest products, but sourcing our food locally means that we have a lowered environmental impact as it hasn’t had to travel across the country or overseas.
So for those looking to reduce their impact on the planet without compromising the luxury and enjoyment of their travels – why not book your next holiday here?
Set in the idyllic countryside inside the Combermere gates, the North Wing Bed and Breakfast offers the perfect mid-travel stay for those embarking upon a long driving journey this summer. As UK ‘staycations’ grow ever popular, why not make the travelling just as much a part of your holiday as the final destination with a luxury stopover?
We all know the dangers of tired driving, and the prospect of a long drive to get to your British holiday can seem arduous – so why not break it up with something to look forward to and split the travelling into two shorter, safer and less daunting drives?
Located in the heart of rural England’s midlands, we’re ideally located as a convenient stopover break for holiday makers travelling to the country’s top holiday locations. Whether you’re looking to take a seaside break in classic Cornwall, explore the rugged Scottish Highlands or discover the hidden gems of North Wales, the North Wing offers the perfect place to take a break from the long drive and relax in true luxury for a night.
After spending time on our British motorways, the drive through the Combermere gates and grounds to the magnificent North Wing will be a much-welcomed break! Sweeping countryside reveals rolling parklands, ancient woodlands and tranquil lakes before arriving at the doors of the historic Abbey. And after hours stuck in the car, what better way to relax the body and mind than a gentle stroll to stretch the legs and clear your head through the acres of private estate, all yours to explore?
What’s more, we all know that long drives through the UK offer little palatable options when it comes to dining! If you book a mid-travel stay at the North Wing, you won’t be restricted to the junk food offerings of roadside service stations, but instead can indulge in nutritious dinner at one of our top-quality many neighbouring establishments – from classic country gastropubs to fine-dining restaurants, there’s something to suit everyone. And to set you up on the morning of the final portion of your drive: a fresh, home-cooked breakfast made with locally sourced products, what could be better?
So, instead of dreading the long drive to your UK holiday this year, break up a long drive and make it something to look forward with a luxury overnight stay to kick off your vacation. Are you ready to book your luxury B&B stay at the North Wing – book soon and you’ll get 10% off your stay!
The buzz of Christmas has quietened down and now we’re embarking on 2019. January is always the month where resolutions are made, with many pledging to lead a healthier lifestyle. If you need a break after the busy Christmas period, you’re guaranteed to have nothing but a relaxing, stress-free stay here at Combermere Abbey. A great way to focus on your personal goals and re-calibrate your habits!
Our ten well designed and comfortable cottages vary in guest capacity, with our largest one sleeping 10 guests and smallest sleeping 4 or our luxurious North Wing bed and breakfast, ideal for romantic short stays or breaks away for two. Whether you stay in the Salamanca or Bhurtpore room, our wonderful House Manager, Stephan, will cook you a delicious homemade breakfast to help you kick off your days at Combermere the right way and help organise your day’s itinerary as well. Don’t forget too that all stays at Combermere are VAT free until March!
Combermere Abbey is a hidden gem on the Shropshire/Cheshire borders. With almost 1000 acres of gardens, parkland and woodland to explore, there are also many walking options within just 1 hours’ drive away. There is truly nothing more satisfying than going back to the roots of nature (pun intended!) to ground yourself and relax. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get active and healthy, and with our stunning grounds at your feet you can create your own adventure walk whilst racking up those steps on your health app. The health benefits of walking know no bounds, with increased circulation, stress reduction, bone strength and boosts the immune system.
A walk through the Garden wood, next to your cottage, will lead you down to the water’s edge of the magnificent Mere and a chance to see a wonderful display of water birds. Did you know that at Combermere Abbey you can go wild swimming in the lake as part of your unique experience in the Cheshire countryside? Wild swimming comes with numerous health benefits, not only does it stimulate the immune system by increasing white blood cell count, but it also helps the release of endorphins and cleanses the skin. After the indulgence of Christmas and New Year, it’ll have you feeling energised and healthy. The lake is also a must-see for a breathtaking sunset to end your day, a perfect opportunity to get back in touch with nature before you return to a fire and glass of wine on your retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
If you’re visiting with a larger group of family or friends, you can book one of our recommended local caterers to make you a delicious, dinner with local ingredients. Alternatively, to save the hassle of food shopping during your stay, pre-order a supermarket shop delivered to your cottage ahead of your arrival and we will unpack everything for you.
If you’d like to venture outside of the estate for your evening meal, discover our top pub picks in the area on a previous blog, which includes Combermere Arms and Cholmondeley Arms. On the menu at Combermere Arms, there’s a classic chicken caesar salad and a crispy beef salad or for something a little heartier, the Moroccan vegetable and chickpea pie. At the Cholmondeley Arms, known for its selection of over 300 gins! enjoy a fillet of plaice stuffed with Devon crab served with roasted squash cassoulet or the sweet potato, red lentil and turnip chilli. However, we won’t tell anyone if you opt for the fish and chips!
So don’t delay, book your detox stay at Combermere Abbey and enjoy a 20% reduction until the end of March. You can contact our wonderful team on 01948 660 345 or check availability on our website.
After spending months planning your wedding day, you want to treasure it long into your marriage. So, what can you do to preserve those precious memories?
As you begin to put down roots as newlyweds and your marriage blossoms and grows, your very own tree will do the same here in the grounds of Combermere Abbey. That’s because we plant a tree for every couple who get married here.
It’s a lovely idea for couples to return to Combermere Abbey to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Thanks to the estate’s charming accommodation, you can! Book one of our luxurious Courtyard Cottages or the historic Stone Lodge and enjoy walks through the woodland where your tree grows.
Because each of the Courtyard Cottages has an individual style, each wedding anniversary you spend at Combermere will be unique.
Another sentimental way to celebrate your wedding anniversary is to look through the photos. Dig out your wedding album, pop open a bottle of Prosecco and cosy up as you relive your Combermere Abbey wedding, one photo at a time.
From your morning preparations in the elegant Stone Lodge, to the excitement of your ceremony in the Edwardian Glasshouse and one-of-a-kind fruit tree maze, Combermere Abbey’s romantic and iconic spaces ensure your wedding is a day you’ll never forget.
There’s also the idyllic mere, rustic ancient woodland and, of course, the breath-taking Victorian gardens. Picturesque backdrops for the biggest day of your lives.
Each time you return and see the same roses blossoming, the fruit ripening on the vines or the wintry branches glittering with frost, your most precious memories will come flooding back.
Your wedding at Combermere Abbey is much more than one day. It’s the start of the rest of your lives together. And the tree planted especially for you will mark it for centuries to come.
If you’re planning your wedding, find out more about this magical Cheshire wedding venue here.
Booked your big day? Browse our luxurious accommodation and plan your perfect first wedding anniversary here at Combermere Abbey.
Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey, has contributed a chapter to the recently published Rizzoli coffee table must-have, ‘The Country House: Past, Present, Future.’ Written by celebrated art historians David Cannadine and Jeremy Musson, it is full of wonderful, inspiring photographs and essays about Britain’s heritage, its contribution and relevance to today. Sarah’s chapter entitled: An Inheritance Restored: A Private Owner’s Experience tells the story of the 20 yearlong restoration of the Abbey and everything that it entailed.
We caught up with Sarah to find out more on the process of the restoration and who was involved…
A huge sense of satisfaction and pride, the project was one of the most complex and demanding that many of those working with us had been involved with, and the teamwork and commitment to completing it was a testament to their different skills and passions.
I have known Nina for many years and admire her skills at combining a deep understanding and appreciation for architecture and buildings with creating stylish, elegant and comfortable interiors. She has a great sense of humour and is slightly irreverent, refreshingly so which makes it all the more fun! The vision behind the decoration of Crossley Cottage in 1994 was to use her Asticou collection (based on a famous US garden) to celebrate the three generations of Crossley women who loved gardens. My great-grandmother Josephine Crossley; my step great-grandmother Joyce Crossley and my grandmother Clare Crossley. In the case of the North Wing, it was a different approach – to appreciate the strong gothic architectural elements of the building but introducing a contemporary colour palette and fabrics to create a warm, inviting, elegant and dynamic interior. The bridal suite colours of silver and light blue are romantic and take advantage of the north facing windows; the sitting room celebrates the wonderful lake views and the sunlight through the large windows – here she has brought the garden inside.
I am incredibly proud of the team that we drew together – they were all amazingly talented people, passionate about doing something they loved and excited about being involved in a very hands-on project. I am very proud of my husband’s project management skills and without him there on site it would be difficult to see how we could have come in on budget (and more or less on time)! It is wonderful to see the Abbey whole again and standing proud in the landscape with a purpose and giving our visitors and guests a truly amazing experience.
Yes, in particular we came across a pair of shoes between two floors and after some research discovered that shoes were hidden like that to recognise a birth, and represented fecundity ensuring more healthy children. Also, we found a perfect bottle with a glass seal with the initials RSC on it – I believe they were beer bottles. There is not a flaw in it. Also, we found lots of early cigarette packets and early newspaper sheets!
No, I have not personally, but some people see ghosts, some feel them, and some hear them. However, my great grandfather Kenneth said he saw a monk coming down some ‘stairs’ in his study and disappearing through the floor. A complete mystery until a couple of years ago I met one of the Combermere family who said that the original crypt was under that spot! The most famous ghost picture is one taken by Sybil Corbett, Lord Combermere’s sister in the Library on the day he was buried. And when it was developed, he was sitting in his chair in the library.
In a house like this there are always things that could be improved and worked on. There is one range of buildings still to restore but also existing buildings which need upgrades to make them fit for purpose to use…so it is always a tussle as to who wins! However, there are still parts of the gardens and woodland which need attention in the next few years so that is where I will turn my attention to next.
Look out on our social media channels in the spring for the announcement of the Abbey tours. Alternatively, why not book a stay and Combermere Abbey to fully immerse yourself in this history country estate!
Question: is a visit to the countryside ever complete without stopping off at the local pub? Answer: of course not! Country pubs are at the heart of rural life, and here at Combermere Abbey, we’re incredibly lucky to have a whole host of different pubs on our doorstep. So whether you’re looking for a cosy drink by the fireside or a hearty meal after a day’s walking, we’ve rounded up our top three of our favourite locals that we think you’ll enjoy just as much as us.
Well, it’s in the name, isn’t it. The Combermere Arms is our closest pub, just over a mile away from the Abbey. What could be better than a refreshingly long walk in the warm summer sun to really work up an appetite, before settling down for one of life’s most pleasant dilemmas – choosing what to eat!
The range of cuisines and dishes on offer at the Combermere Arms makes it ideal for families (even more ideal if families have taken advantage of our Summer Family Holiday package, but of course you could also let the kids have a holiday with the grandparents and book a romantic retreat for two in the North Wing!). Whether it’s a classic honey roast ham with egg and chips, deep-fried Cornish Brie or a refreshing salad, there’s something for everyone. And don’t leave without trying their hot waffle with glazed bananas and honeycomb ice cream – no matter how full you might be, trust us on this one!
The Cholmondeley Arms in Wrenbury is a pub for those who love a bit of history, but don’t want to leave their four-legged friend at home! Just eight miles away from Combermere, The Cholmondeley Arms sits inside a former Victorian village schoolhouse on Lord Cholmondeley’s estate and welcomes well-behaved dogs in all areas of the pub.
The Cholmondeley Arms is also famous for offering a staggering 366 different gins – enough to try a different one every day of the year! A wide selection of local ales brewed within a 30-mile radius of the pub are also offered, as well as a delicious range of malts and ports. This country pub values tradition and loves its hounds! If you’ve booked to stay in one of our dog-friendly self-catering cottages, take a trip to The Cholmondeley Arms after a nice long walk – you deserve it.
A hotspot for serious beer lovers, the Bhurtpore Inn has won CAMRA’s title of ‘South Cheshire Pub of the Year’ for two years running and has been featured in the Good Beer Guide each and every year since it opened its doors in 1992. Offering a range of hoppy tipples including trendy American and British craft beers, real ales, Belgian and German selections as well as 11 hand-pumped beers – you’re certain to leave the Bhurtpore with a new favourite!
A mere seven-minute drive from Combermere, the Bhurtpore also offers a range of non-alcoholic beers for designated drivers. But if everyone in your party fancies a drink, don’t worry – simply speak to our team who will be more than happy to arrange a taxi for you. Ideal for a group of friends looking to unwind with a weekend away in the country, the Bhurtpore is the pub to kick back and get the rounds in whilst you all have a proper catch up. Our cottages are perfect are ideal for large groups – you can sleep up to ten people in the Crossley cottage; and if you’re even more popular than that you can simply book more than one!
Known for its idyllic setting and romantic atmosphere, The Dusty Miller is a traditional country pub situated by the banks of the Llangollen Canal in the quiet village of Wrenbury, rural Cheshire. Originally a Corn Mill, The Dusty Miller was converted in the mid 1970’s, whilst still retaining a lot of the original features. The large arched windows provide a perfectly peaceful setting to watch the boats pass by.
As well as offering a superb menu of Great British dishes with a twist, the pub’s coveted canal-side location also marks it the ideal spot for an after-dinner stroll. For those enjoying a romantic getaway at our North Wing, The Dusty Miller is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a candlelit date for two by the water.
If you’re looking for an excuse to check out our amazing local pubs, why not book a short break with us.
Join us at Combermere Abbey for our first look event!
