Cowley Manor Experimental
Bold, design-forward country house hotel with a French-chic spin. Whimsical Alice in Wonderland details — hidden doors, checkerboard tiles, rabbit motifs — sit alongside four-poster beds and grand wood-panelled ceilings. It's deliberately not stuffy.
The Treehouse rooms in the Stable Block span three levels including a mezzanine — a totally different (and very cool) feel from the main house rooms
Why It Matters
The Experimental Group's first UK country property outside London. A former royal residence reborn with Dorothée Meilichzon's bold interiors, a Michelin-listed restaurant helmed by Jackson Boxer, and a spa that punches well above its weight in the Cotswolds market.
A 300-year-old Grade II listed Italianate manor sitting on 55 acres of Cotswolds countryside, taken over by the Paris-born Experimental Group in 2023. The exterior is classic English grandeur — stone, lakes, Victorian cascades, centuries-old trees — but step inside and French interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon has gone full rabbit hole: bold lacquer, checkerboard floors, hidden doors, and enough Lewis Carroll references to make the whole place feel like a very stylish fever dream. The C-Side Spa, with its 15m outdoor pool and 17m slate-lined indoor pool, is a destination in its own right.
Where You'll Stay
12 room types available
Alpaca's Room
The family flagship at 49 sqm, with its own front door for added privacy. A four-poster bed sits at the heart, and the sofa magically converts into a bunk bed for younger guests. Double-height ceilings open up to a mezzanine bathroom. Dog-friendly too. Courtyard views from the Stable Block.
King or Twin · 49 sqm
Churn's River Junior Suite
50 sqm of warm maples, muted tones and intricate patterns. A soaking tub at the centre of the room. The double sofa bed makes it a strong family option too. Available in the main house or Stable Block, with views towards the Stable Block or courtyard.
King · 50 sqmCowley Manor Suite
The flagship room and one of the largest suites in the Cotswolds at 60 sqm, set on the original first floor of the manor. Four-poster bed, lush maple and upholstered furniture, a shower built for two, and a sizable freestanding bathtub with garden views. The wraparound balcony — big enough to dine on — looks south over the Grade II listed gardens. The description 'a wonderland of sorts' is accurate.
King · 60 sqmGrand Cowley Manor Suite
The true showpiece at 67 sqm — two bedrooms (king and twin), an open-plan living room, bathtub, and a terrace overlooking the gardens. Whimsical touches woven through warm maples and intricate patterns. Can connect to the Waterlily with Terrace room for families or groups needing even more space.
King and Twin · 67 sqmPetite Cowley
The cosiest entry point in the main house. 30 sqm feels intimate rather than cramped — rich maple panelling, checkerboard touches, a deep soaking tub and a rainforest shower. Views look out toward the Stable Block or Spa. Good for two who want the main house experience without paying suite prices.
Double · 30 sqmSt Mary Suite
A 39 sqm suite in the main house with a private terrace overlooking the lake — ideal for two. King bed, warm maple tones, bold accents. The terrace is the star: lake views, summer sunshine, and room for an evening cocktail under the stars. One of the more romantic configurations on the property.
King · 39 sqmSwan Lake Suite
51 sqm in the main house with a south-facing terrace — catch the last of the sun here, from morning coffee to evening champagne. Lake and garden views, bold colour splashes alongside warm maple. A proper suite for two who want space and position without going all the way to the Cowley Manor Suite price point.
King · 51 sqmTreehouse
One of the most distinctive rooms in the hotel — 42 sqm set across three levels with a mezzanine in the Stable Block. Bold colours, maple touches, and a spacious bath. The multi-level layout makes it feel more like a private retreat than a hotel room. Courtyard views.
King · 42 sqmWater Lily
38 sqm in the main house with lake and garden views — the views are the selling point here. Plush bed, soaking tub, checkerboard and bold colour accents alongside warm maple tones. A romantic room for two, positioned to make the most of the estate's prettiest outlook.
Double · 38 sqmWaterlily with Terrace
35 sqm in the extension with a private terrace or balcony overlooking the gardens. Wood-panelled walls, warm maple, bold colours and a generous bathroom with double sink and soaking tub. A step up from the standard Wildflower thanks to the outdoor space and garden-facing position.
King · 35 sqmWildflower
40 sqm spread across either the Main House or Stable Blocks. A dolly-mixture colour palette — bold tones against warm maple and checkerboard accents. Comfortable king bed, lounge space, and a generous bathroom. Front or back yard views depending on which building you're in.
King · 40 sqmWildflower with Terrace
The same 40 sqm footprint as the Wildflower but with the added bonus of a private balcony or terrace. Located in the Stable Block, a short walk from the main house. Bathrooms have either a walk-in shower or a large soaking tub. Dog-friendly — one of the best options if you're bringing a pet.
King or Twin · 40 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Free bicycle rental available for exploring the surrounding Cotswolds countryside and nearby villages.
55 acres of Grade II listed gardens with Victorian cascades, natural springs, lakes, an eclectic collection of rare trees (ginkgo biloba, Atlas Blue cedar, grand Sequoias, cypresses), and sculptures dotted throughout. Accessible any time.
Fishing on the estate grounds, arranged by the hotel team.
A regular programme of classes including Pilates, Core Flow, Aqua Fit, Walking Club, Tree Bathing, and Outdoor Bootcamp. Classes move outdoors as soon as weather allows. £8 per session for spa members and hotel residents, £12 otherwise.
A fully equipped gym within the C-Side Spa building. Running kit recommended for scenic cross-country jogs on the estate.
Classic films screened outdoors during warm summer evenings on the estate grounds.
Seasonal pool party events with DJ music by Joe Tovell. VIP tickets at £35 (includes sun lounger, pool towel and welcome drink); standard £15 (entry and pool towel). Over-18s only. 7pm–11pm.
A 17m slate-lined indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling glass walls framing the surrounding woodland. Open year-round. Kids' swim times are 8–11am and 3:30–5pm; otherwise adults only.
A spectacular 15m heated outdoor pool open year-round, flanked by sunloungers with seasonal waiter service and a summer pool bar. One of the nicest outdoor pools in the Cotswolds.
The manor can host weddings, milestone birthdays, and corporate team building. Smaller celebrations in the manor rooms or full private hire of the property for larger festivities.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Continental breakfast included with most room rates.
Babysitting services available on request for families with young children.
Selected rooms in the Stable Block (Wildflower with Terrace, Alpaca's Room) are dog-friendly. Charges may apply.
Practical amenity for walkers and guests arriving from outdoor activities.
The Cowley Manor Boutique sells fashion, lifestyle, and wellness items celebrating local craftsmanship and the Experimental Group's aesthetic.
BUILD YOUR COWLEY MANOR EXPERIMENTAL PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning