And Breathe! A beautiful designer hotel and oasis in the heart of Amsterdam

At The Idealist we love to take a peek inside designer hotels and steal some ideas for our own homes. Michaelis Boyd, whose residential designs we’ve also featured have brought their beautiful aesthetic to this amazing space.

Nestled amongst the foliage of a living wall at the hotel’s entrance are the words “and breathe” in playful neon pink letters. This epitomises the spirit of the new the Kimpton De Witt Hotel in Amsterdam by Michealis Boyd, a design-led architectural practice known for their simple, elegant and creative approach to architecture.

Founded in 1995 by Alex Michaelis and Tim Boyd in Notting Hill, London, their work has ranged from contemporary additions on historic houses to new build residential projects whilst gaining a strong sector of the luxury residential market. Together with Ave Bradley, global senior vice president and design and creative director of Kimpton Hotels, inspiration came from the playful design approach of Kimpton, contemporary architectural principles and a nod to traditional Amsterdam.

Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s vibrant streets, the Kimpton De Witt hotel is within walking distance from the Centraal station yet once inside it feels like you are a world away from any city centre. The reconfigured ground floor provides a new entrance and a visual connection to the street with the feel of a retreat once inside.

A link to the natural world

There is a strong botanical link within the hotel evident by the living entrance wall, interior timber wall panelling and flooring and the new garden room situated at the heart of the building. This former lounge has been turned into a new garden room bringing daylight and fresh air into the centre of the hotel acting as a terrace to the House Bar nearby.

Interior accessories also reflect the natural world through deer elk and bee door knockers on the bedroom doors and bird pendant lights, all with a hint of the trademark Kimpton playfulness.

Making an Entrance

The reception area has striking graphic blue and white floor tiles inspired by the traditional Dutch delft tile and designed by Michealis Boyd. A ceramic tiled fireplace takes centre stage behind reception, a focal point of the banquette seating surrounding it complete with blankets and cushions creating a perfect place for reading and relaxing.

Living Room and Courtyard

The living room can be found next to the House Bar complete with an external courtyard featuring cascading plants, festoon lights and swing chairs enclosed within full height steel framed glazing. In the summer the courtyard can be opened allowing the light and fresh air to permeate through.

“For this project, we feel that we have transformed a quite dreary existing building into something fresh and vibrant.  A key architectural element is the new courtyard that brings fresh air and daylight into the heart of the hotel – it’s a wonderful space to sit and enjoy on a sunny day.” Alex Michaelis on design of Kimpton De Witt Hotel, Amsterdam.

House Bar

Located within the historical Queen of Holland building, the House Bar has been painted a dark glossy teal colour and the space features original beams and timer wall panelling creating a dramatic and intimate space. Michaelis Boyd designed a bird motif wallpaper to run between the ceiling beams playing homage to the traditional painted murals that date back to the Dutch Renaissance era.

Guest Rooms

Smooth oak floors and colour blocked walls run throughout each of the 274 guest rooms, which are furnished with marble topped bedside tables, luxurious velvet fabrics and custom designed brass hanging rails. The bathrooms all feature bold and bright geometric floor and wall tiles.

Location

Kimpton de Witt Hotel Amsterdam, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 5, 1012 RC Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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All photos courtesy of Kimpton de Witt Hotel.

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from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/kimpton-de-witt-hotel-amsterdam/

ATownhouse Study Room Tour

Perhaps the I may be guilty of slightly romanticising the sentiment, but there’s a rather curious parallel that can be drawn between the study and the times. In times past, the study was an erudite nerve centre of the home, a transition point between the home and the outside world- and certainly, in much the same way both time and society moved on, the study too, grew into a freer space, just as much a backdrop to artistic pursuits as it was to commerce or old-world diplomacy.

Though the study has undeniably evolved by way of its function, the vernacular by which the physical space is defined has remained somewhat unchanged and is often insufferably ‘officey’. At some point, it simply failed to keep pace with our broadening thought and sense of modernity. The industrious desk, the office chair, the uniform bookshelves and the tabletop work lamp have all endured as constants, drab and immutable markers of the space. This has given rise to a tired convention which has arguably made the concept of the study somewhat stale; we simple know what to expect, and by that token, are frequently left a touch uninspired by the studies we encounter.

Nestled amidst the streets of London’s Tufnell Park is a study belonging to a modernist townhouse that breaks the mould. The work of Kia Designs, this study is a bespoke composition, a highly functional environment that boasts inventive uses of space that not only gives it a look that is wholly unique, but also fashions it as a space with the capacity to adapt, changing to the needs and requirements of its owners. We take a tour of this striking and original space, paying close attention to Kia Designs’ use of form, texture and tones in achieving a quintessentially modern study space.

Higher Planes

When first encountering the study, it is difficult not to be impressed by sense of architectural and geometrical drama that Kia Designs incorporates into the room. Its space is split over two levels: the first being the floor level through which the room is accessed, and the latter being an elevated platform clad with bespoke cushions so as to create a peaceful and meditative environment.

Certainly, the study’s bold lines evidences Kia Designs’ forward-looking vision for the space whilst also noting a very conscious break from the tired narrative of the conventional study. The room’s two zones provide options to the way the space is experienced. The ground floor level plays to tradition, featuring a large, pull-away desk that is incorporated into the frame of the platform. Shelving units that are similarly embedded into the side of the platform’s frame ensure that stationery and books are all within arm’s reach, maximising productivity and workflow.

In contrast, the room’s elevated platform is a freer space, maintaining both an air of tranquillity and an inherently serene atmospheric arc which binds the home together. Adorned with bespoke cushions and unencumbered by furniture, Kia Designs fashion the platform section as a distinctly creative space and expressionistic space ideal for yoga stretches, meditation or music making.

Additionally, Kia Designs formed the platform level with so that it had a trick up its sleeve. As with most modern city homes, the study is a multifunctional space- and one capable of evolving with the needs of the owners that frequent it on a daily basis. The cavity below the floor platform conceals a bed, which can be brought to the surface level and repacked with tremendous ease. Similarly, the space in the room’s lower decks is also a fantastic storage solution, allowing for easy and practical concealment of bulky items, such as suitcases, that can be retrieved without breaking a sweat.

Mastering Lightness

Kia Designs’ masterful use of natural light was integral in injecting a lightness and expansive quality to the room. This was achieved through optimising the use of large feature windows, running almost the entire surface area of the wall that adjoins the elevated platform. Consequently, every section of the study is gorgeously illuminated. This emphasis on lightness is also carried in the room’s foundational textural and tonal palettes. The ceilings are finished in a delicate, creamy off-white which serves as a gorgeous counterpoint to the textured wallcoverings and herringbone parquet that adorn the walls and floors of the study. Here, the richness and complexity of the grain patterns adds a depth to the room, whilst also adding to the natural feel vital to space’s meditative focus.

This sense of lightness is also reflected in a philosophical vein through the Scandinavian-tinged, modern-minimalist style that marries the study’s various pieces of furniture. With a focus on simple forms and clean, elegant lines, Kia Designs’ discarding of weighty and superfluous frills allows for the space to breathe, adding to the desired airy quality. Similarly, the style perfectly accommodates the tonal accents that Kia Designs etch throughout the room. Resplendent pastel oranges and lime greens inject a punkish and youthful energy to the space, working with the study’s light, airy elements to concoct an invigorating and vitalising ambience.

A Style Collage

A true testament to the robustness of the study’s textural and tonal palettes is the ease with which it accommodates a myriad of different styles of furniture and decorative pieces. The space marries youthful and gorgeously electric midcentury touches, such as the Eames rocking chair with the rusticity and historical complexity of oriental-inspired pieces, such as the antiqued figurines and glassware that adorn the shelves. These elements never feel forced or congest the room, on the contrary serving as components that are organic and wholly natural to the space’s unique narrative. These historically and culturally separate styles are brought together by Kia Designs with astounding grace and finesse.

If by studying the study, per se, we can simply hold onto one take-home sentiment, it would simply be confidence. The study breaks from the tired vernacular of conventional design, on the contrary, brandishing its own bold cartographies and architectural play so that it a wholly functional and bespoke creation, built for the owner. This energy and sense of bravado is also carried in the way the space is composed. The study coolly brings together modern minimalist and Scandinavian architectural elements, itself crowned with mid-century and oriental ornamentation. This undeniably gives the study its own spirit and charm, a space that is built to inspire create output and facilitate mediation without compromise- in that sense, a study in the truest sense of the word.

Here are design elements inspired by Kia Designs’ work to capture this look for your own home:

• Rocking Chairs: Eames
• Handles: Buster & Punch
• Platform bed, fabrics, wardrobes and other structural items are all bespoke
• Decorative items are from the owners’ travels.

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All photos courtesy of Kia Designs.

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from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/n7-townhouse-study-room-tour/

Get the Look: Cosy country cottage ideas

As the winter coats come out and the nights draw in, you can almost hear the ticking of clocks slowly moving backwards – Autumn is in full swing. And with this is a longing for red wine, a cosy fire to curl up to and, dare I say, thoughts of Christmas already?

Cosy Country Cottage

A country cottage interior provides the ultimate cosy environment as the temperature drops and going through the transition is far easier to create than you may first anticipate. Take a look at our top tips on creating the perfect cosy country cottage in your own home.

 

Texture

In a cosy interior, texture is so important. If you imagine smooth finishes create a sleek and sometimes stark look, then rougher natural textures work in the opposite way to create a more intimate and comfortable atmosphere. You can think of texture in a few ways: architectural – wooden beams, stone walls; furniture – reclaimed woods, and weathered finishes; textiles – sheepskin rugs and woolen throws.

Without the luxury of being able to change your architectural features, it’s important to  focus on furniture and textiles to create a warm and snug home. This means using natural materials when it comes to furniture like timbers and reclaimed woods with a characterful grain. If you have a leather sofa try pairing this with a knitted throw and some patterned cushions – playing with texture is fun and provides much needed warmth in your home.

Soft Light

Lighting is so crucial in any interior scheme, but particularly when creating a room with a cosy character. A real fire creates an ambience that’s unrivalled and firelight emits the perfect subtle glow and heat as cooler evenings creep in.

Last years Hygge sensation shone a spotlight on the importance of cosiness in the home, and one of the best tricks to employ was the everyday use of candlelight, with the Danes burning more candles per head that any other country in Europe. Candles offers a gorgeous muted flickering light and without a fireplace in your room it’s the perfect substitute – creating the ultimate soothing and pleasurable atmosphere. It’s also a great idea to use table and floor lamps rather than harsh overhead lighting, again this creates a calming atmosphere that’s ideal for winding down after a long day.

Layer it up

Throws, rugs and pillows – layering is the key for a cosy country cottage feel. Again using different textures adds warmth to a room so mix and match your weaves, patterns and materials for a look that’s eclectic yet pulled together. In terms of rugs, try something like a thick pile persian rug or a sheepskin for luxury underfoot or if you prefer something more contemporary, a berber rug is a great option. Also, a great tip is to layer two rugs over each other to add depth.

Gorgeous knits are the perfect accompaniment for an armchair in a reading nook, imagine the scene, curled up in your favourite chair, wrapped in a beautiful blanket with a good book and a cup of tea – sheer bliss. When choosing textiles, go for thicker basketweave knits for a more textured look. If you prefer something a little less bold, a tight-knit alpaca wool throw is a simple alternative.

Knits

Cushions not only add personality and colour to a space but are warm and inviting, providing added support too. They provide the perfect opportunity to try out lots of different colours and patterns in your home without overwhelming the space.

Furniture

As always, furniture is so important as it provides the foundations for your interior scheme and in a country living room, it’s important to choose the right sofa as the base for your layers and textures. The Findon 3 seater sofa from the John Lewis Croft collection is a great choice, with loads of fabric options and two leg finishes you can design the perfect sofa for your home.

Pair this with a beautiful ottoman like the Astor from Swoon Editions. It works as a coffee table, extra seating storage and importantly as a foot rest after a long day. The gorgeous oatmeal linen features diamond tufting that’s been upholstered by hand and a hand-carved solid wood frame that makes this a beautiful addition to your home and perfect for a cosy country cottage interior.

Experiment with Colour

A cosy country cottage scheme provides a great opportunity to experiment with bolder shades over traditional neutrals – it’s a good idea to stick with autumnal colours that aren’t oppressive, think deep russet reds and terracottas (yes, terracotta is back). Darker shades cocoon you and add depth to your space, resulting in a pleasant and homely abode. If you’re uncertain about painting a whole wall, then stick with accessories and textiles in these colours, paired against a neutral backdrop.

Again, if you prefer a neutral scheme, then duck egg blue accessories and upholstery works beautifully in a country interior. These cooler colours compliment natural shades creating a cohesive look that’s still cosy and inviting.

Mixed Patterns

A cosy country cottage is the perfect space to mix up your patterns. Tartans, checks, florals, it’s a great idea to stick to the same colour palette, but aside from this, throwaway the rulebook and mix and match your patterns.

It’s surprisingly simple to create a warm and inviting country cottage interior that’s ideal for the winter months ahead. Remember to focus on lighting, textures and patterns to create a timeless look and beautiful environment to relax in that you can call home.

You May Also Like

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All photos courtesy of respective brands.

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from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/get-look-cosy-country-cottage-ideas/

Modern Heroes: One Nine Eight Five

Modern Heroes: Corinne Webb of Frame and Cover

Compact Living: Maximising Space & Style in Your Home.

As the saying goes, modernity has made the world smaller – and– by the same token, has seemed to have done the much the same to urban homes.

With countless numbers flocking to the major cities by the year, space has become as much a premium as it has ever been – and it’s just as well, because recently, there has been something of a culture that has formed around getting the most out of that valuable square-footage.

Buzzwords like ‘flexible living’, ‘adaptive design’ and ‘multi-functional’ keep the beat for modern metropolitan living, inspiring new and ever-innovative solutions to negotiating tighter living areas. This said, the smallest touches can make the biggest difference, so it’s vital that we think outside the drab, uninspired plastic storage box.

Certainly, compromising spaces doesn’t equate with compromising your home’s personality and character. We’ve picked out a few pieces that we’ve slightly fallen in love with, pairing them with ideas and concepts really get the most out of compact living spaces.

Take to the walls

Working on the same logic that has built some of the world’s greatest super cities, when the all space is spent – look upwards. Shelves are a great choice for organising your home while saving on that much desired floor space.

The Darren wall shelf unit from Maisons Du Monde is something we’re all a little infatuated with. The quirky piece draws its inspiration from the fire escapes typically found on high rise buildings of New York.

The piece’s charm lies in the meticulousness of its recreation, capturing the look of the iconic staircases down to the smallest detail. This makes the piece multifunctional, as wall decoration in addition to a storage option.

All metal and finished in a silhouette-like, jet black, the Darren shelf would look fantastic set against any lightly coloured wall. £91.99.

The Madison metal wall shelf, also from Maisons Du Monde, is another fantastic option for maximising a compact living space through use of walls.

Packing an industrial charm with its wooden shelf and black metal structure, the Madison shelf is equally at home supporting your kitchen crockery or hallway accessories.

Its hooks make it tremendously versatile while also adorning the design to further evoke the factories of bygone eras. £103.50.

Jack of all trades

One piece, multiple functions. It’s a formula that guarantees an efficient and functional living space. The following pieces pack bags of style and are a sure fire way to score the home run for a stylishly compact living space.

The Laoenan trunk from Maisons Du Monde packs a certain, golden age Hollywood nostalgia. Its entirely metal construction, which is finished in a jet black and decoratively serial numbered, gives the piece the look of the utility boxes from the film sets of yesteryear.

The trunk’s charm is that it serves the purpose of a trunk, while also being equally at home when being used as an occasional table. £161.00.

Habitat’s Bobbly floor lamp is a spunky and youthful reimagining of the classic floor lamp, and is a great choice for compact living spaces. Its double-jointed, slim stem means that the light can be contorted and reshaped for a variety of uses from reading to creating ambient settings.

Finished in a powder-coated metal, this lamp is robust and effortlessly cool. £65.00.

Out of sight, out of mind

Few things open up a space more than decluttering it. In that sense, intelligent space management and storage choices can do wonders in opening up your home and giving the illusion of a space as being larger than it actually is, while also ensuring your living space is as functional as it can be.

The Newport three panel folding screen from Maisons Du Monde is a great choice for sectioning off different areas in an open-planned living space.

Crafted in the colonial style typical of heritage homes of the American east coast, the divider is an elegant appointment to any home. Its neutral trans-white finish means it is a comfortable fit both many modern and classically styled homes.

The grain still pops through, and the nitro-cellulose finish means that the Newport screen will age and attain a weathered look in the vein of antique pieces over its life. £239.00.

The Kubrik cupboard makes for a potent pairing with the Newport panel, also finished in an off-white. Italian made, tall and slender, its narrow 35 cm-wide frame makes it a great storage option for compact living spaces as it can unobtrusively be tucked away in any corner of your home. £350.00.

The Daxton five level shoe storage from Habitat is a fantastic space-saving alternative to the conventional shoe rack. Capable of organising ten to fifteen pairs in its five tiers, it declutters and saves appreciable amounts of real estate your hallway.

Finished in a brilliant white, its simple but elegant design means it can work with a variety of home designs. £95.00. A shorter, three tier version is also available for more compact spaces at £70.00.

Modular thinking

Modular furniture is a great option for finding a perfect fit without going the boutique or bespoke routes. Maisons Du Monde’s Terrence Range is a prime example of this.

Made in France, the range exudes an understated classiness with a simple yet elegant silhouette and neutral shades. Constructed form a solid pine frame, and finished in Monet fabric, the range is sturdy and easily shrugs off the wear and tear that comes with a metropolitan-paced life. Its beauty lies in the details.

The legs are formed out of a Wenge-stained beech, the dark tone of which gorgeously foils the shade of the upholstery. Finished in a lush white, taupe, putty-colour, and all light, slate and charcoal shades of grey, the entire range has the capacity to match a variety of interior-styles.

The largest module of the Terence range is the sofa-bed, here shown in Maisons Du Monde’s striking Charcoal Black finish.

Forming a sofa when stowed away, the base can be projected forward to form a comfortable, single bed. £734.00.

The Terence Monet linen chaise is made to the identical colour and material specification as the Terence sofa-bed, and pairs with it to make a striking corner sofa. £524.00.

Combining these with other elements from Maisons Du Monde’s Terence range, such as the armless fabric two-seater (£419.00) or the Terence modular pouffe (£262.50) allows you to own a sofa that is tailor-made for your compact living space.

Maisons Du Monde’s Terence range is thorough, and has pieces with armrests on either the left or right side, so that whatever combination you chose, it fits perfectly with your home.

You might also like: Planning a Small-Space Living Room

There’s no denying that a small space can be difficult to negotiate. Often, a focus of functionality often means that style and artistic aspects are often compromised.

The pieces from Maisons Du Monde and Habitat show that this simply does not have to be the case, championing the idea that pieces can still be functional, maximise space, while still being tremendously easy on the eye.

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from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/compact-living-maximising-space-home/

Idealist City Shopping Guide: Cheltenham

Known to many as the ‘western gateway to the Cotswolds,’ the regency spa town of Cheltenham beams with the old-world charm of its eighteenth century heyday. Certainly, its history as to how as to how it became the famous spa town it is makes for a fascinating little read. In 1716, Henry Skilicorne, Captain and retired ‘master mariner’ discovered the mineral springs and aimed to develop a spa around it. By 1738, he outfitted his spa with a pump, an elaborate well house, and billiard and ballrooms to ensure that his wealthy patrons were entertained during their stay. The town’s iconic, tree-lined promenades were also a notable Skilicorne initiative, conjuring up poetic and inspiring spaces for his rich and well-travelled guests to navigate through. The 1788 visit from King George III, the queen and the royal princess gave Cheltenham the royal seal of approval, firmly establishing the town as one of the fashionable haunts in the health and fashion vernacular of the wealthy.

Certainly, Cheltenham’s spa legacy is by no means a thing of the past- the town’s ever-healing waters can still be sampled at the Pitville Pump Room.  However, Cheltenham is so much more than just this. Names affiliated with the city include the likes of legendary novelist Lewis Carroll and composer Gustav Holtz. Of late, Cheltenham has also become a culture hub, having hosted of literary, dramatic and jazz festivals; certainly, the town’s newfound vitality has not gone unnoticed with the New York Times having remarked on its recent cultural renaissance. What the tour guides forget to mention, however, is that Cheltenham’s fair streets and many lanes are adorned with a treasure trove of boutiques that can do wonders for your home. We inspect the town with a fine toothcomb, and in the process, establish out just why Cheltenham should on your radar for your next city break.

Shopping

Few things can top the charm and unpredictable excitement of an authentic market experience – and Cheltenham Market offers exactly that. Cheltenham Market, at 252 Bath Road, is a mosaic of stalls offering everything from new and vintage furniture (check out House@252 for this in particular), home décor, accessories, jewellery, bric-a-brac, clothes, toys – and almost anything, really. With the roster of stalls changing on a weekly basis, it is impossible to predict what one can find at any given time, which, I suppose, is the beauty of it all. We’re confident you will find that wildcard curiosity or that just special something you will simple fall in love with.

Since opening its doors in 1929, Winnens has always been a distinctly Cheltenham based, family run establishment. Winnens’ larger, Tewkesbury Road showroom, which the company moved into in 2014, displays the breadth of the company’s home and interior inventory, featuring distinguished brands like Amtico, Harlequin, Karndean and Stressless Global. Winnens stock a brilliantly wide range of styles, particularly excelling in contemporary, mid-century and minimalist traditions in addition to their beautiful, classically styled pieces. You’ll be sure to find something to inspire new life into your home here.

Wesley-Barrell has its roots in Witney, Oxfordshire, going as far back as 1895. Today, the company still produces both contemporary and traditionally styled using artisan techniques honed over 120 years of manufacturing. Their hand-upholstered sofas and armchairs honour British design and demonstrate their deep commitment to the highest levels of craftsmanship. Wesley-Barrell produces and stocks furniture for any room in the house, including pieces for dining rooms, bedrooms and living areas. For beautiful furniture that is both conceptualised and brought to life within these shores, Wesley-Barrell’s reputation is certainly amongst the best out there.

Innovative, experienced, proactive. These three terms are the words chosen by Paragon to describe the way they operate. The commercial art gallery, found at Four Rotunda Terrace, Montpellier Street, work closely with both the client and their artists, nurturing and promoting their talent whilst offering a price fair to both parties. The gallery is a tremendously exciting place, with a wide diversity of art composed across a variety of mediums, styles and by artists sourced locally and from across the world. There is always new work on show, meaning that no two trips will be the same. Paragon is a dynamic gallery and one that is driven by a genuine passion to support and foster outstanding art.

For high quality antiques in a beautiful setting, visit The Triton Gallery on Suffolk Parade, which specialises in mirrors and lighting. As well as chandeliers and other breathtaking lighting features, owner Lorenzo Bianco also sells garden furniture and smaller pieces such as vintage crockery in this small but cosy store. And it’s no wonder the pieces are all so unique and well-curated – Lorenzo travels all over Europe to find the treasures himself! Open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 4pm, or by appointment.

For something a bit more modern, check out the Curious City Print Shop, which produces a quirky selection of limited edition prints inspired by the people and places that make up the city of Cheltenham. Bring home a colourful memory of the places you’ve seen during your stay, like Sandford Parks Lido, Montpellier Gardens and Cheltenham College, or a local event you’ve attended, such as Gold Cup Day, the Literature Festival and more.

Let’s Eat

Cheltenham’s restaurants exhibit the variety and diversity seen in its boutiques in much the same fashion. Offering everything from posh nosh to humble pie, local and international, the town’s many eateries have a little something for everyone.

Lumiere is a 3AA Rosette winning restaurant that has a reputation for excellence when it comes to offering the very best in British cooking, drawing its inspiration from the seasonal produce found at its doorstep. Chef John Howe’s contemporary three-course lunch, five-course tasting and five-course dinner, nine-course tasting menus all focus on fresh, seasonal produce sourced from local farms, markets and suppliers that the restaurant work closely with. From this, John’s culinary alchemy extracts bold flavours and gorgeous textures, all immaculately and imaginatively presented on the plate. Helen Howe, John’s wife, is charge of the restaurant’s famed hospitality, and heads the knowledgeable team that that aim to offer you the best dining experience. One would need to make a reservation so as to avoid disappointment.

With an ancient Sanskrit name meaning ‘earth, or mother earth,’ Prithvi firmly believe that ‘a memorable dining experience is not only about the food and wine. It is an emotional experience – every little detail matters.’ It is expressly by this that their modus operandi is composed. Prithvi reimagines Indian cuisine, offering it in a modern and inventive style that breaks from the stereotypes and conventions that has worn and somewhat cheapened the country’s culinary traditions.  The restaurant re-establishes Indian cuisine to its art form status, offering dynamic and innovatively formed courses that captures the complexity and delicateness of the cuisine. The service is smart, insightful and knowledgeable- it’s no wonder that The Telegraph gave it the number two spot when ranking the best Indian restaurants across the country.

Tucked inside a beautiful twenties cinema on the beautiful Suffolk Parade, The Daffodil guarantee a high-end culinary experience. Their carefully sourced ingredients are treated with respect they deserve, the sum of which culminating in artistically composed plates of food. The Daffodil sports a large cellar of wines to match your meal. Their extensive collection features a selection of: reds, whites, roses and champagnes, available by the glass or bottle. With the interiors composed by Laurence Llewellyn Bowen and influenced by the art-deco grandeur of Hollywood’s golden age, The Daffodil aims to offer a glamorously unforgettable dining experience.

Getting Here & Hotels

One of the perks that come with the territory of being the capital is that London has outstanding connections with other cities across the country, with Cheltenham being one of these. If you don’t fancy the drive, regular services from London Paddington will see you arriving at Cheltenham Spa in just over two hours. However, to really make the most of what the town has to offer it is imperative you look beyond the daytrip –and- when it comes to hotels, we just might know a place or two that have a reputation for being particularly brilliant at doing what they do.

No. 131 is one of those places that are just effortlessly cool. The Grade II listed Georgian property was unoccupied for years prior to receiving the breath taking renovation that brought No.131 to life. The hotel, restaurant and bar is the brainchild of Sam and Georgina Pearman, boasting eleven rooms that gorgeously marry vintage and contemporary elements. A hushed tonal palette, paired with earthy woods and industrial metals really captures a metropolitan Parisian or New Yorker vibe, packing character in spades.  Room service by a friendly and attentive staff, a fantastic restaurant and bar, complementary Wi-Fi and parking cover your basic needs whilst staying in their beautifully composed rooms.

Perhaps a rural retreat might be something a touch more your style, and for that, few hotels come better qualified than Ellenborough House. Situated just two miles away from the city centre, the hotel perfectly walks the line between proximity to all the action and the notably green look of a countryside getaway. The ninety acres of estate within which the hotel sits certainly makes sure of that. Pulling up to the hotel, the core of which dates back to the 1500’s you’re sure to feel like you’re stepped into a time machine and that iPhone in your hand will most definitely seem anachronistic in such a space.

The building was formerly the home of the De la Bere family and the eponymous Earl of Ellenborough, prior to it being converted into a hotel in the seventies. Composed by Nina Campbell, the rooms capture a country look whilst still remaining defiantly upmarket. A medley of warm tones, richly veneered and exposed-grain wooden furniture and space illuminated by swathes of natural light give these rooms a gorgeously elegant air. On top of all your basic needs, saunas, spas and faculties for leisure sports such as golf might actually make you forget about much else and might make leaving the hotel quite difficult- don’t say we didn’t warn you.

For those seeking something with a slightly more contemporary flavor whilst still wanting to be surrounded by oodles of greenery, Cowley Manor might just be what you’re after. The Italianate country house brings zesty tones and elegant uncomplicatedness of Mediterranean style right to the heart of the Cotswolds. The hotel sits on fifty-five acres of parklands, and is just 10 minutes away from the centre of town. The rooms are styled very much in accordance with the clients’ needs but all boast the funky tonal and stylistic touches that pack so much character into the hotel. On top of the basics, the hotel crème de la crème is it spa and two swimming pools to really ensure that relaxation is the name of the game during your stay here.

Rounding Off

As a town Cheltenham has plenty to offer, be it its lengthy and chaptered history, ties with historically significant novelists and composers or just the fresh-faced, cultural hub for the arts it has become today. Certainly, by way of its exclusive boutique hotels, restaurants and astoundingly beautiful surrounding, Cheltenham is certainly no slouch when it comes to fashioning itself as a place for rest and recuperation – after all, the town has built a bit of a historic reputation for being just that. However, what must not be overlooked are the town’s many home and interior boutiques, antiques dealers, and art galleries. In much the same way Cheltenham may leave you feeling refreshed and beaming with a fresh vigour, the town may just do the same to your home also.

You May Also Like

• Idealist City Guide: Bristol
• Idealist City Guide: Cardiff
• Insider City Guide: Shopping in Brighton

All photos courtesy of respective locations.

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from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/cheltenham-city-guide/