Heald Country House, Cheshire

by Lucy Moore | 27 March 2014

The Old Parlour

Heald Country House has a story like no other boutique hotel I have stayed in. The farmhouse, located in the rolling hills of Cheshire in its infancy was a small working dairy farm. Bought in 2005 by owners Rachael and Louis Hill, it was a shell and with a lot of hard work, dedication and some well-chosen finishing touches- it was transformed into a 5 star luxury retreat.

All of their efforts to get it up to its high standard have not gone unnoticed too- as Wolsey Lodges (the marketing organisation for luxury private homes) have selected Heald Country House as their only Cheshire recommended retreat.

This is a very prestigious accolade for Heald Country House as Wolsey Lodges are renowned for their offer of bed and breakfast and in many cases an evening meal too, to paying guests, who know where to look to find them, either on their website and in their brochures. It has been one of the best-kept secrets of travellers for many years. They also do vouchers which are a great present for weddings, or as a gift for couples to get away from it all on a romantic trip from home.

The country retreat has also recently been included in the Visit England National Awards as one of the best places to stay in Cheshire.

There are a modest two boutique barns on offer, The Garden Room and The Old Parlour so you are guaranteed a very peaceful stay. It is easy to find via sat nav with a bit of artistic licence- if you carry on a little further down the lane you will find the main building standing proudly on the hillside.

I was greeted by Rachael who helped me with my bags, showed me around and gave me a bit of background. Of all the hotels I have stayed in, she was the most genuine and helpful host- so you are made to feel welcome right away. While staying you can enjoy a two course meal in The Garden Room as it has its own private dining area. Your meals are prepared for you by Rachael who is a nutritionist and published author of four books on food so you are in expert hands when it comes to your dining! On arrival guests can also expect afternoon tea to help them settle into their new surroundings!

As I was unable to eat anything on the menu due to dietary issues- Rachael was kind enough to prepare me my own unique meal of Smoked Salmon Fillet and Salad with a Balsamic and Sweet Chilli Dressing, followed by a Fruit Sorbet and Coconut Yogurt. My partner indulged in the Slow Aga Cooked Home Reared Beef Bourguingnon with Rosemary Mash and Sticky Chocolate Pudding with Cream. Suitable for couples who are celebrating a romantic weekend away- it is the perfect treat to have your meal served to your in your lodge- all part of the Wolsey Lodge ethos!

There are two very good pubs only a few miles down the road for some traditional pub food depending on your preference; The Cholmonderley Arms and The Dusty Miller, both of which Rachel recommended for a drink before we went to bed.

No expense had been spared on each of the barn’s decoration, with expert finishing touches to draw on the original features of the building while maintaining the familiar country style with sheepskin throws, heavy curtains and rustic accents.

The Garden Room had everything we needed for a short overnight stay like us, or a week’s holiday.

The room was kept warm by a roaring log fire, letting all of the heat rise to your mezzanine bedroom so you are kept toasty throughout the night.

With a large feather couch angled towards the stunning views of the countryside- there is no temptation to turn on the flat screen TV but rather sit back with a book to put on the radio and soak in the rural atmosphere.

The barns are equipped with coffee and tea making facilities, a warming oven, toaster and fridge, so all of your essentials are there. Freshly squeezed orange juice and milk are left in the fridge for you on arrival, as well as cereals, granolas and eggs for breakfast. Rachael provides fresh bread for you on a morning too if you wish. There is a breakfast menu, including cooked breakfasts, to choose from which can delivered to your room the night before to enjoy when you wake in your own time.

We had a very restful night’s sleep in the White Company king size bed, falling asleep to the stars with the morning sun waking us through the skylight and birdsong as a gentle alternative to the shrieking tones of normality.

The bathroom was also a sight to behold- opening up through shutter style doors it sits next to the living room- so you can enjoy a long soak in the copper bath while looking out onto the log fire- the embodiment of a stay in a country retreat!