Natasha Blair and her dog Poppy, check into the dog-friendly Montigo Resorts at Charlton House, Somerset for a pampering.
Grade 11 Charlton House, a country house hotel and spa in Shepton Mallet, Somerset has recently been bought by Montigo Resorts, who are currently carrying out an on-going refurbishment programme to upgrade the property to its former glory.
A new dog spa run by Kelly Davis of KD Pet Spa, winner of the BBC’s Pooch Perfect programme, was enough of an incentive for Poppy, my Coton du Tulear and I to visit. Hidden away in the countryside, the main house dates back to the 1600s, later enhanced with Georgian features.
In the late 1900s, Charlton House was refurbished by the owners of the Mulberry Group who decorated its 28 bedrooms and suites in stylish fabrics to showcase the Mulberry Home Collection in a country house environment. Set in several acres of lawn with apple trees and a tennis court, the hotel is ideal for a romantic get-away. The orangery, a large airy room, is the perfect space for a wedding party although more often used for fitness classes.
The bedrooms, which include a bridal suite with a four-poster bed and its own private balcony, are all individually decorated with rustic features, some still retaining the stylish tartan inspired carpets and wallpaper from the Mulberry era.
Poppy and I were put in the Coach House which has its own private entrance and outdoor hot tub. The room was elegantly decorated in various shades of grey with a roll top bath on a raised area alongside a walk-in shower room and toilet. A comfy dog mat which Poppy promptly settled on, was supplied as well as bowls for her food and water.
The purpose-built dog spa is located in the grounds away from the hotel. Owners coming with their dog need to book a dog spa in advance. Prices range from £55 which includes a deep conditioning treatment and massage, and varies depending on the breed and what is required. Poppy’s grooming, which included a lightening facial to brighten her white fur, took two hours.
The hotel has a health club with facilities included in the price of the room. The Spa, designed with Asian influences, has recently been renovated to include a hydrotherapy pool. Although small, I was able to exercise by swimming against the high-pressure jets.
Although the pool is inside, a flap allowed me to swim through to the outside where there is a communal hot tub and loungers. Inside facilities include a fully equipped gym. a small sauna, steam room, and laconium as well as treatment rooms offering a range of therapies. Various classes are held throughout the week, and despite not having the right gear, I was welcomed at a Pilates class.
The restaurant looking out on the gardens is the only area, apart from the health club, where dogs are not allowed. I was able, however, to have breakfast in either their bistro which is a bit soulless or the more comfortable lounge. The best option, weather permitting, are the comfortable tables and chairs, outside.
A varied menu of light dishes is available throughout the day.
The more formal dinner menu has a limited choice of two courses £38.00 (8oz ribeye steak incurs a supplement of £6), three courses £48.00 which includes a selection of local cheeses. Owned by a Singapore based company, the menu is currently being looked at to include Asian influences. A speciality is their traditional English afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes, and freshly-made scones served with jam and clotted cream. £25.00.
The Orangery, a spacious room, is currently used for classes, and private functions. It leads out to a large walled space where there are plans to set up a tropical outside bar, and hold barbecues, weather permitting.
Nearby Kilver Court has a Mulberry shopping outlet, gardens, and café. The hotel is ideally located for the Glastonbury Festival, and the Bath and West Show. Further afield, Frome is a lovely market town with lots of individually owned shops while Wells is famous for its cathedral.
Montigo Resorts At Charlton House is the perfect place to chill out if you are looking for a relaxing get-away from it all
Tell Me More About Montigo Resorts At Charlton House
Montigo Resorts at Charlton House, Shepton Mallet BA4 4PR.
T: 01749 717751.
Rates at Montigo Resorts At Charlton House vary from £262 during the week for a double room with breakfast to £782 for the Coach House, the room I was in, which has its own private entrance and outside hot tub.
As Montigo Resorts At Charlton House is quite isolated, it’s definitely worth considering coming by car as the hotel has a large carpark which includes a charging unit for electric cars.
GWR runs trains from London Paddington to Castle Cary on the Tiverton line from where the hotel can arrange for you to be picked up.
