Climbing out of my car onto the gravel drive, I felt as if I had stepped back in time. Tucked away in the rolling Gloucestershire countryside, De Vere Tortworth Court’s imposing hay-hued stone façade, turreted spires and ornate bay windows immediately transport you to another era. A sweeping arched driveway, framed by centuries-old trees, leads up to this Grade II-listed Victorian manor, once the country seat of the Ducie family, and the sense of history is palpable the moment you cross the threshold.
Step inside, and the interior holds onto much of its historic character with its soaring ceilings and mahogany finishes. Yet, this is no relic of the past. I admire how the hotel’s recent multi-million-pound renovation has blended modern comfort with the estate’s 19th-century Gothic grandeur, polishing up original features like the carved oak staircase, wood panelling and pretty wall mouldings while adding fresh, contemporary touches. It’s a restoration that respects the mansion’s soul — timeless elegance with a modern twist — and as a lover of classic country-house hotels, I was immediately smitten.
After a smooth check-in by the concierge, I made my way to my suite in the historic mansion house. An expansive floorplan and tall mullioned windows spoke to the manor’s 1853 origins, while a recent refresh lent the room a smart, updated luxury. A plush king-size bed piled with crisp linens commanded the room, and at its foot, a tufted leather settee — the perfect place to curl up with a book and cup of tea. Modern amenities were discreetly integrated — a large flat-screen TV and superfast Wi-Fi remained subtle complements to the countryside-inspired furnishings. In the marble bathroom, heated floors and a rainfall shower were met with fluffy robes and upscale toiletries. The renovation has truly given these heritage rooms a new lease of life, pairing countryside charm with contemporary comforts as the hotel’s general manager promised. Continuing its evolution, De Vere Tortworth Court has embarked on an additional £1.3 million refurbishment, set for completion in May 2025, that will focus on upgrading the 53 Courtyard Bedrooms.
As dusk approached, I wandered downstairs for a drink at the inviting Atrium Bistro Bar. Tucked under a stunning glass ceiling, lit up with fairy lights and buzzing with a handful of happy guests, this is the ideal venue to enjoy some light bites — like a selection of local cheeses — paired with a glass of British bubbles. Just across the hallway, the 1853 Restaurant & Library Bar is the hotel’s main eatery. Much to my delight, the bar’s original oak panelling, towering shelves filled with antique books, ornate archways and grand roaring fireplace remain intact, exuding a clubby Victorian charm. Likewise, the recently refurbished dining room recalls refined bygone days — white tablecloths, high-backed chairs, booth and banquet seating, and portraits in gilded frames — but the cuisine is refreshingly modern. The menu champions seasonal British produce and is overseen by Food & Beverage Manager Sam Cotton, who, at only 25, received the prestigious 2024 Acorn Award, recognising him as one of the most inspiring young leaders in the hospitality industry. Dishes include succulent lamb with fondant potatoes and rainbow carrots; roasted port fillet with black pudding and mash; corn-fed chicken with wild mushrooms; and expertly crafted desserts that pay homage to classic English flavours — think warm apple crumble and creamy raspberry cheesecake.
Mornings at Tortworth Court are just as fulfilling. As light filtered through the Victorian panes and birds began to chirp, nature beckoned. Armed with a map in hand, I decided to play country squire and take a pre-breakfast stroll through the estate’s immaculately manicured 30-acre plot. The garden’s gravel paths led me past a stunning standalone Victorian orangery and extraordinary arboretum — planted with over 300 rare and exotic trees collected by the estate’s 19th-century owner — that’s regarded as one of the finest in Britain. Mist lingered beneath ancient oaks and redwoods as I breathed in the crisp air, imagining the aristocrats and dignitaries from aeons past who once did the same on these very grounds.
By the end of my visit, I felt I had experienced a chapter from a Victorian novel, albeit one updated with central heating and excellent plumbing. With its masterful blend of heritage atmosphere and polished luxury, De Vere Tortworth Court offers a gentle step back in time, proving that classic elegance never goes out of style, especially when it’s been lovingly refreshed for the present day.
To find out more about De Vere Tortworth Court and book, visit the links below:
De Vere Tortworth Court
Tortworth
Wotton-under-Edge
GL12 8HH
Web: devere.co.uk/tortworth-court
Tel: 01454 263000
Instagram: @devere_hotels
Facebook: @DeVereHotels