With the clocks going back, we find that there's a particular quiet magic that settles over the countryside. The evenings arrive a little earlier, the air turns crisp, and suddenly there's nothing more appealing that somewhere cosy to retreat to.
This month, we're escaping to Well Furlong, 80 acres of Cotswold countryside. Part of the Boutique Luxury Retreats collection, it offers two very different stays, but both are made for slowing down and gathering those you love (dogs included!).
For someone discovering Well Furlong for the first time, how would you describe the feeling of arriving there? What do you hope guests leave behind the moment they drive through the gates?
From the moment you drive through the gates, there's an immediate sense of space and calm. You're surrounded by 80 acres of countryside beneath Bredon Hill, and life seems to slow down almost instantly. We hope guests leave behind the constant pressure of everyday life — the emails, the deadlines and the feeling of always needing to be somewhere else. Well Furlong is about giving yourself permission to pause, breathe deeply and simply enjoy being in the moment.
Well Furlong offers two very different stays: the Shepherd's Retreat and the Cottage. What makes each one special, and who do you think each is perfect for?
Although they share the same beautiful setting and are both dog friendly, they offer two completely different experiences.
The Shepherd's Retreat is wonderfully secluded and feels like your own private hideaway. It's perfect for couples looking to reconnect, celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a few slower days together, although it also works beautifully for small families. With its private hot tub, countryside views and secluded position on its own in the middle of a field, it's somewhere you can happily spend an entire weekend without ever feeling the need to leave.
The Cottage is designed around bringing people together. It sleeps up to eight guests and is very popular for family gatherings, multi-generational holidays and weekends away with friends. The indoor pool, games room, tennis court, hot tub, outdoor bath and open spaces mean everyone can spend time together while still finding their own quiet corner when they need it.
At Well Furlong, every detail feels carefully considered. How important are those finishing touches, from the welcome hamper to the bathroom products, in creating a memorable stay?
They're incredibly important because they're often the things guests remember most. Beautiful accommodation creates a great first impression, but it's the thoughtful details that make people feel genuinely looked after. Luxurious bathroom products, exceptionally comfortable beds and soft towels all help guests relax from the moment they arrive. We want everything to feel that little bit more luxury than home, allowing people to settle in quickly and focus on spending quality time together rather than thinking about the practicalities.
Boutique Luxury Retreats is known for its exceptional places to stay across the UK. What was it about Well Furlong that made it a natural fit for your collection?
We're always looking for places that offer something genuinely distinctive rather than simply somewhere to stay and are those places that are so magical you want to return to. Well Furlong stood out because it isn't trying to be a hotel or a resort. It offers privacy, space and a slower pace of life, all within a beautiful rural setting. The accommodation has been thoughtfully designed, the guest experience has been carefully considered with over 50% returning guests each year, and there's a real authenticity to the way it's run with owners who care. Those are exactly the qualities we look for when choosing retreats for Boutique Luxury Retreats.
Boutique Luxury Retreats curates places with real character and authenticity. When selecting partners and products for your retreats, what qualities matter most to you?
We look for brands that are British and genuinely enhance the guest experience rather than simply adding another luxury label. Quality is important, but so is authenticity, sustainability and a shared philosophy. We love working with businesses that care about craftsmanship, the environment and helping people slow down and reconnect. Those partnerships feel natural because they become part of the overall experience rather than something that's simply there to be noticed.
Both Bramley and Boutique Luxury Retreats celebrate slowing down and reconnecting with nature. What does 'escaping well' mean to you?
To me, escaping well means returning home feeling genuinely rested rather than simply having been somewhere different. It's about putting your phone down, spending time outdoors, spending time together, sharing long conversations, watching the stars from a hot tub or heading out for a walk without feeling the need to be anywhere in particular. It's those simple moments that stay with you long after the holiday has finished, and I think both Bramley and Boutique Luxury Retreats celebrate exactly that philosophy.
Is there a simple spot, local recommendation or simple moment at Well Furlong that you think every guest should experience before they leave?
Walk straight from the retreat up onto Bredon Hill early in the morning or just before sunset. There's something very special about standing above the surrounding countryside with uninterrupted views stretching for miles. Come back, do a few lengths then light the fire pit, sink into the hot tub with a favourite drink and watch the stars appear. It's wonderfully simple, but those are often the moments guests talk about long after they've returned home.
Their idea of escaping well has stayed with us: it's not simply going somewhere different, but coming home genuinely rested. A morning walk up Brendon Hill, the fire pit glowing as the light fades, stars appearing above the hot tub. Nothing complicated, and that's the point.
If you're craving a few slower days this winter, discover Well Furlong and book your stay through Boutique Luxury Retreats.
