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Birch Cheshunt

South East England Hertfordshire Cheshunt

140 Guest Rooms
Contemporary Luxury

It's rare to find a complete one-off, but Birch is most definitely that… or, rather, a two-off, because they have two very distinct properties – one 30 minutes north of London, the other, Birch Selsdon, 30 minutes south.

Birch Cheshunt, the northern outpost, is a sprawling mansion set within 55 acres of mature grounds. Hotel, resort, retreat? It's all of those things, and more. Members' club, wellness space, work getaway, creative hub? That's getting closer. 'Basically a funfair for adults', they say. There are rooms, of course, a wide array in fact – small and large, either with twin beds or giant doubles, and with bath or shower, and also family-and-friends orientated, with bunks, They are calming yet stylish – no TVs or desks, because that's the vibe, but there's a screening room and co-working spaces, because that's also the vibe. The public areas are glamorous and comfortable at the same time, making full use of the dimensions and original features, but places where you can tramp in covered in mud from a yomp in the grounds, lounge on the sofas and chill out over a drink. Kids and dogs, by the way, are all cool too.

There are two restaurants (all-day grill-dining at Valerie's and the farm-to-table Zebra Riding Club), both fabulously stylish, an on-site farm, bakery and cafe, and no fewer than three bars. Want to learn how to make sourdough or bake focaccia? Maybe take a course in composting? That's another bit of the vibe, too, not to mention a stuffed events calendar that encompasses everything from pilates to pottery throw-downs, wine-tasting to shinrin-yoku (the Japanese art of forest bathing) – and they're the more regular-sounding events. Puppy yoga, doughnut-decorating or DJ workshops, anyone? Meanwhile, tucked away in their secret walled garden is a 25-metre outdoor lido with poolside snacks and a bar. It's open from 6am for the early birds among you, and hosts separate kids and family sessions too.

It's a fabulously open, creative, magic-and-mojo sort of place. For those looking for a different kind of escape, it's hard to think of a more fun and welcoming experience, whether you're a couple, a family or solo. Join as a member, and you can come and go as you please. Otherwise, stay for a night or a week, hug a tree, grab a sauna, go for an evening of food and live music in the meadow, make a pizza, meet the animals... You'll never look at a simple hotel stay in quite the same way again.