Babington House

Babington House, Somerset: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Babington House, a distinguished Grade II-listed Georgian manor nestled in the heart of the rolling Somerset countryside, is a highly acclaimed country outpost of the Soho House group. Renowned for its unique blend of Georgian grandeur and modern luxury, it offers a sophisticated yet relaxed escape, earning its selection as a Michelin Key property.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overarching sentiment for Babington House is overwhelmingly positive, consistently described as the "epitome of country-house hospitality." Guests frequently praise it as a truly special and luxurious UK staycation, offering pampering and indulgence in a "countryside chic aesthetic." It's seen as a retreat that perfectly fuses cosy charm with contemporary comforts and creative energy, feeling both exclusive and inviting, like a "true home-from-home." The design and concept are considered influential in rural hospitality.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Babington House for its extensive amenities and immersive "Soho House bubble" experience.

• Amenities: A major draw is the world-class Cowshed spa, offering relaxation heaven with a sauna and various treatments. The heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, particularly the outdoor infinity pool overlooking the lake, are highly cherished. The property also boasts a well-equipped gym, tennis and padel courts, a cricket pitch, croquet lawn, and a 45-seat cinema showing daily new releases.
• Design & Atmosphere: The effortless fusion of Georgian elegance with modern luxury and a relaxed, unpretentious vibe is a significant highlight. The "do-what-you-want" atmosphere allows for ultimate relaxation and a feeling of being at a friend's country pile.
• Grounds: The 18 acres of manicured gardens, lakes, and woodland provide a serene and beautiful setting.

3. Room Quality

Babington House offers 33 individually designed bedrooms spread across the grand Main House, characterful Coach House and Stable Block, as well as secluded Walled Garden rooms, cabins, and a lodge. Rooms are generally described as "satisfyingly big" and exhibit a rustic-luxe or "pretty English cottage aesthetic" with a mix of antique and modern pieces.

• Design Elements: Interiors feature hand-painted wallpapers, plush velvet sofas, polished oak floors, and striking four-poster beds with luxurious Hypnos mattresses. Colour palettes often include subdued jewel tones like greens, blues, and pinks. Many rooms boast fireplaces, adding to the cosy ambiance.
• Comfort: The beds are frequently highlighted as a favourite, described as "huge," with "gorgeous linens" and "fluffiest pillows," ensuring an exceptional night's sleep.
• Bathrooms: Lavishly equipped, they often include roll-top tubs (some even free-standing in the bedroom or on a private terrace) and walk-in rain showers with Lefroy Brooks fittings, complemented by full Cowshed and Soho Skin spa amenities. In-room bars are generously stocked, and complimentary homemade cookies and Grind coffee pods are appreciated touches.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Babington House is centered around "simple food done really well" with a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal, and local produce.

• The Orangery: The main restaurant offers a "homely, seasonal menu" with outstanding views of the grounds through its floor-to-ceiling windows. It transforms from a casual, bright space by day to an intimate and sophisticated setting in the evening.
• Garden-to-Table Ethos: A significant highlight is the "garden-to-table" approach, with vegetables and herbs sourced directly from the acre-large Victorian walled garden on the estate, and other ingredients from local suppliers.
• Breakfast: Guests enjoy substantial breakfasts, such as the vegetarian full English with generous portions.
• Complimentary Afternoon Tea: A popular feature is the complimentary afternoon tea available daily from 3 pm in the Deli, described as a "full dining table positively groaning with homemade sweet treats."
• Other Options: A more casual menu, including signature Soho House Picante cocktails and Dirty Burgers, is available at the crescent-shaped bar near the deli. Sunday roasts are also highly recommended.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Babington House is consistently praised for being relaxed, welcoming, and unpretentious. Staff are described as cheerful and friendly, making guests feel "almost as if we were staying with friends, rather than at a hotel." The underlying philosophy is a "whatever you want, whenever you want it" approach, contributing to the laid-back luxury atmosphere.

6. Location & Accessibility

Babington House is situated in the peaceful village of Babington, near Frome, Somerset.

• Surroundings: The property is set within 18 acres of picturesque English countryside, featuring manicured gardens, lakes, and woodlands, and even its own chapel.
• Nearby Towns: It's conveniently located approximately 30 minutes from the city of Bath and 15 minutes from the market town of Frome.
• Transport:
  • Car: Accessible by car via the M3 and A303 from the east, or the A37 to Radstock and A362 from Bristol. Valet parking is available on arrival.
  • Train: The nearest railway stations are Bath Spa (a 30-minute drive, with direct trains from London Paddington) or Frome, with taxi services operating from both.
  • Air: Bristol International Airport is the closest, approximately 50 minutes away by car. A helipad is also available for arrivals by helicopter.
• Accessibility: The hotel is committed to improving access. Both main house entrances have ramps. Ground floor rooms in the Coach House and Stable Block have no steps. However, rooms on the first and second floors of the Main House are only accessible by stairs. Disabled toilets with handrails are available on each floor in all sites.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxurious private members' club and hotel, Babington House is positioned at a premium price point, reflecting its high-end amenities and service. While specific price ranges vary, guests generally perceive it as offering excellent value for a truly indulgent and pampered experience. Non-members can book a stay, often with the option to add a 12-month Soho Friends membership. A minimum two-night stay is required for Friday and Saturday nights.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring issues have been noted:

• Children's Swimming Times: Families have occasionally found the restricted children's swimming times (9:30 am-11:30 am and 3:30 pm-6 pm daily) to be a point of frustration.
• Dining Consistency: One guest mentioned the sausages at breakfast weren't great, and another found the complimentary afternoon tea cakes to be "underwhelming and a little dry."
• Staff Feedback (Indirect): While guest service is lauded, some past employee reviews (not direct guest complaints) have mentioned issues like lower salaries for chefs, long working hours for some roles, and occasional communication gaps from management. However, this doesn't appear to significantly impact the guests' positive service experience.

Sources

1. thegoodwebguide.co.uk
2. reena-rai.com
3. squarespace.com
4. wikipedia.org
5. ahotellife.com
6. countrylife.co.uk
7. mrandmrssmith.com
8. silverspoonlondon.co.uk
9. standard.co.uk
10. sohohouse.com
11. sohohome.com
12. sohohousedigital.com
13. indeed.com
14. indeed.com