Empress

EMPRESS cottage is named after Elizabeth, Empress of Austria who described Combermere as ‘one of the most romantic places in Europe’ Approached from a shared car park, the box edged pathway leads to its simple entrance directly into a hallway. From which you enter the elegant high-ceiling sitting room with original beams, wood burning fireplace and balconied second floor, created from a set of original stalls in the main Stable buildings. The tall windows let in wonderful light, which reflects off the antique mirror onto the comfortable sofas and dining area of this spacious room.

A second door leads onto the cobbled inner courtyard. Uncluttered and simply accessorized, with classic prints framed in black, the blues and warm pink fabrics complete its impact. The fully integrated kitchen is separated by an original stall divider.  Directly off the hallway, is the shared bathroom with power-shower with its black and white decorative theme and striking tiles.

The elegance is continued in the master bedroom with its highly decorative gilded half tester bed pelmet, originally owned by David Hicks. The unusually rich gold and black fabrics complement the antique furniture perfectly. The first floor balcony hides the twin bedroom on the first floor. Reached by a winding staircase from the sitting room, it is spacious and warm, decorated in strawberry and white fabrics with individually designed painted headboards and wonderfully comfortable beds.

Empress has a private garden entered through a white picket gate in the laurel hedge - the perfect spot for a quiet moment of relaxation or an evening tipple.