Bellinter House Review

We like:

The hotel staff collect you from the bus stop; the free bikes; the seaweed baths

We don't like:

Too many gadgets are left on standby; there wasn't much organic or fair trade food to be had; it's a bit pricey

SmartPlanet judgement:

This is a fine example of contemporising a period house without compromising. It is a glamorous yet relaxed and open-to-everyone hotel. There were young families enjoying the games room, expectant mothers in the spa and grandparents reading newspapers by the open fires. A big nod to the owner for sourcing the restoration works locally, and for keeping that in practice for the food, too. The biggest sustainability plus, though, is that this old house has been dusted off and put to use again.

This recently restored early 18th century Palladian mansion is a conservation coup -- in terms of sustainability and design. The previous owners of Bellinter House were nuns and there's still a hint of modest, sparse aesthetic. But with features like a giant Bacchae mask carved into the entrance hall's plasterwork, original wooden panelling in the bedrooms and a vast fireplace donated by Jonathan Swift, you don't need to add much. Continue reading...