The Pig hotel collection, renowned for its charming accommodations, has made a stunning addition with this 17th-century manor located in the affluent Barnsley, near Cirencester. The grade II listed building is rich with architectural character, but it was the impressive three and a half acres of Arts and Crafts gardens—masterfully designed by acclaimed horticulturist Rosemary Verey—that drew the group’s attention. Following a comprehensive seven-month renovation, the hotel’s social areas are lively, while the upstairs offers an indulgent ambiance with 20 beautifully appointed bedrooms featuring florals, vintage furnishings, and unique treasures. The dining area boasts refined decor and guests can also enjoy a quaint spa set within a wildflower meadow.

Accommodation

Rating: 9/10The accommodation options include 20 spacious rooms scattered throughout the manor and stable yard, with some set within the garden. The stables feature charming mezzanine levels, and other rooms are complemented by expansive bathrooms. The design follows the typical Pig aesthetic, showcasing dark-wood tester and four-poster beds, lush velvet upholstery, monsoon shower systems, rolltop baths, and antique dressers concealing larders. The six rooms within the historic manor benefit from traditional features like mullioned windows and sloping ceilings.

Notable features include Room 1’s en suite, which highlights a chic powder-pink freestanding bath. Room 6, with views of the vibrant flower beds, allows guests to watch the cows make their way to the milking parlour along the country lane. For families, the three-bedroom Home Farm Cottage, located just across the road, offers a modern country feel with a fully equipped kitchen.

Culinary Experience

Rating: 9/10The Pig hotels are celebrated for their welcoming restaurants, and this location upholds that reputation. Begin your evening with a drink in the cozy bar, where the intimate seating arrangement encourages mingling with fellow guests. Alternatively, the nearby Village Pub, owned by the hotel, provides ample space for a quiet drink. Make sure to enjoy dinner back at the hotel: the timber-paneled dining room features large windows overlooking the garden, alongside fragrant potted herbs, wrought-iron furniture, and lush trailing plants that evoke a stylish greenhouse atmosphere.

Culinary offerings center on a 25-mile menu, ensuring high-quality local produce is showcased prominently. The chefs also have access to fresh vegetables from the hotel’s extensive gardens. Guests can anticipate hearty dishes like chargrilled Old Spot pork chop with beetroot and cider sauce, and Jerusalem artichoke risotto with crispy sage, all crafted with care and served by a friendly team.

Additional Amenities

Rosemary Verey, a notable garden designer of the 20th century—whose clients included notable figures like Prince Charles—called this hotel home for five decades. She transformed the three and a half acres into an enchanting Arts and Crafts garden, the layout of which largely remains intact today, providing a unique opportunity for guests to explore the grounds freely. The Fieldhouse spa features five treatment rooms offering specifically designed massages and facials, along with steam and sauna rooms and a small outdoor hydrotherapy pool; appointments must be reserved for a 60-minute session due to the intimate size.

Location

Rating: 8/10Barnsley village offers a quaint atmosphere, though there are limited attractions besides the pub. Fortunately, Cirencester is just four miles away, where visitors can enjoy independent shops, weekend markets, and interesting museums.

Starting prices for double rooms are from £305. Main courses at the restaurant are from £18. Family-friendly: Yes. Accessible: No. Dog-friendly: Yes.

Reviewer: Susan d’Arcy experienced the Pig in the Cotswolds firsthand.