Uplands House – Upton, near Banbury

The Accommodation

A glimpse of Uplands House from the route which runs from Banbury through to Stratford upon Avon shows a handsome and very English country house that sits peacefully in its own grounds and gardens. Originally built in 1875 the house quietly changes with the seasons. The grounds display elegant snowdrops and hellebores in winter, daffodils and blossom in springtime and wisteria drapes the house throughout the summer months along with tumbling colour from many earthenware pots. Perfumed scents from honeysuckle, the rose garden and lavender borders are all around.

The Orangery and old flag-stoned terrace is a perfect place to retreat and wile away the time with books and magazines or perhaps a game of backgammon, plan the next steps for exploring Warwickshire and Oxfordshire, or doze in the sunshine.

Inside, is equally lovely with paintings and beautiful family furnishings and heirlooms throughout with cushion-plumped sofas and armchairs. Prints and drawings of fencers in pose hint at the passion and interest of its owners, Poppy and Graham. A welcoming pot of tea with homemade cake or aperitif with nibbles is offered – fires and candles are lit in the drawing and dining room on chilly days and in the evening.

Uplands is a place to relax and feel at home. Three gorgeous bedrooms, the Chinese room, the Tulip room and bedroom with four-poster all with their own bathrooms have lovely views out across the grounds. Poppy is a great cook and guests are welcome to stay and enjoy a superb evening meal with wine chosen from the cellar, and selection of local and English cheeses, often chosen from Daylesford Organics.

Breakfast is delicious with freshly squeezed juices, homemade muesli and choice of cereals, local organic produce including bacon, sausages, eggs, milk and yogurt from Carpenters Farm Shop in nearby Warmington with fruit, vegetables and flowers freshly picked straight from the garden. Poppy makes all her own fruit and berry jams. This is a luxurious place to stay and a perfect base to visit surrounding villages and market towns.