Dedham Hall
Dedham, Essex
Good Hotel Guide Review
There is ‘nothing chichi’ about Wendy and Jim Sarton’s 15th-century manor house, which stands in ‘pleasantly rural, overgrown tranquillity’ in gardens where rabbits skitter. Lounges have a country, comfy, lived-in feel, with exposed beams, open fires, squashy sofas. Bedrooms are traditionally styled, with a ‘comfortable bed, high-quality linen’. One Guide insider noted a hint of eccentricity, but enjoyed his stay. Another was plied with tea and home-made brownies in ‘a private parlour with a bright fire’ on arrival. If you come with children, he advises, this is the ideal rural retreat. But the special appeal is to artists, who can take residential courses here in the heart of Constable country. At night Wendy cooks a three-course dinner – typical dishes include beef fillet with wild mushrooms and red wine, pan-fried lemon sole, mushroom and cream-cheese pancake. Vegans should consult before booking. Service is ‘prompt and courteous’, wine is affordable. In the morning, ‘buttery scrambled eggs and home-baked bread’ are served on ‘attractive vintage china’. It’s a perfect prelude to a visit to the Munnings Art Museum half a mile away.
Hotel details
Address
Brook Street
Dedham
Colchester
Essex
CO7 6AD
England
Telephone
01206 323027
Bedrooms
20. 16 in annexe around art studio, some on ground floor suitable for disabled.
Open
all year except Christmas–New Year.
Facilities
2 lounges, bar, dining room, studio, in-room TV (terrestrial), 6-acre grounds (pond, gardens, fields), lounge and dining room wheelchair accessible.
Background music
none.
Children
all ages welcomed.
Dogs
allowed in some bedrooms, not in public rooms.
Credit cards
MC, Visa.
Prices
per room B&B single £80, double £130, D,B&B single £110, double £190. À la carte/fixed-price dinner, for residents only (or by prior arrangement), £35.
Good Hotel Guide articles about
Dedham Hall
- East Anglian Daily Times: 10 of the top hotels to visit in Suffolk and North Essex in 2019
Guide Book Vouchers
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