Just Checked Out: Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire

Ahh, the Cotswolds. Featuring some of the most charming and picturesque villages in the world, the 800 square miles of rolling hills (‘wolds’) in South-Central England has been on my ‘to visit’ list for way too long. The late 2015 opening of the Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire (a new format than the eleven global ‘houses’ already under the Soho House brand), one of the six counties in the Cotswolds,  gave me further impetus to visit this bucolic locale sooner rather than later.

Traffic jam Cotswold-style

As my older daughter was doing a summer student exchange program in nearby Oxford in June, it was a perfect excuse to visit the Soho Farmhouse with my husband and 10 year old daughter before the whole family met up in London. I booked our reservation nine months out knowing it was nearly impossible to get a reservation here. I was fortunate. Departing from Paris, we took the Eurostar through the Chunnel to London and then met with a driver who took us to the Farmhouse, less than two hour drive there (driving on the other side of the road? no thank you!) from London. It was all so easy.

With about 40 cabins on 100 bucolic acres, the Soho Farmhouse has been enormously popular from the day it opened.  While built as a haven for adults in mind, it has naturally evolved to appeal to both the beautiful, young and single crowd driving to the farm for a weekend from London and for families, particularly those who live in the surrounding area. I really had no idea what to expect other than I was hopeful to get some riding in at the on-site stables.

Horseback riding in the Cotswolds

Horses, outdoor activities at Soho Farmhouse

FIRST IMPRESSION

Upon check-in at the Soho Farmhouse, were were warmly greeted by the friendly staff members at the gatehouse check-in who all looked like they stepped out out of Ralph Lauren ad – everyone was gorgeous!  We were given a quick tour of the farm in one of the BMW i3s on property and checked into our 2-bedroom cabin (#38) where we would be staying for three nights. From the outside, our cabin could have been a replica for the Ingalls farm in Little House of the Prairie (I could envision a young Michael Landon walking around the corner with a pile of firewood in his arms). Bikes (the main form of transportation here aside from walking) and wellies, perfectly sized for each of us in advance, were ready and waiting.

But it was the retro shabby-chic cabin itself that won me over, head over wellies. Our large cabin was outfitted with everything you could imagine. The first floor featured a mudroom (complete with blankets, picnic baskets and flashlights – hmmm), a country kitchen stocked with freshly baked bread, granola, cookies as well as goodies in the retro fridge, a living room complete with working vintage record player (which we had fun showing our daughter how to use), cocktail bar and old fashioned wood burning stove, bedroom with bunk-beds and large bath and a patio overlooking the farm. Upstairs featured a massive master bedroom and bathroom to just die for.

Horses everywhere at Soho Farmhouse

Cotswolds retreat, a throwback to simpler times

Do Not Disturb on our Cottage

Bunk Beds

Soho Farm Cottage relaxation

The 40 guest cabins are spaciously dispersed throughout the property. Location-wise, our cabin could not have been more ideally positioned – right in front of pasture with a mare and her few weeks old foal who just arrived at the farm the week prior. Just beyond, more horses and sheep dotted the landscape. Waking up to the sounds, sights and even smells of the countryside as we picked up the fresh delivered milk from our door each morning (thank you, local cows) was just everything.

As we took our bikes to explore the property on our first day, I could not stop marveling about how beautiful and well designed the Farmhouse property was. It was like Blackberry Farm meets American dude ranch… but distinctly different than any place I have visited.  Flowers were in bloom everywhere we went. And, while it was seemingly very quiet (almost everybody was gathered at the pool on the unusually hot and humid week we were there), there was so much going on.  The multitude of activities and amenities offered is mind-blowing. In our few days there, we only experienced a small sampling of what was offered.

Each evening, a ‘Whats On’ at the Farmhouse sheet is delivered to your cabin for the following day, including specific fitness and spin classes, special events (such as Meditation with Horses, book readings with authors or garden walks) and nightly screenings. On one day during our stay, nine different fitness classes, two events and two film screenings, including a live transmission of Salome from the National Theatre, were offered. And that was mid week!  More specifics are to be found below.

Aside from the abnormal humidity that hit the region (and most of Europe) that week, our three days at the Soho Farmhouse was simply blissful. We had the opportunity to ride horses, play tennis, exercise, swim, check out two of the on-site restaurants, play a little ping pong and do a little ‘crazy golf’. As we had to see some of the Cotswolds, we also visited some of the towns and dined outside at two amazing pubs. Daylesford Organic, a foodie paradise 15 minutes drive away from the Farmhouse, was well worth the visit. There is nothing else quite like it.

We loved almost every thing about this ultimate hip countryside getaway.  Some (particularly older locals) may feel it is a bit contrived  – that it is not the ‘authentic’ Cotswolds. And that may be so, but I fell for it hook line and sinker.  More importantly, my hard-to-impress 10 year old daughter claimed it was her favorite stop of our European vacation and she wanted to know if we could move there. Competing against the destinations of Paris, London and Amalfi, that says a lot.  You can’t ask for a better reception than that!

soho FARMHOUSE POLICIES

Like other Soho Houses, Farmhouse has Ps and Qs which it asks guests to abide by such as discouraging phone calls or taking photos (I only did for this review, I promise!). Point being, this is a place that embraces privacy and simplicity (dress is casual but the crowd is chic – its not unusual to see a celeb or two in your midst) where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings. Nonetheless, I did see a lot of younger guests taking selfies.

GETTING THERE

Traveling to the Soho Farmhouse from London is extremely easy. The drive is less than two hours from the city but you can also take a train to Charlbury (about 25 minutes away). For those who prefer to make an entrance or get there quicker, there is a landing site for helicopters.  Once you are at the property, you can order a taxi to take you to dinner at some of the excellent taverns in the towns nearby.

GETTING AROUND

Walking and biking is the preferred mode of transportation here but you can flag a horse and cart sometimes seen on the property as well as one of the reconditioned vintage milk floats and tuk tuks.  Definitely worth taking a ride!

Oxfordshire tuk tuk

Preferred mode of transport

FACILITIES

There are just too many facilities on the premises to list here but below are a few that we had the opportunity to check out. Some, such as the Farmshack (offering curry on weekends) are Barwell Barn (offering weekend Feast Roasts) were not open during our stay midweek.

Boathouse

The boathouse comprises of a small lake (where you can do boating, sort of), and an indoor and outdoor pool. Note, there are specific hours when children under 13 can use the pool in the morning and late afternoon (on weekends, guests children can swim 9:30-11:30 only).

Adjoining the boast house is the Cowshed Spa for facial and body treatments, a 22-bike cycling studio, fitness center and exercise class studios. I took a spin ‘rhythm’ class which admittedly was much better than Soul Cycle (the cold towels offered to guests at the end is genius).  The spacious fitness center was one of the nicest I have been to with the latest equipment.

Teeny Barn

This is the Soho Farmhouse version of a Kids Club but here children ages 2-16 can pick eggs from the resident chickens, mini zip-line, do arts and crafts and more.

Main Barn

The hub of the Soho Farmhouse. Open from 7 am everyday, this is where guests go to drink, eat, relax or enjoy some old-fashioned pursuits such as boules or ping pong. The Mill Room (the pub), Farmshop and Deli (where you can pick up specialty grocery items, pressed juices and milkshakes, coffee, sandwiches and salads), and restaurants are all located here.

Electric Barn Cinema

Screens new and classic films daily with a kiosk serving cocktails, beer, snacks and ice-cream.  We didn’t get a chance to stop in as we were too busy checking out the local pubs and taverns.

THE CABINS

Each cabin on the property has its own distinct layout in a retro-chic design (Love the style? You can buy pretty much all the furniture and accessories, conveniently, at the onsite Soho Home boutique). Each cottage comes equipped with everything you can imagine: washer/dryer, toothbrushes, Cowshed bath products, flip flops (which you can take home), even a flat iron, for gods sake!  The only thing it doesn’t come with is air-conditioning. Not ideal when there is a heat wave.

Our cabin was a 1-bedroom/Bunk Bed set up, ideal for a couple with young children. Cabins are well spread out across the 100-acre property – some in front of creeks, some in front of horse pastures (like ours) and others closer by the Boathouse.

SERVICE

Overall, the Soho Farmhouse staff is extremely friendly and eager to please. Service only fell short at the restaurant at the Main Barn once during our stay where some of the staff seemed overwhelmed (ours forgot about our order and drinks).

FUN ACTIVITIES

Each day brings a slew of new offerings to guests. It could be cooking workshops and demonstrations, book signings, beer tastings or garden tours. Sadly, we missed them all… just too many other diversions!

Crazy Golf

Soho Farm House’s version of mini-golf, this is a challenging but fun nine-hole course by the horse fields. Most guests, evident by the empty cocktail glasses left behind, play with drinks in hand.

Breakfast and Cocktail Floats

Definitely a must-do while you are here, book ahead when you check in as both are enormously popular. The chef makes anything to order for breakfast.

Horse Rides

There are 11 gorgeous draft horses at the stable. Private and group hacks and lessons are available. Group rides are based on experience level and on ours we got to post through beautiful meadows and trails off property.  No need to bring riding boots – just bring your wellies!

Onsite breakfast truck, with delivery

Cocktails in the meadow

Cooking Classes

The cooking and cocktail (yes!) school offers regular classes and demonstrations as well as private lessons. Next time…

RESTAURANTS

There are several eateries at the Farmhouse. Some, as mentioned above (curries and Sunday Feasts) are only offered on weekends. The Main Barn, Fancy Farm and Comfy Farm offer indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pen Yen is a Japanese Grill open Tuesdays through Fridays but not open to children under the age of 13.  This was rather frustrating with our 10 year old as the only option was to eat at the Main Barn (and it is only open to children up to 9 pm only). This can be disappointing for a family with a tween like us, particularly if you are still on a U.S. time zone and prefer to eat later. However, we found once we were there, the rules are more relaxed, especially if your child is older and well behaved. As we ate outside the property for two nights, it wasn’t that big of a deal for us but I would have liked to have been able to try Pen Yen!

Pen Yen Japanese grill restaurant

GUESTS

Built primarily as an adult getaway, the Soho Farmhouse attracts a young urban clientele who also frequents their member clubs in cities worldwide. But unlike the city clubs, the Farmhouse has been a hit also with families looking for a rural escape with  rich amenities and activities for everyone and lots of land to roam. The farmhouse manages now to offer something for both demographics but is still evolving as it understands the needs and desires of its guests.

Outside The Farmhouse

While there is more than enough amenities and activities to keep you from wanting to wander off property, it would be a shame not to take the opportunity to explore the charming villages and gorgeous countryside. Soho Farmhouse is closest (about 7 miles) to the villages of Chipping Norton and Kingham which is home to the popular Wild Rabbit pub and inn (read the Inviato review of Wild Rabbit pub) and Daylesford Organic Farm (who incidentally owns the Wild Rabbit).

We ate dinner one night at nearby gastropub The Chequers Inn in Churchill and lunch at Hollow Bottom Inn in Midway. Both offered a wonderful ambiance, delicious food and were very welcoming to children.

Daylesford Organic (above) is not your typical organic farm. In addition to the the artisanal restaurants, cookery school, market and shops, various walks of up to five miles are offered around its orchards, fields and rivers. We enjoyed sending a few hours here for lunch and walking around. It’s a foodie heaven with a chic-looking crowd.

We hired Nick Long, an experienced private driver/tour guide who runs the Original Cotswolds Touring Company for a half day to explore beautiful Cotswold villages, each one lovelier than the next. He took us to a few key villages, special sights, driving past poppy fields and meadows of cows and sheep.  We could have easily spent an extra day or two exploring more towns like nearby Oxford and Bath, and checking out antiques stores and pubs.  Still, it was an excellent orientation to the Cotswolds.

All photos by Jackie Magid