‘The only sustainable city… is a city in balance with its countryside’, mused American poet Wendell Berry. For as long as there have been metropolises there have been people wanting to escape to greener pastures and poets willing to describe the feelings the countryside evokes. There is an idyllic retreat just half an hour’s train ride from London’s big smoke, which strikes a perfect balance. As the outline of skyscrapers transform into the shape of the rolling Surrey hills, you’ll discover a grand hotel set within an estate worthy of a Jane Austen novel, where all the rooms are named after famous authors. This is Nutfield Priory, located in the charming village of Redhill.

Nutfield Priory is a place where many go to seek solace from the frantic city pace, to reset themselves in the natural surroundings, and take advantage of the spa facilities. This 60-bedroom countryside manor commands panoramic views of the Surrey countryside. One can roam around the estate’s 12 acres of private grounds filled with roses and tall trees or enjoy the company of friends on the terrace for a sundown drink, Nutfield Priory is a quintessential English escape.

Inside this Grade II listed country house, which has been converted into a hotel, you’ll find fine paintings and exquisite original features.

Inspired by the Neo-Gothic Palace of Westminster, Nutfield Priory was constructed between 1872 and 1874 by John Gibson. site on which it was built goes back to the 13th century when Reigate Priory was built by William de Warenne, the fifth Earl of Surrey.

This is just one of the 21 privately owned British country house hotels and coastal retreats, located throughout the UK and the Channel Islands. They are all owned by Hand Picked Hotels. The CEO is Julia Hands who created the company in 2001. Nutfield Priory achieved Grade II listed status in 2011 and is part of a group of individually styled country house properties with a modern spa.

Inside the manor

The priory, built from Kentish ragstone rubble and dressed in Reigate stone, is a grand sight to behold, a grand country house with a wonderful tower. Inside you are drawn to the great hall which is used for entertaining. The focal point is an impressive organ built-in 1874. There are also ornate marble fireplaces and the walls are covered in wood panels. In the lobby, you’ll find hand-cut flowers from South Africa, the original home of the founder’s husband Guy.

Guests can also admire paintings of historical figures on the way up the sweeping staircase up to the rooms. All the bedrooms have artworks of the novelists they are named after on the walls. The Tennyson suite features original beams, Wordsworth is bright with huge windows that offer breathtaking views of the Surrey countryside, while the Byron in the tower is spread over three floors.

In the classically furnished rooms, you’ll find robes and slippers and bathroom amenities to make your stay comfortable as well as a tv and entertainment system and a desk.

Dining at Nutfield Priory

There are a variety of food and drink encounters for guests, including a decadent afternoon tea, served in the historic Grand Hall or cosy library. The bar, with comfortable armchairs and views across the Surrey Downs, is an ideal place to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. But the striking 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Cloisters, is a standout experience, where guests can dine in a striking Neo-Gothic Hall with magnificent windows framing an impressive view of the countryside. Arched ceilings and intricate stone carving evokes the craftsmanship of the era.

Breakfasts are delicious with fresh salmon and sourdough or haddock as well as a full English breakfast as options as well as a stunning buffet. Cloisters is open for lunch and dinner and guests can enjoy a menu of contemporary British classics from Alec Makins.

There are also private dining options and guest nights to celebrate South African wines and food. The menu offers Creation Wine’s Sauvignon Blanc paired with hake dish in buttered sauce.

The Pinot Noir, with notes of cherry, blueberry, violet leaf and sandalwood was ten paired beautifully with the sumptuous rack of lamb. Then the Grenache Syrah was paired with the spicy Bobotje. All of this was rounded off by a Sweet Malva pudding made from sweet potato and coconut.

The Spa

For those looking to escape to the English countryside to restore their weary body, the Nutfield Priory offers a rejuvenating spa experience. The spa facilities can be found in a contemporary building with nine treatment rooms, a ‘quiet’ lounge and relaxation room, indoor swimming pool, and a sauna and steam room.

Spa treatments are performed by experienced therapists, using a wide range of ELEMIS spa products as well as a fully equipped gym. Overall, a visit to Nutfield Priory Spa will energise guests, leaving them feeling ready for hectic city life again. Londoners can hop on a train and be at Nutfield Priory in less time than it takes to commute to the office, making the hotel an ideal weekend getaway for lovers or a spa trip with the girls.

A retreat to the countryside quietens the mind and brings simplicity into one’s life. Far from the cacophony of city life, it is so silent, save for birdsong. Yet both entities are symbiotic as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said. ‘The country is lyric, the town dramatic. When mingled, they make the most perfect musical drama.’