Soho Farmhouse
Soho Farmhouse
Why Staying at Well Cottage Nearby Makes It Even Better
Tucked away in the gentle hills of the Oxfordshire countryside, just outside the picture-perfect village of Great Tew and a short drive from Chipping Norton, lies Soho Farmhouse—a country retreat like no other. Owned by Soho House, it’s a place where members (and their lucky guests) come to unwind, indulge, and immerse themselves in a rural haven that’s as stylish as it is serene.
But while Soho Farmhouse has everything you could dream of for a countryside getaway—from hot tubs and steam rooms to Japanese dining and riverside boating—there’s a growing trend among visitors: staying just outside the estate to enjoy a quieter, more authentic taste of Cotswolds life. And that’s exactly where Well Cottage comes in.
A Rural Playground of Wellness and Leisure
Soho Farmhouse isn’t your average hotel in the country. It’s more like a village—if the village had been designed by interior designers and stocked with Cowshed toiletries.
One of the standout features is the Hay Barn, home to the Soho Health Club and the Members’ Spa. If you’re after some serious relaxation, you’ll find it here. Picture slipping into a thick robe and wandering through a candlelit corridor to your treatment room, where therapists offer everything from deep tissue massages to holistic facials using the brand’s own Cowshed products.
There’s a steam room, ice baths, and a hydrotherapy circuit that leads you from one hot pool to the next, with views across the rolling countryside. You can stretch it all out on the yoga deck, or join a group fitness class if you’re feeling energetic. And when the weather’s fine, the outdoor pool is a blissful place to float the afternoon away.
Food and Drink
One thing you’ll never do at Soho Farmhouse is go hungry. The Main Barn is the heart of the site—cosy in winter, airy in summer—with sofas, fireplaces, and a menu that ranges from fry-ups to comforting Sunday roasts. You can head upstairs for something a little more grown-up in the Fancy Farm area, or keep it relaxed in the Comfy Farm.
Then there’s Pen Yen, a Japanese grill tucked into a lakeside building, where you can feast on black cod, sushi, and smoky skewers straight off the robata. For something sweet, Blake’s Kitchen is unmissable. It’s set in a beautiful Grade II-listed building and churns out the softest cinnamon buns, crusty sourdough loaves, and legendary sausage rolls—ideal with a coffee in the morning or a snack after the spa.
In summer, you’ll find the garden buzzing with outdoor dining, pop-ups like Little Berenjak bringing Persian-style feasts to the lawn, and cocktail floats making their way across the estate with margaritas and Aperol on board.
Things to Do
Whether you're in the mood to be active or just want to potter about, Soho Farmhouse has something for everyone.
There’s boating on the lake, clay pigeon shooting, and even a few tennis courts if you fancy a match. The on-site cinema is as plush as they come, with deep armchairs, cocktails, and a cracking film selection. Over by the Farm Yard, kids can meet animals, play in the sandpit, or take part in crafty activities, while adults pop into the flower shop or browse the curated edit of fashion and interiors at The Store X.
If you're visiting at the weekend, chances are you'll stumble upon a live DJ in the Mill Room, a wine tasting, or a seasonal event like a barn dance, floristry workshop, or fireside talk.
It’s everything a countryside escape should be—with a bit of sparkle and style thrown in.
A Cottage Stay Just Down the Lane
Now, if you love the idea of Soho Farmhouse but also want some peace, privacy, and that real “chocolate-box” Cotswolds feel, you’ll want to stay somewhere like Well Cottage. Just a few minutes away by car—or better yet, by bicycle (they’ll lend you one if you ask)—this four-bedroom thatched cottage is every bit as special as the Farmhouse, but in a more homely, traditional way. Inside, you’ll find oak beams, lime plaster walls, and inglenook fireplaces. The kitchen has an Aga, perfect for slow breakfasts or cosy evenings in, and the whole place has a warm, welcoming feel that makes you immediately relax. It sleeps seven comfortably, so it’s ideal for couples, families, or small groups.
The garden is private and peaceful, with a BBQ for summer evenings, and the village itself is quiet, leafy, and just the right kind of off-the-beaten-track. After a day at the Farmhouse—maybe a morning swim, a long lunch at the barn, and a deep tissue massage—it’s a dream to come home to.
The Best of Both Worlds
In truth, staying at Well Cottage while enjoying the best of Soho House is the perfect mix. You can dip into the wellness, the food, the fun—then slip away to your own slice of calm when the mood strikes. So if you're planning a long weekend, a special celebration, or just a much-needed break, keep this combo in mind: Soho Farmhouse by day, Well Cottage by night.
It’s countryside living done right.