Create a statement – You want to think ‘wow’ as soon as you walk into your bedroom and what better way than with a show-stopping bed. Favourites include the timelessly romantic four poster, which, whether you go for a full-on carved number or a more minimalist design, always says glamour. A popular alternative is a tall statement headboard, which adds a sense of height and elegance to a boutique bedroom and more than a touch of grandeur!

Dress the bed –  Sumptuous bed linen is a must for the boutique bedroom, so invest in soft sheets and plump pillows to create a haven for luxurious lounging. Add colour and texture by incorporating accessories such as cushions and bed runners, which can be easily changed should you fancy a change. The use of rich fabrics including velvets and silks will serve to reinforce the feeling of luxury and glamour.

Add a feature wall or be bold with artwork – Perfect for framing the statement bed, a stand-out feature wall can totally alter the look of your room, turning it from ordinary into totally fabulous. Ensure you balance this with neutrals however, so as to keep the look chic. If you are worried a feature wall may be too permanent, invest in some artwork and simultaneously transform the space and feel of the room.

Style the bedside table – To create a welcoming environment and sense of well-being to your boutique bedroom, dress your bedside table with a striking floral display. A stylish bedside lamp is also an absolute must!

Soften the lighting – Try softening the mood through the use of table lamps and dimmer switches instead of having a fixed overhead light which can be harsh. The result will be a calm and sophisticated atmosphere in your boutique bedroom, perfect for when you are looking to just ‘chill out’.

Add a bath – If you have the space, then why not stretch to having a free standing bath in your room which will convey the ultimate in luxury. Add mood lighting and scented candles to complete the ambience, luxury toiletries and large fluffy bathrobes and you will be well on the way to experiencing the most decadent of boutique bedroom experiences.

Don’t forget finishing touches – To add sophisticated glamour introduce luxurious textures. Finishing touches such as leather hangers or alabaster bathroom accessories, all serve to complete that super luxurious boutique bedroom feel.

And finally…….Play around with styles – Whilst it is often wise to style a room in keeping with the property’s architecture, done well, you can blend period features with contemporary minimalism surprising yourself with a totally unique look.

Happy Decorating!

Boutique and Breakfast

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Combermere Abbey

Combermere Abbey, Wedding Venue

Say ‘I do’ at the stunning Combermere Abbey situated on the border of Shropshire and Cheshire. The venue can be exclusively yours on your wedding day, with a series of stunning locations for your ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception. If you opt for a civil ceremony, you can say your vows in the Edwardian Glasshouse with views over the stunning gardens as your guests witness your big moment, or marry in the fruit tree maze if the weather is warm. For traditional religious ceremonies, Combermere Abbey is surrounded by picturesque village churches for your ceremony, followed by the reception at the Abbey.

The Old Rectory

The Old Rectory Hastings, boutique wedding venue

The Old Rectory in Hastings, is licensed to host weddings and civil unions and is the perfect location if you are seeking an intimate boutique wedding venue. Ceremonies can take place in the elegant lounge or on the terrace within the delightful garden. It can cater for up to 50 guests with a wedding reception within the house, or 80 guests with a Capri Marquee in the walled garden. The team pride themselves on providing a personalised service to ensure that your very special day is exactly as you want it to be. Whether it’s a four-course sit down meal, a barbecue in the grounds or a luxury high tea, they will take care of the details so that you can just relax and enjoy the whole event.

Arden House

The luxury Dining Room at Arden House

Situated in Shakespeare’s birthplace, there are fewer more romantic places to say ‘I do’ than the Heart of England. With the emphasis firmly on luxury, Arden House offers a calm and inviting place to relax in, a special place for sharing experiences and creating memories. With ten elegantly designed bedrooms, Arden House boutique bed and breakfast townhouse can be hired exclusively, offering the luxury and privacy you need your wedding day. Arden House can tailor your wedding package specifically for your needs and offer a formal wedding breakfast for up to 20 guests or a more informal buffet for up to 30 guests. Your wedding party can enjoy drinks on the terrace of their sister hotel, the Arden Hotel, as the Avon gently flows by, before returning to your own unique reception at Arden House.

Cley Windmill

Cley Windmill is a totally unique setting for your wedding or civil ceremony, which take place in the beautiful round Sitting Room.  For a very intimate affair Cley Windmill is perfect, as its licence only allows it to host 22 people, including the bride and groom in the ceremony room. If you would just like to enjoy the unique experience of having your ceremony in a Windmill, but are planning a larger reception elsewhere, the team can accommodate this, allowing you time after the ceremony to enjoy a glass of champagne and canapés, which will be served in the Windmill Dining Room and to take photographs. They can also provide tea or even a Norfolk Cream Tea, as well as a Wedding Breakfast, depending on the time of year and diary commitments. Wedding parties can opt to take over the Windmill and by booking all of the B&B rooms and the self-catering cottage, which, in all, accommodate 18-20 guests.

Pentillie Castle

Pentillie Castle is a truly special place steeped in history, and can be exclusively yours for your wedding day. The 300 years of family history, the spectacular location on the Tamar River and the fantastic team, all combine to make your day truly memorable. Pentillie Castle is a grand, private home, allowing you the freedom and flexibility to plan the wedding of your dreams. There are a variety of spaces licensed for civil ceremonies, along with terraced gardens and large reception rooms in which to celebrate with family and friends. The photo opportunities are also pretty special as you have 55 acres of woodland gardens at your disposal. All in all Pentillie offers the perfect wedding venue and backdrop for you big day!

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They have been awarded a Travellers’ Choice Award by travel website TripAdvisor, which places them as 4^th Best in the UK and 9^th in the World.

The awards are decided by an algorithm that analyses the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travellers worldwide.  At the time of the award, The 25 had 374 guest reviews with every single one giving them the highest score of five out of five.

Awards were handed out in several categories – top hotels, bargain, B&Bs and inns, best service, luxury, small hotels and value for money.

The results of this year’s awards prove that it’s the UK that’s the best at running B&Bs, claiming not just the number one in Europe but second and third place as well – and five of the top 10 B&Bs in the world are located in the UK.

Owners, Andy & Julian Banner-Price set up The 25 three years ago and have won numerous other awards.  Andy said “We’ve been very lucky and won several awards which recognise our excellent customer service and high standard of accommodation, but this is particularly important as it’s purely judged on by the comments of our wonderful guests.

We’re pleased to have been placed in the top ten in the World and not only will it help us attract new guests, but it puts Torquay and Devon on a world stage, attracting more business to the area overall, even if they choose not to stay with us.”

A recent review on TripAdvisor said “We now understand the description, the reviews and the press releases. It really was impossible for us to find fault with our stay at The 25. Honestly.  Highly highly recommended.”

The 25 has six individually designed bedrooms and offers B&B from £120 per night for a double room.  www.the25.uk

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Delicious – Series 02 Episode 01 Emilia Fox as Sam and Dawn French as Gina.

The first series of Delicious saw Dawn French and Emilia Fox play two women entangled in a compelling tale of love, sex, deceit and betrayal, and was Sky’s most successful drama series of the last 12 months. This second series sees Dawn French reprise her role of passionate cook Gina, who has inherited the Penrose hotel and restaurant together with the glamorous Sam (Emilia Fox). Since our last visit to the Penrose, Gina and Sam’s business has been booming, surprisingly their tenuous friendship has lasted, and they are on the lookout for a new addition in the kitchen. Before we give too much away however, you can take a peek at the trailer and see for yourselves what is in store for this sparring duo!

Along with Dawn French and Emilia Fox, Pentillie Castle is also reprising its role in Delicious as the Penrose Hotel. Set on the banks of the stunning River Tamar in Cornwall, the Pentillie Castle and estate provides the perfect backdrop for all the various goings on at the Penrose, not to mention the romantic trysts that took place at the delightful boat house in series 1 and which, we are hoping, will continue into this next series!

If you fancy experiencing first hand your very own piece of Delicious, why not book yourself a luxury boutique B&B stay at Pentillie. The castle itself, is a stylishly renovated 17^th century castle which is undoubtedly grand and the ultimate in luxury B&B. It is also the cosy and welcoming home of the Coryton family, who, with the support of their friendly team of staff, go out of their way to create a relaxed environment. The castle forms part of a beautiful and historic country estate, and is surrounded by 55 acres of woodland. Every room affords guests stunning views across the Tamar Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), to Dartmoor – Delicious!

As well as sensitively modernising the castle in 2009, the Coryton family have put a huge amount of effort into restoring its beautiful gardens, which are now a visitor attraction in their own right. They’ve been featured in a Daily Telegraph article on the five Best Spring Gardens, as well as being likened to Cornwall’s famous Lost Gardens of Heligan, which are not far away.

As well as its starring role in the Sky1 Drama Delicious, Pentillie Castle hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year including outdoor theatre, garden tours and corporate days. It is also a licensed wedding venue and it is possible to arrange to have exclusive use of the castle.

To find out more about Pentillie Castle please click here

Sky1 Drama Delicious airs on 29th December 2017.

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Both properties are part of the Eden Hotel Collection, which unites stunning hotel escapes in the UK with the emphasis firmly on luxury as standard.

Arden House offers the highest level of luxury service, yet it still keeps its heart in the ‘home from home’ boutique bed and breakfast experience. With House Hosts on hand to help you make the most of your stay, your short break in the Heart of England will be one to remember.

Luxury bathroom

Stratford upon Avon is famous the world over as the birthplace of the Bard, William Shakespeare. Few writers have made such an impact on the English language, with many of his phrases used still in our everyday speech. If you’ve ever waited with ‘Bated breath’, been ‘fancy-free’ or looked for a bit of ‘Elbow room’, then you’ll feel at home as you stroll the streets of Stratford.

A wonderfully-sized town centre, you can while away the morning getting to grip with Shakespeare’s life and times, with a ticket that allows you entry into a range of properties, including Anne Hathaway’s house. With many coffee shops and tea rooms to choose from, you might even opt to sup an ale in one of Stratford’s atmospheric and historic pubs.

The Avon winds slowly through parkland in Stratford Upon Avon, while the RSC’s main theatres stand on its banks. Plan ahead to secure tickets to a performance, or simply stop for a cup of tea or a browse through the gift shop.

Stratford Upon Avon is perfectly placed in Warwickshire for fabulous days out to some of England’s most famous attractions and gorgeous towns. With Royal Leamington Spa still famous for its spas, albeit modern versions, you can enjoy some retail therapy with a stunning range of high street favourites and independent boutique shops that you just won’t see anywhere else.

For history fans, princesses and knights in the making, a trip to Warwick Castle will transport you back to a time when dragons breathed fire for the fun of it and damsels were distressed. Bringing the ‘olden days’ to life with a great sense of humour and romance, Warwick Castle boasts 1000 years of stories, myths and legends.

The lounge at Arden House

If you prefer to strike out further afield for a day trip, you can find yourself in the Cotswolds in no time. With the iconic yellow stone of the quaint villages to the larger market towns accessed by the Fosse Way, the Cotswolds are a great place to spend the day. Alternatively, if you’re more one for relaxing, then you can enjoy some down time in the delightful lounge or garden room at Arden House boutique B&B whilst letting your House Hosts attend to your every need!

Find more information on Arden House here

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The annual awards celebrate the cream of Devon’s tourism businesses, and their top winners are put forward for the South West Tourism Awards early next year.

Owned and personally run by Andy & Julian Banner-Price, The 25 Boutique B&B won Gold for Best B&B of the year, topping their Silver award last year and adding to their long list of previous accolades.  Andy said “We’ve invested heavily and year on year continue to make improvements.  It’s great to be recognized for the hard work we put into making sure our guests have the very best experience when they stay with us”.  The pair won a coveted TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in earlier this year, placing them 9^th Best B&B in the UK.

The 25 also picked up the most prestigious award of the evening – Winner of Winners.   There are no fixed criteria for this award – a business that has won many other awards, or maybe has won over many years, but according to awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism, “This year’s panel wanted to recognise a winner who is a beacon to others and who, in their category, was a winner by an outstanding margin”.

Andy added “We were so thrilled to have won Best B&B, but absolutely gob smacked to take home Winner of Winners!  Being up against such tough competition in our category, it was amazing to learn we were so far ahead.  To be held up as a leading example in our industry is a real honour after being open less than three years.”

In Spring 2018, Andy is launching a training company alongside the B&B to pass on the secrets of their success to those thinking of buying a B&B.  The residential two-day courses will equip budding B&Bers with the tools they need to buy the right property, and make a success of it from day one.

www.the25.uk         www.training.the25.uk

Further information is available from Andy Banner-Price 01803 297517  stay@the25.uk

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Wealth and Finance is dedicated to providing a platform to the brightest, best performing and most deserving companies and individuals and are fiercely passionate about recognising outstanding achievement and stellar performance. All of their awards are carefully tailored to provide detailed and in-depth analysis of the very best each market, industry, sector and region has to offer, with each winner selected purely on merit. Winners are decided by a combination of votes gathered from the Wealth and Finance network of respected industry partners and their own rigorous in-house research.

Boutique and Breakfast is over the moon that our online directory which showcases the very best in luxury accommodation has achieved such recognition. From boutique B&B’s, luxury self-catering accommodation to Inns with rooms where you can sleep and dine in style, we offer something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a romantic weekend break, a family friendly holiday, dog friendly self-catering breaks or a mid-week break where you can enjoy a duvet day in style, you can be assured of personal service and fabulous hospitality when you book a stay at any of our featured accommodation. By booking direct with our featured properties, you are also supporting a community of luxury accommodation owners to continue providing the high standards of service that Boutique and Breakfast has become known for, as they do not have to pay out the huge commission fees in the same way as when you book through one of the large booking portals.

It only remains to say that we could not have achieved such recognition without the support of both our featured property owners and visitors to our online directory. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on our journey so far!

Boutique and Breakfast

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Winchester

If you are looking for UK city break ideas then look no further than the attractive, Cathedral city of Winchester in Hampshire. Located on the edge of the South Downs and steeped in history, it was once England’s capital city and the seat of King Alfred the Great. Boasting a great choice of shops, bars and restaurants, as well as the country’s largest farmers’ market, there is so much to see and do making Winchester an ideal choice for a weekend city break or romantic getaway. With two fabulous properties to choose from, both of which are owned and managed by the delightful Hannah, you can take your pick from luxury boutique B&B or quirky self-catering accommodation.

Northumberland

If the thought of coastal walks along windswept beaches complete with rugged coastline and historic castles are more your thing, then a winter staycation in Northumberland could be just the ticket. Book a stay in multi award winning accommodation at St. Cuthbert’s House and enjoy all that this stunning region has to offer. Situated in Seahouses on the beautiful Northumberland coast, it’s just a stroll along the beach to Bamburgh Castle and a short drive to Alnwick Castle and Gardens and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. If you are looking for the perfect winter coastal break, St. Cuthbert’s House is a peaceful and unique place to stay.

North Yorkshire

If the countryside and wild open moorland is what stirs your soul, then book a luxury staycation to North Yorkshire. You can choose to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park at Eighteen97; a luxury B&B in the picturesque village of Goathland, which found fame as the fictional settlement of ‘Aidensfield’ in the popular television series Heartbeat and where you can currently enjoy 10% off their standard tariffs. Alternatively, if you fancy experiencing the perfect recipe for a UK 2017 seaside break, then pay a visit to Dillons of Whitby where you can enjoy contemporary elegance and modern convenience with a healthy dose of traditional warmth and hospitality.

Northern Ireland

Want to jump on a plane?  Are you an avid fan of Game of Thrones?  If you answered yes, then a stay at Blackrock House in Northern Ireland should definitely be in your top 10 UK weekend breaks list! Located in Northern Ireland’s premier seaside destination of Portrush, known for its scenic coastal rail journeys and home to the Portrush Royal Golf Club, this boutique B&B provides the perfect escape whether you are seeking a coastal, romantic or activity break.

With plenty of other luxury accommodation on offer, we are sure that you will find the perfect boutique retreat for your 2017 UK staycation this autumn / winter.

Happy Holidays!

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The awards were handed out at the glittering Awards Ceremony at the Waldorf Hotel in London on Monday April 24.

Owners Jeff & Jill Sutheran said they were “honoured and delighted” to receive the Gold Award for the second time in three years.

VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence recognise and celebrate the best businesses in English Tourism.  St Cuthbert’s House has been amongst the winners at the VisitEngland national Awards in four of the last five years, and by winning Gold in the B&B category twice, has firmly established itself as one of the leading lights amongst Tourism businesses in England.

VisitEngland Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said: “The Awards shine a spotlight on an industry driven by the highest-calibre people and organisations who deliver unforgettable experiences for visitors, raising the profile of England as a world-class destination and driving the economic benefits of tourism across the regions.”

 “Awards for Excellence winners exemplify outstanding tourism talent and distinguished businesses throughout England. We received over 600 truly impressive applications this year and there’s absolutely no doubt that the winners represent the very best in the industry. I’d like to congratulate St Cuthbert’s House on this fantastic achievement.”

After a long and painstaking restoration and conversion of the disused former church – which carefully integrated many original features like the pulpit and communion table – St Cuthbert’s House opened for business nine years ago, providing high-quality guest accommodation in six ensuite bedrooms.  It has built a strong reputation, bolstered by its 5-star grading from VisitBritain and recommendations on peer-review websites like Tripadvisor.

Owner Jill Sutheran said: “It’s a real honour for us to win Gold at these National Awards for the second time.  There were some fantastic tourism businesses from around the whole country in the mix, and to be judged as worthy of the top Award again is just wonderful.  It’s good for our business of course, but we’re also pleased to be flying the flag for the Northumberland coast as a wonderful place to visit!”

Husband Jeff added: “We’re delighted that our determination to provide an unforgettable guest experience in this amazing area has brought us this national Award, and positions us firmly amongst the very best in the whole country.”

For more information on St Cuthbert’s House please visit www.stcuthbertshouse.com

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The Driftwood, Bexhill

The Driftwood Bexhill, is a newly opened restaurant with rooms situated in the elegant seaside resort of Bexhill in East Sussex. Formerly a neglected three-storey townhouse, the property has undergone a major refurbishment programme and now offers guests a choice of wonderful food in a relaxed and informal environment, along with six eclectic and beautifully designed hotel bedrooms.

The laid back rustic “Brasserie style” restaurant with its timber flooring, exposed brickwork and oak panelling, creates a stylish but unpretentious backdrop for relaxed lunches as well as intimate dinners. The exciting modern Austrian fusion menu inspired by head chef Michael Roessl, has something for everyone. When it comes to accommodation, each of the six boutique bedrooms have their own distinct character and offer a wonderful balance of contemporary and traditional comfort. The Driftwood Bexhill is a little haven of happiness on the Sussex coast perfect for a coastal break and with all that this town has to offer you can be assured that your stay will be a memorable one.

Two Bare Feet, Winchester

Two Bare Feet offers the very best of loft-style living in the heart of Winchester. Once a scouts hut and then an office, the building has been totally re-invented with imaginative use of space, restored original features and quirky little touches. A totally unique house which is available to book either as individual rooms or in its entirety, it is the perfect place for a weekend or short break.

The property offers three individually styled bedrooms, all of which have been designed to make guests feel as comfortable as possible. The bedrooms are private and come complete with king size beds, 32 inch TVs, wifi, ensuite bathrooms and lounge areas. The fully equipped kitchen makes self-catering easy, whilst the dining area means guests can relax and comfortably spend time together.

Winchester is a fabulous pace to visit whether you are looking for a romantic city break, a shopping trip with friends or a family get together and Two Bare Feet is located within a short stroll of all that this historical city has to offer.

With two such fabulous properties to choose from we are sure you will be spoilt for choice, but wherever you decide to book your boutique break you can be assured of a fabulous place to stay!

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