Upon entering the honey-shade building that is HYLL, you may be mistaken for having walked into a friend’s home. There is no reception desk or indeed anything looking remotely bureaucratic, as you would find when you walk into a hotel. What you will get, though, is a warm, relaxed smile from a member of staff to greet you. And that is precisely the desired effect the entrepreneurs of HYLL had envisaged when they decided to take on the project to reinvent this Grade II-listed 17th-century manor house in the north Cotswolds.
Sitting on a 60-acre site just outside Chipping Campden, the manor house and adjoining buildings (frequented by T. S. Eliot) have been brought into the 21st century. This sophisticated makeover was the brainchild of entrepreneurs Paul Baker and Sarah Ramsbottom, who’ve been named as Game Changers in the 2025 Boutique Hotelier Power List. The launch marks their first under the new hotel brand Madfabulous Hotels.
Both Paul and Sarah wanted to create a space for guests where they can literally do nothing and eliminate the pressure of having to mark a long tick list. It’s hardly surprising then that there are not one but three lounges – all of which exude a luxury, cosy charm.
Life at HYLL
Guests are encouraged to treat the hotel much like a home (and indeed it feels just like one). They can listen to their favourite song from the record player in the snug from its collection, potter around in the grounds, have a drink on the terrace, or spend a halcyon afternoon curled up with a book.
Talking of which, bookworms will be delighted to see the place scattered with them. Not the coffee table types that you flick through, but books you actually want to read. HYLL has an ongoing partnership with Borzoi Books, where books are rotated monthly. If you fall in love with a book, you can simply buy it.
Bedrooms
While no two bedrooms are the same, they all have rustic charm. The 26 understated bedrooms designed using hand-finished plaster, Cotswold stone, aged metals and weathered timber range from a manor house chamber to snug courtyard spaces.
The interiors have been designed by Manchester-based design studio Youth, combining English character with a restrained, modern warmth. The beds hailing from Naturalmat are undoubtedly one of the best I have curled up in. The linen made from organic cotton and natural materials further provided a restful sleep.
Minimalist and elegant bathrooms are stocked with Verden toiletries, while guests will find a well-stocked pantry fully equipped with Grind coffee machines. I swear the taste of my coffee was elevated by sipping it from the locally made ceramic mug.
Dining
Food brings everyone together at HYLL, and at the heart of the hotel, you will find a low-key, sleek restaurant led by chef Mark Coleman. Serving a changing menu built on local produce from nearby farms, mills and distilleries, there’s much to be sampled here.
Flaky buttery pastries and sourdough are served alongside hearty English breakfast staples in the morning to kick-start your day, while savouring toasties, lamb sweetbreads, omelettes and sandwiches makes an appearance at lunch. Come evening, expect to tuck into Hereford ribeye steak, wood-fired octopus and lamb.
While HYLL is all up and running, early 2026 will see the launch of its new Bower space, catering for both weddings and corporate events. The 150-capacity barn-style abode designed by Tim Groom Architects will be built using local stone and timber, so it blends in seamlessly with the rest of the hotel. It’ll also provide unenviable views over the Cotswolds.
HYLL takes its name from the Old English word for an elevated place. However, its literal meaning here transcends to one’s mood. Guests entering this sanctuary can expect theirs to be gently lifted from the pace of everyday life. Because there’s no judgment at HYLL if you choose to be idle and do nothing. Why, it’s actively encouraged. In an age where we’re expected to keep ticking off a never-ending bucket list, it’s incredibly satisfying to simply be.
HYLL is located in Charingworth, Chipping Campden. Room rates at HYLL start from £250 for a double room B&B per night.
To discover more, visit HYLL
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All imagery courtesy of HYLL Cotswolds.