Switch off Bridgerton. It’s time to immerse yourself in a real-life 19th century love affair, courtesy of Saltmarshe Hall in Howden, East Yorkshire. Set in a sprawling country estate in existence since 1067, the Hall provides a low-key luxury experience fit for high society, discerning diners and everything in between.
Located near the banks of the River Ouse and around 45 mins drive from York, it’s in a relatively remote part of the English countryside, surrounded by small villages and not much more. It’s partly this seclusion that gives the property its charm, evident even before you’ve reached the front door as arrival involves winding country roads and the sort of driveway that puts modern-day status symbols to shame.
Saltmarshe is a luxury boutique hotel with just 14 bedrooms rooms and a separate converted stable cottage. Each room is unique, decorated tastefully to suit modern convenience all the while respecting the property’s illustrious past and original features.
Its the sort of hotel you visit with no intention to leave the grounds, whiling away the hours in the two-person bath tub and enjoying the sounds of nothingness beyond (or, in our case, the dulcet tones of a true crime podcast accompanied by a glass of champagne).
If cabin fever gets the better of you, the estate incorporates a maze of hidden gardens to get lost among, even complete with an outdoor swimming pool – boutique-sized, of course.
The size and location of Saltmarshe creates a truly unique dynamic whereby guests feel like they’re sharing a house rather than co-existing at a hotel. Dinner is served on the heated terrace before guests retire, together, to one of the drawing rooms for after-dinner drinks. The whole thing feels a bit like playing a part in a period-era murder mystery game.
As you leave Saltmarshe down the sprawling driveway, Full Yorkshire in your stomach, you have the impression you’re leaving a sanctuary of quiet before rejoining the real world via the M62. If you’re prepared for the detour, we’d fully recommend losing yourself here sometime soon.
We ate
A 6-course dinner on the terrace of tapenade, moules marinière, lemon sorbet, lamb cutlets, salted caramel cheesecake and chocolate-dipped shortbread with coffee.
In the morning we had a Full Yorkshire breakfast.
wow!! 1Domaine de Métifiot, Provence
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thewanderluxe.co.uk 
Lovely review both hotels sound stylish and welcoming, offering a great base to explore different sides of Brussels.