Babington House

At last, in a proud and exciting moment of positivity, we can celebrate something British. What joy. It’s time to go back to an original. Babington House, Soho House’s heavenly Somerset sister, is everything you hope it will be – glamorous, sexy and deeply, wonderfully stylish. It’s a little bit organic potting-shed chic and a little bit martini rock ’n’ roll – no one would bat an eyelid if you decided to drink Pimm’s under the oak trees dressed in vintage Ossie Clark and a muddy pair of Hunters. There’s a glorious, laidback, eccentric spirit to the place that lets us know that, while times may be tough, there’s still fun to be had. When Babington first launched onto the scene, it was a first-of-a-kind country-house hotel that heralded a new era of non-chintzy, contemporary comfort – trendy without being scary. And now, yet more progress: along with a renovation of the interiors to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Babington has raised the bar by launching a world-class spa zone: Cowshed Relax. Set next to a walled Victorian garden, this lovely addition is perfectly timely in its homegrown vibe. The reception area looks like a proper village store: racks of wicker baskets full of rosy apples, brightly coloured gourds and heaps of artichokes. Shelves are dotted with Lazenby seed containers, wooden trugs and terracotta pots of herbs. The fabulous relaxation room offers lemon water served in cut-glass jugs and tempting cloches stuffed full of home-baked scones. This is pure West Country (not a hint of Asia anywhere). Just hessian fabrics, gardening books and teas and coffees stored in pickling jars. And while not exactly hi-tech, the Cowshed therapies are low-key and feelgood. Grumpy Cow? Wild Cow? Knackered Cow? It’s all about unpretentious kicks. Treatments are divided into ‘wet’ (steams, scrubs and mud applications) and ‘dry’ reflexology, deep-cleanse facials, great pedicures and magic massages – be sure to book the amazing Tami). Little details keep everything cosy – the mani-pedi stations come with their own TVs and headphones and soft fawn bathrobes keep you toasty. Best of all, you can sleep a hop away in one of the new Walled Garden rooms (child-free!) with their own outdoor steel-bashed baths for two, private spa areas, wood-burning stoves and bicycles to ride to the main house. If all this sounds too indolent, head to separate Cowshed Active with its pools, gym, sauna, steam and aroma rooms. For the UK, this is an unbelievably comprehensive set-up. OK, so you wouldn’t come here for a hardcore detox, but could there be a better place for a weekend escape that is both sprightly and indulgent? The views of the lake are hypnotically Jane Austen and the food is sensational. Babington knows how to put a smile on your face. And isn’t that what we all need?