London buzzes with urban excitement. Just 90 minutes outside the city, rolling hillsides and sheep farms tell a far more pastoral story. Tucked away on 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, Soho Farmhouse is a sylvan slice where members and overnight guests can romp around in Wellies and be unburdened by the troubles of the week.
A true escape designed with idle hours in mind, the property puts stock in leisure. Much of the pleasure is found in the uncommitted time to traipse around the grounds, peer at the pigs, and ride bikes along the pathways. Of course, there’s plenty to do if you prefer a more stacked itinerary. Recreational activities include horseback riding (and ponies for tots), clay-pigeon shooting, and tennis.
Wellbeing is a major focus. The spa offers FACEGYM facials, massages, remedial therapies such as cupping and myofascial release, and bespoke IV infusions. Sunken hot tubs teeter on the edge of the lake, giving wellness-seekers the chance to soak surrounded by the beauty of nature. The 135-foot indoor/outdoor pool opens out from the Boathouse into the lake. The new Wellness Barn adds two treatments for holistic experiences, plus three ice baths, an ozone sauna pod, and a studio for Pilates and yoga. Travelers who prefer climbing stairs inside to clocking soggy steps on a rainy day will find a full gym with all the requisite cardio and weight training equipment.
Also, we’re not saying Soho Farmhouse invented rustic chic…but the property did perfect it. Even the most compact rooms—affectionally and adorably called Piglet—pack a design-driven punch with wood-paneled walls and comforting curves. The attic-style Farmyard Upstairs bedrooms feature pitched ceilings and exposed beams. Prefer a bit more privacy and a larger footprint? Opt for a spacious One-Bedroom Cabin complete with separate sleeping and living areas wood-bedecked sleeping, living, and dining areas, plus a full kitchen, freestanding bath, and private outdoor deck overlooking the water.
As a brand, Soho House is rooted in creativity and that sense of expression extends to the farm. The property boasts an impressive art collection with upwards of 180 works by local and international talents. Highlights include “The Women of Great Kew Circle” portraits by Oxford graduate Annie Kevans in the reception Gatehouse, Darcey Fleming’s large-scale tapestry constructed from discarded local farmer’s twine that hangs in the Main Barn, and the enormous meditation structure by Yinka Ilori titled “Beacon of Dreams,” which was created as part of the Soho Visionaries series. The Electric Barn screens films. It also has a full bar and snack kiosk the full cinema experience. Members can attend innovative workshops and tastemaker talks, too.
Between rural, relaxing, and creativity-spurring pastimes and cozy accommodations, guests have little reason to leave until checkout. Thanks to five delicious and distinct dining concepts, all culinary cravings can be met on-site as well. Jonesing for a smash burger or a traditional Sunday roast? Grab a seat by the open fireplace in the Main Barn. Have a hankering for pizza and pasta? Head to Hay Barn. Fancy Japanese chicken karaage and sushi? Book a table at Pen Yen. In the mood for khoresht and kabab? Hit up Little Berenjak. Be sure to grab a freshly baked cinnamon bun or sandwich and smoothie before hitting the road.
Top Takeaways
Location: Great Tew, Chipping Norton, United Kingdom
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Countryside cool with plenty of clout.
Food + Drink: The Main Barn does farm-to-table favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (so basically, whenever you’re craving a smash burger or roasted chicken, it’s available). Pen Yen specializes in Japanese izakaya-style dining. Hay Barn fires Italian fare like pizza and pasta. Little Berenjak is a countryside outpost of the popular London-based Persian restaurant. Blake’s Kitchen Bakery offers coffee, baked goods, smoothies, fresh-pressed juices, sandwiches, and snacks for eat-in or for takeaway.
Amenities: 5 restaurants; spa; indoor and outdoor pool; cinema; Soho Home studio; boutique; farm animals; horseback riding; clay-pigeon shooting, tennis; bicycles; kids club; florsit; daily member events; private event space
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: FACEGYM sculpting facials in the countryside? Sign us up!
5 Nearby Attractions: Great Tew; Blenheim Palace; National Trust – Chastleton House; Heythrop Zoological Gardens; Rousham House & Gardens
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? While most guests will say going off-site isn’t a top priority, Great Tew has plenty of charming photo ops and a cozy pub called the Falkland Arms.
Rooms: 114 rooms and cabins
Pricing: Rooms start at $350/night
Closest Airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
