For an impromptu weekend getaway with minimal travel involved, Windsor takes some beating. That the town feels entirely un-London, yet is reachable within an hour appeals to our city-centric sensibilities. In a short train ride from Waterloo to Datchet, the bustle of the Capital quickly melts away, as does the stress of the working week. This is going to be fun.
Where history meets modern style and comfort, Windsor Lion is a captivating Grade II listed residence nestled in the heart of Old Windsor. The postcard-pretty abode traces its origins back to 1876 when it played a vital role in the Royal Windsor Tapestry Works. In fact, Queen Victoria entrusted her own beloved tapestries for repair here, so we know we’re in regal company.
We’re met by owner Lisa, who’s keen to ensure we have everything we need – and then some. After a quick tour of the ground floor, and a low-down of local attractions on offer (we’re just three miles east of Legoland here but it appears we’ve left the kids behind), we are left to our own devices. Wide-eyed and full of wows, we explore every corner of the house, deciding on which sumptuous bedroom will be whose over the next three indulgent nights.
Having undergone a meticulous renovation, the property harmoniously blends its storied past with contemporary comforts, resulting in a seamless fusion of old-world allure and modern convenience. In a nod to the property’s past, we’re met with a gallery wall of tapestries leading us up the stairs, while bold gold light fittings and dark, jewel-hued walls reflect the property’s playful, but elegantly grown-up vibe.
Every room boasts exceptional attention to detail, with period features lovingly restored alongside sleek, art deco inspired furnishings and state- of-the-art amenities. From the inviting bedrooms to the expansive living spaces and well-appointed kitchen, every facet of Windsor Lion has been thoughtfully curated. Here, you can seek solace in a cosy reading nook as much as host a convivial meal in the elegant dining space – there’s room enough for a slice of peace as well as a lively dinner party.
With the full knowledge that our stay is short, we vow to make it out of the house and explore. Lisa has gifted us with delicious breakfast jams and marmalades from the Windsor Farm Shop (another local gem beloved by royalty), and we pay a visit to stock up on the foodstuffs we know we’ll want to take home and cherish. A lovely touch is that all the complimentary toiletries at Windsor Lion have the same local stamp, and the floral scents are intoxicating.
A slap-up local pub lunch is high on our to-do list, and we stumble across The Fox and Hounds in the nearby Englefield Green. Possibly the most dog-friendly drinking hole we’ve ever been to, we’re met with a wealth of waggy tails as we enter. But through to the elegant restaurant space, there’s a serene sense of calm, and we can’t wait to see what’s on the menu. We eye up our neighbouring diners’ plates and decide the Sunday roast is a no-brainer, as is our gluttonous starter of toasted flatbread and baked Camembert and the rude-not-to garlic shrimps, all washed down with a crisp Trebbiano and finished off with a truly indulgent vanilla crème brûlée.
Back at the house, we have time to sit back and settle into a cosy movie night in the sumptuous living room with its plush velvet seating and its gilded, deco-inspired furnishings. It is the height of modern glamour. And as the end credits roll, we know we’ll be sad to say goodbye to our little Windsor bolthole. But we promise to return.
