The ultimate escape to the country

IF YOU’VE ever been seduced by the rolling green hills in Escape to the Country, then this decadent (and delicious) sojourn is what you’ve been dreaming of.

Walking along Kingham’s main street, you’re almost certain Rosemary and Thyme is about to jump out.

IF YOU’VE ever watched UK property shows like Escape to the Country or dramas like Doc Martin, you’ve probably been seduced by the rolling green hills of England.

You dream of walking along country paths, out into an open field bordered by perfect hedges and stone walls, and retiring in the afternoon to a plate of warm homemade scones and tea, served in a garden filled with the scent of blooming roses. Quite the contrast from the hustle, bustle and cacophony of London. Nestled within the western end of the Cotswolds and just under a two-hour drive from London is the village of Kingham. With a population of less than 1000 people, Kingham is the epitome of a tiny English village — it has essentially two streets, a general store, two pubs, a church and a primary school. All of the village’s cottages are built from the region’s signature Cotswold stone and everyone’s gardens are immaculate. On foot, you can walk every inch of the village in about 10 minutes. To call it quaint would be an understatement. Kingham was even named as “England’s favourite village” by a glossy magazine in the past. The Wild Rabbit Inn is one of the two dining and accommodation options in Kingham. Completely rebuilt a few years ago, it’s been billed as a “reinvention” of a traditional English inn with just more than a dozen gorgeously appointed rooms. Each room, named after woodland creatures, has a custom-made king bed topped with a sinkable mattress adorned in fine linen, as well as generous bathrooms with rain showerheads. Everything about its rustic decor is modern country chic with a neutral palette and soft fabrics. Mercifully, there’s not a hint of chintz or a frill in sight. It has a sunny beer garden out the front with rabbit topiaries while after-dinner drinks can be enjoyed on the back patio with its roaring fire. Step inside the front door and there’s a long bar in a den-like room with cosy lounges, tables and two fireplaces. Behind that is a cavernous dining room similar to those you’d find at a high-end lodge, and this is where the real magic of The Wild Rabbit Inn can be found — its food. The menu is brimming with luxurious choices — mackerel, English veal, Cornish hake, black pudding and local organic lamb. Also on offer is 40-day dry-aged sirloin or rib eye cooked over charcoal. The entree I pick is probably one of the most indulgent dishes I’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring — a perfectly poached duck egg surrounded by pureed truffle, shaved truffle, cubes of smoky, slow-cooked bacon, crispy sourdough soldiers while garden peas cut through the richness. It is decadent and it is delicious. And I would’ve been happy with just that if the lights turned off right then and I was ushered out, but alas, the show must go on. What a burden. Next came out a dish of moist Scottish haddock, accompanied with a light but creamy leek and cucumber sauce, a refreshing granny smith apple slaw and a crispy hen’s egg (also perfectly poached). By the time dessert rolled around, we were well and truly on our way to full bellies, but we did our duty and scoffed down the sorbet and pineapple two ways creation. Well-rested and well-fed, there’s more of the enchanting Cotswolds to explore. I’m certain I’ll find Jules Hudson or Alistair Appleton around here somewhere. Kingham is well-placed to continue the escape to the country. Market towns such as Chipping Norton, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are within a 15-minute drive. There are also the manicured gardens at Bourton House and the majesty of Sudeley Castle nearby. Oxford is about 45 minutes away while Bath is one and a half hours down the road. Rooms start at $270 a night (breakfast included) and expect to pay roughly $160 for two people for dinner (not including drinks).