A Girls Getaway to Babington House in Somerset

One of my favorite things about London is how many little gems are within a short drive of the city. We’ve been fortunate to visit many wonderful areas (The Cotswolds, Dorset, and Oxford to name a few) but as many as I check off, somehow I discover more to add to my bucket list with each trip to the UK. When I visited my friend Robyn in London for a weekend, we decided to split our time between seeing her city life and a little getaway to the country. (NB: If you don’t follow Robyn you must, she’s a photographer and mom to the cutest little guy and I’m obsessed with her idyllic portrait of London life.)

When choosing a country house for our getaway, Babington House was on our shortlist, but after Insta-stalking a friend-of-a-friend’s Vogue-worthy wedding at Babington House, Robyn and I knew it was our only option. There were several rooms available so we didn’t book until the last minute, which worked to our advantage as Babington has incredible last-minute deals, and we snagged a spot in the main house. If I lived in London I’d be out here once a month.

We took the train out and hopped in a cab for the final stretch. Our driver was Mr. Toad in another life and gave us a wild ride through the narrow lanes to Babington’s estate. Stomachs swirling, we dropped out bags at reception and settled into a table on the lawn for lunch. It was a little cold for al fresco dining but we were determined to enjoy the fresh air was much as possible on our visit and dove into several pizzas and a salad.

BABBINGTON HOUSE PACKING LIST:

Room #3 was a dream, and while I didn’t see other rooms, I’m confident it’s the best room in the house because I can’t imagine anything more perfect. We opened the door to a massive 20 x 20 foot suite done up in shades of blue. A plush velvet sofa, crystal sparkling on the brass bar cart, a Burleigh tea set we wanted to steal (but didn’t), and a basket stocked with wood standing ready by the hearth were just some of the elegant details as we glanced around the room. A massive four poster bed was piled high with down pillows and flanked by built-in bookcases bursting with hardbacks. The double sided fireplace also opened to the bathroom and we took turns enjoying a soak in the clawfoot tub that evening. We didn’t realize that there was a small bunk room behind one of the doors, so the room would be perfect for girlfriends, couples, or a whole family getaway.

I wore this timeless navy shirtdress so many times on my England trip, and though it’s sold out right now I also love this one, and dream of this gorgeous number by Lela Rose. I also found my Tabitha Simmons flats with floral embroidery here, though they’re such a good price I know they won’t last long!

Both country walk enthusiasts, Robyn and I pulled on our wellies and stashed cookies from the tin in the deep pockets of our Barbour jackets before picking up a map for a walk. We started with the shorter property loop and took a longer 2 hour walk the next day. We passed by cabins, ponds, and Cowshed (Babington’s glorious spa) and I regretted leaving my swimsuit at home. The heated outdoor pool is beautiful, especially in the golden afternoon light, and I hope to bring David back to experience it on a future visit to England.