The picturesque village of Sonning sits on the River Thames in Berkshire, only an hour’s drive from London.
It’s a tranquil sort of place with plenty of wide open countryside, which means it looks particularly beautiful in spring when the many, many trees are in their first flush of intense greenness.
Its beauty and convenient location mean the village attracts many visitors and even some celebrity homeowners. George Clooney and his wife Amal bought a Grade II-listed mansion here on Sonning Eye, its own island in the Thames, after they were married and were seen enjoying time here together.
We’re off to sample some of that Sonning charm with a stay at The Great House, with its great location on the river, not far from where the Clooneys lived. It’s part of the Coppa Club collection of hotels and restaurants and is decorated with the elegance and attention to detail that we’ve come to expect from these stylish properties.
The Great House was originally an Elizabethan coaching inn and it’s in a prime position on a quiet stretch of the Thames. Downstairs there’s a cosy lounge, a beautifully designed restaurant with a glass-covered terrace and emerald lawns with deckchairs leading down to the river. And to one side sit their four igloos – one of which is booked for our dinner.
But first, we check into our Biggy Riverside Double room. It’s in the main building, just up the stairs from the lounge, and has a lovely river view. The enormous, plush bed is at its centre and there’s space to sit with a desk and armchair, an attractive drinks area with fridge and kettle, and a large ensuite shower room. It’s comfortable and luxurious, and we soon settle in before heading downstairs for dinner.
Dinner is in an igloo, something which Coppa Club is famous for. These stylish glass structures are perfect for outdoor dining, whatever the weather, without impeding the views. There are only four of them at The Great House, and ours is in prime position right at the front with more of those perfect river views. Coppa Club’s igloos are heated and come complete with soft blankets, so we’re definitely going to keep warm, even on a slightly chilly spring evening.
We start with cocktails (because they make such good ones) while we peruse the menu. It’s an eclectic modern European menu with a strong Mediterranean influence and offers a wide range of fish and meat dishes, pasta, and pizzas. Plenty to choose from, and it’s all delicious, especially my the delectable pork escalope. And after dinner, it’s a short walk up the stairs to our luxurious room for a restful night’s sleep.
We awake to those river views, so of course it’s time for an early morning walk along the towpath before breakfast. The river is mirror calm, it’s incredibly peaceful, and the country air is beautifully fresh. We take in the views with the sound of birdsong as the soundtrack, and the only people we encounter are a couple of dog walkers (and their dogs, of course). It’s the best way to start the day and to build an appetite for breakfast, which is waiting for us on our return.
A stay at The Great House is a real escape to a world of relaxation. The luxurious accommodation, iconic igloos, great food and welcoming service in such a soothing setting, means we leave the charming little village of Sonning fully rejuvenated. Clearly George knows what he’s doing.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
The Great House, Sonning is at Thames Street, Sonning-on-Thames, Reading, Berkshire RG4 6UT