A new luxury hotel, Hyll, is set to open in the North Cotswolds in early summer 2025, offering guests a tranquil escape centred around comfort, culture, and slow living. The hotel is housed within a fully restored Grade II-listed 17th-century manor house and will feature a restaurant, snug, bar, and a total of 26 guest rooms across the estate.
Named after the Old English word for an elevated position, Hyll enjoys sweeping views across all five counties of the Cotswolds. Guests will be encouraged to slow down and reset, with flexible check-in and check-out times, in-room book menus, and a design ethos focused on simplicity and relaxation.
Hyll is the first project from Madfabulous Hotels, a new hospitality venture founded by entrepreneurs Paul Baker and Sarah Ramsbottom. Ramsbottom brings extensive experience in the events-based hospitality sector, having worked on the redevelopment of Soughton Hall near Chester. Baker, a craft baker by trade, is best known for founding the international bakery brand St Pierre Groupe and now oversees a diverse portfolio of businesses.
The hotel will expand further in early 2026 with the opening of Bower, a 150-capacity events space designed by Tim Groom Architects. The barn-style venue, constructed from local stone and timber, will cater to weddings and corporate events, offering panoramic views over the Cotswolds.
Paul Baker, Co-Founder of Madfabulous Hotels, shared his vision for the hotel, stating:
“Art, music, conversation and literature will all combine at Hyll. Having been one of those weary travellers myself, I appreciate a warm welcome and a comforting stay with interesting clientele. We wanted to extend the appeal of the Cotswolds with a warm, Northern, ‘make yourself at home’ attitude. Ideally, guests will kick off their shoes, put their feet up and be unafraid to nod off in a comfy chair by the fire.”
The design of Hyll has been led by YOUTH studio, a Manchester-based interior design firm. Their approach has prioritised subtraction over addition, with a focus on natural materials, soft transitions between spaces, and a raw, sensory-driven aesthetic. Oliver Collinge, Co-Founder of YOUTH, described the philosophy behind the design:
“A shared understanding of materiality, atmosphere, and the power of spatial storytelling naturally led to Hyll. We wanted to create a space that strips away the noise of the modern world, favouring a raw, sensory-driven approach. That alignment in philosophy made the collaboration feel inevitable.”
Jolie Studio has designed the eight bedrooms within the manor house and two lounge areas, ensuring they reflect the hotel’s ethos of quiet luxury. Each of the remaining 18 guest rooms, restaurant, and bar spaces follow a similarly understated design, inspired by the natural landscape of the Cotswolds.
Hyll’s 60-acre estate will include a growing collection of contemporary sculptures and offers access to curated walking and cycling routes. The hotel will also provide shopping guides for nearby destinations such as Chipping Campden and Broadway.
The restaurant, led by Head Chef Mark Coleman, will offer an unpretentious, locally sourced menu, with suppliers including Hawkstone and Capreolus. The bar will serve drinks throughout the day, featuring the best of Cotswolds producers.
Guests can expect an emphasis on sensory comfort, with Naturalmat beds, Verden toiletries, Dyson hairdryers, and in-room pantries stocked with quality treats. The hotel will also offer a monthly book menu curated by Borzoi Books, a renowned independent bookshop in Stow-on-the-Wold.
Madfabulous HotelsSarah Ramsbottom, Co-Founder of Madfabulous Hotels, summed up the hotel’s vision:
“What we are really seeking to achieve at Hyll is to provide a space where guests genuinely feel like they have an opportunity to pause and where they can just ‘be’—whether that’s in the gardens, staying in bed, eating home-cooked food or curling up in a chair with a book. We’ve invested heavily in the touch points that foster this sense of comfort, from Naturalmat beds with amazing linens and Verden body and room fragrance to the monthly changing book menu, which guests can enjoy with a beautifully made drink.”
With its blend of historic charm, contemporary design, and a focus on cultural nourishment, Hyll aims to offer a distinctive take on luxury hospitality in the Cotswolds.
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