With the fast pace of modern life, it’s nice to just sit back and relax once in a while — and Foxhills Club and Resort offers the perfect setting. Just a stone’s throw from London, this quiet haven in the Surrey countryside seems to have plenty to offer both members and visitors alike.
On the approach to Foxhills
, what struck me most was how short the hop was from the bustling M25 to the leafy idles of the Foxhills grounds. Covering 400 acres, the estate feels worlds away from the stresses of life, surrounded by tall, mature trees and lush greenery. The focal point of the estate is, justifiably, the manor house. Although the current manor house was built around 1817, the estate has been occupied since the 1780s, when politician Charles James Fox bought it to be his country escape. The ownership and the landscape may have changed over the centuries, but the rural appeal certainly hasn’t.
There is so much to do at Foxhills that it’s tough to know where to start. For sports fans, there are two 18-hole championship golf courses, Longcross and Bernard Hunt, both of which have staged PGA and EuroPro events, as well as the shorter nine-hole course known as The Manor Course. There are resident PGA professionals on hand to give lessons if you want to improve your game too, and a driving range if you’re going to practise your swing.
If golf isn’t your thing, the country club tennis courts, an award-winning fitness suite and a spin studio to get your heart racing. For something just a little less intense, the yoga studio nestled among the trees with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out into an enclosed garden is a great place to re-centre, with experienced instructors on hand to tailor your session.
If total relaxation is more up your street, head straight to the adults-only health spa. Here you’ll have the use of a heated indoor pool with a sauna and jacuzzi, as well as a beautiful — if chilly — natural outdoor pool. There’s a list of spa treatments to choose from to relax and rejuvenate both body and mind. I can recommend the DIY Hammam session!
Foxhills caters not only for those adults wanting some grown-up time but also for families. It’s a family-run establishment, founded on the vision Pam and Ian Hayton had in 1983 when they took ownership. That ethos is being continued by their son Marc in his role as managing director. The Pavillion is the hub of family activity, with a soft play area for the smallest guests and a games room complete with video games consoles, air hockey and a pool table for the older kids. There are two pools at the Pavillion, one indoor pool and a heated outdoor pool with a garden and patio area. Flo’s Diner serves family-friendly meals and snacks in a relaxed atmosphere, offering a fuss-free menu that the little people are sure to enjoy.
As well as the leisure and spa facilities at Foxhills, there’s onsite accommodation for those wanting to take a break from the rat race for a little longer. Sadly, none of the 66 rooms are in the manor house — who doesn’t love staying in a wonderfully presented historic building — but in the courtyard, which consists of the converted stable block and modern buildings to house the rest. The room we stayed in was well-appointed and spacious, with everything you could need for a stay. My view overlooked the residents swimming pool and the tennis courts just beyond, surrounded by woodland.
What shouldn’t be missed, though, is a trip to The Fox — the main restaurant within the manor house. The restaurant has several different, distinctively decorated areas, as well as the Orangery, an area often used to host wedding breakfasts. It is a place that balances elegance with extravagance beautifully, with vaulted ceilings, bold colours and even elephant print wallpaper. The menu offers a great range of dishes, and dietary requirements are well catered for, too — the chef will happily adjust dishes individually to suit any specific needs. My meal was well-cooked and delicious, and the quality of the ingredients shone through.
There is very little to dislike about Foxhills. It is a haven of serenity that gives you time to slow down and take stock. What could be better than taking afternoon tea and a glass of Champagne on the terrace or whiling away a few hours on a magnificent golf course? I’m sure the wily old politician Charles Fox would approve!
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