The Georgian, Coppa Club, in the Surrey market town of Haslemere serves up gorgeous interiors and food, with an abundance of nearby walking trails and National Trust treasures. 

I’m slightly biased when it comes to the location, as Haslemere is my hometown, and excitement levels were high among locals when the long-awaited opening took place in May. But it’s also the perfect getaway for those further afield, as Haslemere is 50 minutes on a direct train from London, and mere minutes from the A3, as it slices down from the capital to Portsmouth. 

The Georgian is the tenth Coppa Club location and the third to offer hotel rooms, with sister properties across the south east and west of England. On an expansion mission, the Coppa Club’s eleventh site is due to open in Bath in September and a group-wide rebrand is also underway, with The Georgian the first to showcase new signage. 

There are 13 rooms, including an accessible and dog-friendly option, and four-legged guests are welcome on the ground floor. I stayed in room 12, which is an airy 22.4sq metres, with elements including a tea and coffee area and rainfall shower, complete with Natural Spa Factory products. The room overlooked the high street, where there was a lively buzz during the day. Traffic was intermittent at night, but suggest one of the rooms at the rear of the property for customers who might be more sensitive to noise.

My room had a muted blue, white and grey colour scheme that was so crisp and soothing it made me want to instantly redecorate my own bedroom. In fact, the interiors across the property are worthy of several Pinterest boards, taking their inspiration from this completely refurbished Grade II listed building. 

There’s plenty of Georgian touches, including the patterned floor and deep green panelling in the entrance, which sit harmoniously alongside eye-catching contemporary fabrics and artwork and a jungle of indoor foliage.

Garden party

Another thoroughly modern touch comes courtesy of the three igloo pods tucked into the garden. These have become a hallmark of Coppa Club properties and they’re perfect for small groups, with floral displays overhead and comfy seating. I headed into one for lunch, sampling the moreish small plates and sharing dishes. As with everything I tried from the breakfast and all-day British and Mediterranean-inspired menu, the food is consistently delicious. 

Guests can dine in the restaurant and garden terrace, complete with fire pit, or head to one of the private dining rooms. Recommend sampling the cocktail menu, which includes botanical-inspired and CBD infused concoctions. 

The Georgian has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, and is popular with locals who mill in and out for meetings over coffee or lunch and to use the work-friendly area at the front of the property. They’re encouraged to linger, as Coppa Club bills itself as an all-day lifestyle venue, aiming for a private members’ club feel, without the fees.

Like its sister properties The Georgian has a calendar of events and classes for both locals and guests, in partnership with local businesses. I tried the insightful gin tasting class from Surrey-based Silent Pool Distillers, discovering how gin is made and the tricks behind detecting the different ingredients. 

The next morning I joined an art class with another Surrey local, artist Jo Mitchell Long, learning how to paint flower-filled meadows. For customers who want a relaxing getaway, suggest timing their visit to coincide with one of the events.

Out and about

There’s plenty to do locally too. Clients should start by heading onto the high street to admire the period properties. The Georgian’s neighbours include plenty of independents, with a bookshop, pretty cafes and clothing and homeware boutiques. 

Midhurst is just 15 minutes away by car, and is home to the Cowdray Estate, with its golf course, country sports and farm shop. Venture over during polo season between April and September to watch a match, with the backdrop of the atmospheric Tudor Cowdray Heritage Ruins. 

Goodwood is another draw, located just 30 minutes away in the outskirts of Chichester, with a packed calendar of motorsports, horse racing and sporting events. 

Haslemere is in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and those with a penchant for National Trust visits are spoilt for choice, including Petworth House and Park. 

But if that all sounds like too much effort, suggest a 60-second stroll out of The Georgian’s front door, across the high street and straight into Swan Barn Farm, another National Trust hideaway of pretty fields and sprawling woodlands. 

It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, and Coppa Club offers some exceptional hampers. While they are currently only available at The Swan at Streatley and The Great House at Sonning, they are due to be introduced at The Georgian. I sampled a preview, with scrumptious sandwiches, salads, cakes, scones and juices, all neatly packed into a highly Instagrammable wicker hamper. For those in need of an excuse for a stylish semi-rural sojourn this summer, this could be the answer. 

Prices start at £70 per night for a small double room, excluding breakfast, coppaclub.co.uk/the-georgian