Garden and grounds
The long garden here is lovely for kiddie cartwheels and curious canines. Follow the meandering path down to the riverbank to borrow the boat. Get together around the firepit on the terrace, throw some steaks on the coal barbecue, watch the birdlife dip and dive. Relax, rejuvenate and immerse yourself in nature.
Living spaces
Pick from two well-upholstered living spaces: the main one is unwind central, with the huge roaring fire and the smart TV. You did remember your streaming passwords, didn’t you? All socialised out? Maybe you’ll recharge with a tome or two in the huge library. Or just shoot some pool or play table tennis.
With further seating in the kitchen/diner, there’s scope here to be as sociable or separate as the mood takes. There’s even a grand piano for the soulful. River Park View is a place where time stands still. Collapse into the welcome embrace of a homely haven in a rural idyll and press pause on your busy life.
Cooking and dining
Cooking in Cookham couldn’t be any more pleasurable. You’ve a modern kitchen with a traditional feel and a double oven and double gas hob on which to do your stuff. But if you’d prefer to mess about in boats than get messy in the kitchen, call up the pro chefs from DineIndulge for a fully catered break or one-off extravaganza.
Fill up the fridge and freezer with yummy stuff from M&S in Bourne End, supermarket deliveries and Parea Artisan Cafe and Delisserie. Stock up on red, white and pink from the Old Butcher’s Wine Cellar. Tuck into local takeaways from Spice Merchant, Spice Forte and Anong Thai.
Sample the seven-course menu at Vanilla Pod, including cured Lock Duart salmon with fennel or fillet of beef with celeriac purée and port sauce. Book private dining at Tom Kerridge’s The Hand and Flowers, the only UK pub with two Michelin stars. Or try The Coach for more of Tom’s traditional classics with a contemporary twist.
Indulge in caviar, champagne, scallops and other delicacies at The Waterside Inn in Bray. Take the Thames Path to Bel and the Dragon in the village for sharing roasts, food theatre and unforgettable feasts. Or try Anong Thai for authentic Eastern dishes including Thai green curry, ipla rad prig (seabass) and ped pad king (duck).
Bedrooms
Not much to get in the way of a good night’s kip here, except the rolling waters of The Thames and the sedge warblers, skylarks and greylag geese that call it home. River Park View sleeps ten in five delicious bedrooms.
You’ll find all five bedrooms – three super kingsize rooms, one kingsize and one double – on the first floor, some with river views. Freshen up in two luxury en-suites on bedrooms 4 and 5 or in the family bathroom.
What people say
Are you a maze master?
Blast clay pigeons at Flight Line Sporting or Go Ape in Swinley Forest. Savour private wine tasting at Thrifty Fifty, get pampered at Danesfield House or potter the riverside pubs of Henley. Enjoy animal fun at Odds Farm Park and over 55 rides and attractions at Legoland Resort, or master the maze at Cliveden.
