Everything you need to know about Soho Farmhouse 

Established in 2015, Soho Farmhouse spans 100 acres of scenic Oxfordshire countryside and embodies a truly pivotal moment in Soho House history. Two hours’ drive from London, it is a party spot, a rejuvenating health spa break, a family-friendly hiking heaven, and a gourmet paradise all in one. But very few people are aware of the full journey from breaking ground to the Farm we know and love today. 

 

Soho Farmhouse was built on the site of a derelict farm, complete with fields of mud, an empty cattle shed and a dilapidated farmhouse. Back then, Babington House had already existed for over a decade, but the Farmhouse presented a chance to craft a different vision. Inspired by upstate New York cabin culture, the aim was to create the feeling of being in a guest cottage on a farm – as if you’ve been welcomed into someone’s home, but you’re still secluded in the wilderness.

 

The transformation took a few years as there was no easy driving access, not enough running water and no mobile phone signal. The whole landscape was reshaped, with lakes created from a natural water source. ‘At one point, we were standing in the mud up to our thighs doubting how something beautiful could come out of it,’ remembers Tanya Wood, a London-based consultant who worked on the Soho House development team at the time.

 

‘But when the Farm opened, there was genuinely nothing like it that had the Soho House standard of service and fun in that setting. The level of detail was astonishing: the torches you can find in the Cabins, the ice machine (there’s nothing worse than waiting for ice when you’re in the middle of nowhere), the restored milk floats…’ 

‘I believe that the way each space is designed to embrace proximity with nature enhances that feeling of refreshment and escape. The use of natural and reclaimed materials brings comfort and authenticity to the spaces,’ says Severine Lammoglia, Soho House’s Principal Designer. ‘My favourite bits are mainly the ones outdoors; the external fire pits that always allow for cosy drinks even on a chilly evening. Or the outdoor heated pool within the lake, which is the ultimate serenity spot.’

 

Seven years on, Soho Farmhouse is an integral part of the Oxfordshire landscape – not only attracting visitors, but also maintaining a large local membership. Blake Kitchen’s Bakery and The Little Bell pub are in fact extensions of local businesses, and a large number of suppliers from the area are involved. 

 

It has 114 bedrooms (including 20 Farm Huts) for everything from a midweek break and a pool party to a soak in The Lazy Lake tub and a visit to the Cowshed spa. ‘What I’ve been impressed by in recent years is that the Farm has found ways to continue to evolve, that every time you go back there’s something new,’ says Wood. ‘The Farmhouse has proved that things can get better with age.’

 

To visit Soho Farmhouse for the day, you need to be a Soho House member. Members can bring up to three guests with them to eat, drink and explore, and one adult guest to the pool, sauna and stream room. Please note that only members can use the gym. 
 
To book a bedroom and stay at Soho Farmhouse, you need to have a Soho House or Soho Friends membership. Booking a bedroom gives you access to everything the Farm has to offer for the duration of your stay. 

Soho Farmhouse is a two-hour drive away from London on the M40. You can also take a train from Marylebone to Banbury Station, or alternatively from Paddington to Charlbury Station. There is a taxi rank outside Banbury Station; for Charlbury, we would suggest pre-booking a taxi in advance as this is a smaller station. 

 

The cosy Soho Farmhouse Piglets are the best for a low-key getaway, with semi-spherical roofs, extra comfy beds and all the essentials; great for couples. 

 

Cabins are the classic Farmhouse accommodation option. Ranging in size, they offer peak comfort and a rustic feel of staying in a house on farmland. Some Cabins are more compact, with a bedroom and a living area; others are big enough to accommodate a whole family with child-friendly rooms. Every Cabin is unique, with its own perks like a wood-burning stove and a bath on the balcony. 

 

The four-bedroom Farm Cottage sleeps eight and is located only a few minutes’ walk from the Farmyard. It includes a living room, kitchen, dining room, and several comfortable bedrooms.

 

The most recent additions, the Farm Huts, have emperor-size beds, wood-burning stoves, and freestanding specially crafted wooden baths on the private decks. The Huts were designed to merge the outdoor and indoor spaces, while still allowing for privacy, and peace and quiet. And if you find yourself in need of some action, all the Farmhouse facilities are just a short walk away. 

 

Up for something grander? The original Farm House, set in its own garden, sleeps 14 – with elegant bedrooms spread over the first floor and attic, each equipped with a double bed and a bathroom. It also has a kitchen, a drawing room, and a snug.

The Farmhouse has a playful sense of escape. The grounds are free from cars (so if you’re lost on the way to dinner, look out for the vintage restored milk floats that can deliver you to the door). Bikes and wellies are available to borrow for all your countryside exploration needs. Clay-pigeon shooting, tennis, horse riding and boating are among the outdoor activities to try.  

 

Fancy staying indoors? Visit The Electric Barn for film screenings: a 45-seat cinema is decked out with a full bar and snack kiosk, with five beds at the front for those willing to snuggle up. And don’t forget to check the curated programme of events for workshops, lectures, gigs, and parties. 

 

Soho Farmhouse is a perfect destination for all the spa-lovers, wellness enthusiasts and those simply looking for a relaxing spa weekend away. The Cowshed spa offers signature massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. And there is a fully equipped gym if you want to break a sweat. The Lazy Lake is the latest wellness addition, which opened this autumn: an upgrade from what was formerly known as Steam Island, it now features an ice room, steam room, three infrared sauna cabins and four onsen-style baths that are sunken into the lake. Try a relaxing soak with salts or seaweed – or hot and cold immersion therapy known for numerous health benefits, including better circulation and an elevated mood. 

 

The Cowshed spa also hosts wellness residents, such as FaceGym, Lisa Franklin, Koniver and Sarah Bradden – all providing specialised or bespoke treatments. 

 

The pool is 135 feet long, drifting from indoors to outdoors, and heated to 35˚C all year round, making it ideal for a morning swim or a pool party. 

It wouldn’t be Soho House without all the signature favourites like wood-fired pizza and House Tonics. The Main Barn is the central hub of the Farm, serving food and drink all day. On the mezzanine, Comfy Farm has sofas and an open fireplace, while Fancy Farm is a more formal setting for lunch or dinner. Sink into the sofas for a drink a two while enjoying views of the grounds through the large windows. 

 

There is also Pen Yen for meat and fish on the robata grill, buns and sashimi, and Blake’s Kitchen Bakery for bread, sausage rolls and cinnamon buns for breakfast or to replenish your hiking supplies. And don’t forget to stop by The Little Bell, a local favourite. Explore all the Soho Farmhouse restaurants on your next visit. 

 

A number of Cabins are equipped with bunk beds for children. Farm Cottage is also a perfect option for a family break. Staying at the Farm for a couple of days? There is a Teeny Camp and Barn for your kids to enjoy while you relax or get on with some work: a converted horse box has a library, outdoor sand pit and guinea pigs. Next door, there’s also an adventure playground with a zip line. 
 
Please note: only child members and children staying overnight can use Teeny Barn. Teeny Barn does not allow access to families visiting for the day.

 

Soho Farmhouse is a relaxed environment to kick back and enjoy the countryside. Throw on a trench coat over your favourite countryside get-up – bring yourself and the rest will be taken care of.