Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond: A luxury countryside retreat without leaving London

A cosy yet stylish riverside oasis, Bingham Riverhouse transports guests from the bustling city to the countryside in moments. Run by mother and daughter Ruth and Samantha Trinder, it is one of the only black female-owned hotels in the UK and the pair work hard to champion women at every turn. Over a century ago the Riverhouse was home to Katherine Bradley and Edith Cooper who wrote under the  pseudonym Michael Field. The couple made the house a hub for artists and writers, visited by W.B. Yeats, John Ruskin and Browning.

Continuing that quest for a creative social space, Bingham Riverhouse now boasts a lively private member’s club, a renowned restaurant and 15 wonderful rooms, with many rooms and corridors still pleasingly filled with books.

Bingham Riverhouse is perfectly situated right on the riverbank of Richmond. Nestled along the Thames towpath, the tranquil garden and many of its rooms look directly over the water. Just a 15 minute walk from Richmond station, it is easily accessible from central London. Guests can access the towpath from a private garden entrance, with Richmond Bridge just a five-minute walk, and acres of royal parks, historic houses and theatres a short ride away on one of the hotel’s Pashley bikes.

An elegant slice of the countryside in London. Walking into Bingham Riverhouse, guests are instantly transported far from the city they’ve in fact still not left. With grand high ceilings, and huge bay windows overlooking the river, the fully refreshed interior is bright yet eminently cosy.

Common rooms such as the lounge and dining room impressively meld both grandeur and comfort, creating an inviting milieu. These rooms all flow seamlessly into the pristine riverside gardens which boast quiet areas to connect with nature, garden pods to work and socialise in, and an array of covered and uncovered seating areas surrounded by fire pits and fairy lights.

To fully appreciate the natural setting, it has to be a river room. Complete with a generous copper bath-tub overlooking the river, a queen-size bed, walk-in shower and all the mod-cons, these rooms provide everything you need to fully relax.

Each of the hotel’s 15 rooms is named after a work of Michael Field - the pseudonym used by its previous inhabitants. We stayed in Callirhoe.

Bigham Riverhouse hosts Steven Edwards - a boutique restaurant run by the MasterChef: The Professionals winner. A stalwart in riverside dining, the restaurant serves an ever-evolving tasting menu, showcasing the best of local and British produce.

When we visited the Riverhouse was hosting one of its many culinary events - Five Female Chefs - bringing together a line-up of London’s leading women in hospitality. Serving five delicious courses from Ava Brightling, Michelle Truselle, Lexi Van Breugel, Opy Odutayo and Rachel Able, the evening celebrated female food talent as well as women in wine, and music. A relaxed, but indulgent and celebratory event, the food was divine, and company diverse and interesting. The Bingham has an ever-changing line-up of such events often championing diversity and female talent.

After walking or riding the miles of Richmond towpath you may wish to head next door from the Riverhouse to the eco wellness escape, Bhuti. Bhuti offers a yoga/fitness studio, hi-tech holistic treatments, a  relaxing members’ space, and programme of workshops.

The Riverhouse’s own member’s club also puts on a range of events from art classes to whiskey evenings, expert talks to exciting dining events.

A cosy countryside retreat without leaving London. With spectacular views of the river, a tranquil garden and luxurious yet comfortable feel, all stresses of the city are pushed far further than the few minute train journey that really parts you.

Rooms start from £125 per night. 61 - 63 Petersham Road, Richmond Upon Thames, TW10 6UT; Bingham Riverhouse