Though Country Life first mentions Gravetye in 1925, it was in 1996 that we branded it ‘a double legend’. The Elizabethan manor house in West Sussex was built for Richard Infield, an ironmaster, for his new bride, but it is better known as the home of famous gardener William Robinson and, more recently, as a country-house hotel.

Famed for his ‘pioneering love of informality’ Robinson used his gardens ‘to demonstrate his fiery opinions’. Among his many accolades, he is remembered as a champion of gardening to mimic Nature — in stark contrast to the then vogue for very formal Victorian beds — which led to the popularising of the English cottage garden.

The 1,000 acre estate includes a lake, meadow and orchard, but it is the Flower Garden, with Robinson’s exuberant borders, now under the watchful eye of head gardener Tom Coward, that make a lasting impression. Garden tours also take in the elliptical Kitchen Garden — a 1½ acre, sloping site, enclosed by 12ft-high, sandstone walls.

After Robinson, Peter Herbert arrived at Gravetye in 1958. Captivated by the gardener’s house and its setting he converted the property into one of the first ever country house hotels and ran it until his retirement. In February 2012, it was bought by fund manager Jeremy Hosking, a long standing patron, who set about reversing the gradual decline that the property had suffered in the previous years.

The rooms

The rooms and suites at Gravetye still feel like they belong to a private home — likely because one, there are only 17, and two, they are all furnished with a mixture of antiques, oil paintings and squishy sofas. Some are wood-panelled, some papered in jovial botanical-print wallpaper. Others boast four poster beds.

Our room, Lime, was named, as they all are, for one of the many trees that grow on the estate, was in the eaves, but still spacious enough — with its own sitting area — that we didn’t have to stoop. The view, through mullioned windows, was of the main flower garden and so charming that we didn’t mind when we forgot to close the curtains and woke up at 5am to the sun’s mellow morning light casting it all in a pinky glow.

Eating and drinking

Gravetye is a lovely hotel, but it's the food that helped to put it on the map — and people journey down from London, and much further away, just for dinner in the glass-fronted restaurant. Last year, there were whispered concerns about its future when executive chef George Blogg announced his plans to put down his apron — but it happily held onto its Michelin star in this year’s list.

And rightfully so.

Martin Carabott, of Luca and Hide, has stepped into George’s shoes and carried on the tradition of focusing on hyper-seasonal ingredients. Indeed, the Victorian kitchen garden supplies more than 90% of the required fresh produce, and the team only works with suppliers with a similarly robust commitment to proper animal welfare standards. When we stayed — in August — there were oodles of British caught fish and a magical blackberry souffle on the menu.

How they’ll keep you busy

The hotel’s facilities are limited — there’s no swimming pool or spa, so you’ll need to find other ways to entertain yourself. Think: a thorough exploration of the extraordinary walled garden (above), long, lazy lunches on the terrace, and hours spent reading a good book in the ground floor bar with its pretty and ornate carved ceiling.

What else to do while you’re there

Wakehurst, home to the Millennium Seed Bank, Borde Hill Gardens and Sheffield Park, landscaped by Capability Brown, are all within striking distance. As in Standen House — an Arts & Crafts National Trust property — and the Bluebell heritage railway.

Gatwick Airport is 12 miles away.

Who is it for?

My best friend’s father-in-law — I’m going to guess he’s in his mid-60s — says that Gravetye is his favourite hotel in the UK and stays every year, to mark his birthday.

However, age aside, anyone with an appreciation for gardening will have a good time.

What gives it the ‘wow’ factor

The garden, obviously. And the staff, whose sense of service and knowledge make a strong case for this being a five star hotel and not a four star one.

The one thing we’d change

We would’ve loved a bath in our room — make sure you request one if it’s of equal importance.

Gravetye Manor is a Relais & Châteaux hotel and rooms start from £405 a night. Visit the Gravetye website for more information and to book.

If you’re staying just a single night, a country house hotel must meet certain criteria: it cannot be too far away, but be far enough to feel different from home; there must be excellent food, ideally locally sourced, seasonal and, of course, creative; drool-worthy interiors must come as standard; oh, and a knock-out spa. 

Heckfield Place — which is sandwiched between the M3 and 4, south of Reading (tick; I’m based in London) — can claim Skye Gyngell as its director of food (tick) and a brand new spa to help calm the soul (tick). 

The house

Heckfield Place — with its elegantly imposing brick facade — was once a family home, restored to former glory by billionaire owner Gerald Chan. He’s a man of many passions (I’m told that he is always adding to and re-hanging his vast collection of eclectic artwork that pepper the hotel’s walls.) 

Built, as grand houses were 200 years ago, to enjoy the changing seasons and make the most of the natural light, it would be a glorious setting for a celebration. A wedding for example. 

The rooms 

There’s a charming variety of rooms available and no two are the same. 

I enjoyed our ‘Master’ room (above) overlooking the hotel’s walled garden — decorated in soothing, neutral tones, natural fabrics and a pleasing mish-mash of textures. 

If you’re looking for more decadent dècor, opt for one of the ‘Signature’ rooms: Heath has exquisite wallpaper and Ocre boasts yellow walls and panelling.

I can’t leave this here without mentioning the mini bar: delicious biscuits, roasted nuts, juices and other treats, grown, made or produced on site (equals healthy right?) 

Chopping boards also come as standard, for in-room gin and tonics, made from the wood of naturally-fallen trees on the hotel grounds. 

Wildsmith products grace the bathroom countertops — and the bottles are large so you can be fabulously liberal with the salts in the roll-top baths. 

Eating and drinking 

Chef Skye Gyngell (below) is at the helm of the menus, and she is the queen of seasonal and sustainable. 

Much, if not all, is grown in the biodynamically-farmed garden, at least at the time of year I’m there (June) and the staff obsessively tell you about it if you ask. Passion is part of the deal here. 

If the weather is on your side then bag an outdoor table at Marle for lunch and try the delicious steak sandwiches with salsa verde. 

Downstairs there’s Hearth (above) which always delivers something special for dinner. The smokey and creative dishes are described as classic on the menu, but I’d certainly say they were a cut above this in terms of originality. 

The menu changes constantly depending on what is available. It’s somewhere where the vegetables take equal billing to the meat and fish.

How they’ll keep you busy 

You’ll want to go and have a look at the impressive gardens and farmyard (there are guided tours for anyone interested), stroll around the gardens (or cycle) and swim in the picturesque lake. Ask for a dry robe and warm drink. 

Other activities include a ‘Forest Cocktail Making Workshop’ and falconry lessons.

What else to do while you’re there 

Enjoy a shooting lesson at the nearby Royal Berkshire Shooting School, or use it as a base for some of the summer season festivities, right on the doorstep: The Grange Festival hosts world-class opera, jazz, dance and theatre productions. 

The hotel partners with a Jane Austen expert (yes, they exist) who can guide guests around the author’s birthplace, her Father’s church at Steventon and the country houses where she danced and fell in love.

Who is it for? 

Couples, romantic or friendly. I visited with a girlfriend in need of a treat and we had a joyous time, wild swimming, relaxing in the spa and eating indulgently. 

What gives it the ‘wow’ factor?

The Bothy by Wildsmith spa where there is not a whiff of chlorine or the unappealing slap of a cheap spa slipper. I haven’t experienced a ‘wellness offering’ with such authenticity for a long, long time. Every single treatment feels wonderfully holistic and tailor-made.

Just remember: there is a strictly enforced no mobile phone policy, so it’s not one for workaholics (I was only told off once).

The one thing we’d change 

The staff ‘rules’: Staff wanted to exceed expectations, but, on one or two occasions, were held back by some seemingly weird rules and regulations. For example: ‘We’re not meant to give you the dry robes at this time of day, but I suppose we can…’

Rooms at Heckfield Place from £550 per night, including breakfast. Visit www.heckfieldplace.com for more information and to book.

I knew I was onto something good when the overwhelming reaction from friends, when telling them that I was off to The Newt, was one of scarcely-concealed envy . 'Ooh, you lucky thing,' they cooed. 'I'd love to go there.' 'It looks beautiful.' And they were right — The Newt really is something special. A destination in its own right.

On the website they describe themselves as: 'A country estate, reimagined'. A country estate with around 900 acres in which to relax and explore at your leisure.

The estate was bought by the former editor of South Africa's Elle Decoration, Karen Roos, and her telecom billionaire husband, Koos Bekker, in 2013. Following extensive renovations it opened to some fanfare in 2019.

The rooms

I stayed inside the main building — a honey-coloured, limestone edifice, called Hadspen House. It was built in the 17th century and owned by the Hobhouse family for more than 200 years. The present-day interior choices were made by Ms Roos who has managed to create an elegant and harmonious atmosphere, melding contemporary artworks and bits of furniture with antiques and the original architecture. It's no easy feat.

My suite, one of the 'Garden' rooms on the first floor was all about subtle luxury. Nothing gaudy or flashy to distract the eye. Warm and inviting. The free standing bath and enormous shower in the generously sized en-suite is exactly what you expect to find in a hotel of this calibre, but impressive nonetheless.

There are a further 17 bedrooms on an old dairy farm next door look. The Farmyard is a mile from Hadspen, but free golf buggies and bicycles are available to ride between the two, via cider orchards and wildflower meadows. The bedrooms, designed by Richard Parr, are all different and hint at their former purpose: the Apple Loft under the eaves; the Grainstore, a huge single-storey space with a larch wood bath.

Eating and drinking

I took dinner in the Botanical Rooms where the food served is truely seasonal. It's a short menu — indecisive diners rejoice — but entirely delicious, utilising produce from the Estate's extensive kitchen gardens and orchards. There's even an onsite butchery, bakery and 'Beezantuim' (a lakeside, observational apiary that also keeps the hotel well-stocked with honey).

Try the British white beef, which is sourced from the estate's herd and said to be the oldest breed in Britain, alongside a glass of fabulous wine from the hotel's sister property, Babylonstoren, in South Africa.

The Farmyard has its own restaurant, a more casual affair where fare is mainly cooked over an open fire. Forgo a menu and let the chef surprise you with a delicious carousel of sharing plates.

How they'll keep you busy

The gardens should be your primary port of call, a short stroll along a gravel path from Hadspen House. The redesigned Parabola Garden (above) was profiled inside Country Life (November 15, 2023) by contributor Charles Quest-Ritson. 'Nowhere else in the country has a finer display of trained apples,' wrote Mr Quest-Ritson. 'There are 330 cultivars, mainly Old British varieties, but also some of the best French apples.'

Sign up for a guided garden tour or a woodland tour, explore the garden's grotto, home to a dragon (or wyvern) that roars and blows smoke from its nostrils when you tickle it under the chin, or drop into The Story of Gardening Museum. A rotating roster of seasonal workshops including painting, dawn walks and apple tree grafting.

Take a dip in the bathing pond, pop into the mushroom house, stroll the badger walk and taste some homegrown cyder squeezed from the 65 apple varieties grown here across 70 acres of orchards.

What else is there to do while you're there

The standout attraction though is the incredible Roman villa — Villa Ventorum — the ruins of which were discovered and partially excavated in 1834. The site has since been extensively excavated and the entire villa reconstructed. And the attention to detail is something to behold. Everything has been thought about, down to the jewellery in the mistress's bedroom, the plants in the kitchen garden and the urine dip where the inhabitants would wash clothes.

The team behind it all 'scoured museums in countries that were once part of the Roman Empire' and 'trampled through Pompeii and Herculanuem' according to Mr Bekker.

You must try on one of the virtual reality headsets. You'll be guided through each room as an onlooker to how life would've played out for both Roman master and servant.

Who is it for?

Anyone who is bored of run-of-the-mill country house hotel stays.

What gives it the 'wow' factor

The Roman villa.

The one thing we'd change

A hotel this successful — and one with so much to offer — doesn't come cheap and prices soar at the weekends.

Rooms at Hadspen House from £520 a night on a B&B basis. The gardens are a member's only experience. Membership costs £75 a year, but this includes access to 14 partner gardens, including Kew Gardens and the Eden Project. Please see the link to purchase a membership here. Call 01963 577777 or book direct www.thenewtinsomerset.com

The story goes that on seeing that the 15th century manor house in Great Milton was for sale Raymond Blanc drove up to the front door and made the owner an offer. The rest is foodie history: the hotel opened in 1984 and in the same year was awarded two Michelin stars which it has kept ever since. 

The house and its gardens are found at the edge of the village, next to the 11th century church of St Mary’s (which is well worth visiting), and nothing could be more restful than sitting with a cocktail overlooking the croquet lawn lulled by the cooing woodpigeons. 

The hotel is now part of the Belmond group, but it is still wholly Monsieur Blanc’s establishment and his influence can be sensed throughout the beautifully maintained grounds. He was filming in the walled kitchen garden on the day of Country Life’s visit and during dinner that evening stopped by every table to chat to his guests. 

The rooms

Each of the 32 rooms is inspired by M. Blanc’s memories and travels. Country Life was lucky enough to stay in L’Orangerie (along with Blanc de Blancs, this is considered the best in the house). It was inspired by the orangery at a chateau that his grandparents used to care for. The room, which opens onto a private terrace, has mirrored doors like those at the chateau and is filled with the scent of citrus from the Branche d’Olive handsoap in the bathroom (a small linen bag is helpfully provided so you can take the last bit home).

As its name suggests Blanc de Blancs, inspired from a party held at Versailles, is pure white throughout with crystal chandeliers, Venetian mirrors and marble. On arrival Country Life pounced on a freshly baked lemon cake left in the room with a bottle of vintage champagne and some fresh fruit — and, simply unable to consume it all, happily took home the leftovers in the little cardboard boxes provided for just that purpose.

Eating and drinking

New dinner guests would be missing a trick if they didn’t sign up for the seven course tasting menu with wine pairings. Highlights on the August menu: pitch perfect gazpacho granita (paired with biodynamically produced Reisling Le Schild 2020); the revelatory horseradish sorbet that accompanied Cornish mackerel, gooseberries from the garden with an elderflower jus; and the delicate risotto of garden vegetables that was made using a umami rich stock made using tomatoes from the garden.

We strongly recommend saving a little of the final wine, Barsac Cyprès de Climens 2016, for the excellent selection from the cheese trolley. 

For breakfast there’s an array of fruits, yoghurts and homemade granola and muesli as well as cooked dishes of which the vegetarian offering of eggs with wild mushrooms and sautéed spinach was almost more exciting than the usual English. But make sure you have plenty of space for the warm croissants — look out for the pistachio ones.

How they’ll keep you busy

The cookery and gardening schools run a selection of day courses which are a great way to top and tail a stay. Run by the chefs and gardeners they really make you appreciate the food that you’re served. After sowing microleaves (tiny plant seedlings that explode in a blast of flavour on the tongue) you realise why they are so popular with the chefs. 

Former air hostess turned enthusiastic gardener, August Bernstein packs the well balanced day with good sense, real knowledge and so many laughs. When we popped in for a quick look at the cookery school guests were being shown how to make the sublime tomato stock that many had eaten the night before in the aforementioned garden risotto (garnished with microleaves).

There’s croquet to play, M. Blanc Japanese garden to lose yourself in, and the kitchen garden demands a good walk through as does the orchard which displays 2500 fruit trees — rare heritage English apples and pears and from France those types (plus apricots and mirabelles) that remind Raymond of his childhood in the Saône.

Our top tip: if you're interested in fruit trees, book early to secure a place on one of Head Orchard Gardener Paula Fleming’s popular pruning classes. 

What else to do while you’re there 

Where to start? You’re a half hour drive from the city of Oxford, but visitors often like to take in a wider loop through some of the finest villages in the Cotswolds. This is English countryside at its finest and with a rich and long history of landed estates. Blenheim Palace is not far away, nor is Waddesdon Manor.

Garden lovers might want to visit the famous Waterperry Gardens. 

Who is it for?

Children are welcome — and there is a children’s menu — but this is really the place for couples of all ages who really enjoy the finer things in life: great cooking, a beautiful garden and somewhere to escape the bustle of the world beyond Great Milton. 

What gives it the ‘wow’ factor?

Knowing that 40 of the finest chefs in the world have prepared your meal using produce picked just hours ago from the vast organic kitchen garden where 12 full time gardeners tend the soil and the plants with utter devotion. And the attention to detail such as the thoughtful going-home gift bag with water and freshly baked biscuits for the road as well as a bag of native wildflower seed balls.

The one thing we’d change

The lighting systems in some of the rooms could do with simplifying and some of the interiors in the main house feel a bit tired but all will be improved in a forthcoming refurbishment.

Rooms at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons from £900 a night — call 01844 278 881 or book direct at www.belmond.com

When is a hotel not a hotel? Answer: when a family-run establishment begins life as a cookery school, then slowly — and carefully — morphs into an utterly charming and eclectic Nature-led enterprise, including 31 rooms, a restaurant in a former ox barn, a pub and a spa, set amid a peaceful 150-acre estate near Lechlade, in Gloucestershire.

Described by its founder and Creative Director, Caryn Hibbert, as ‘a village within a village’, I confess I had not fully comprehended the scale of the operation at Thyme, nor how beguiling this corner of the Cotswolds is, until we visited in May.

However, as soon as we checked into our ‘room' — the characterful and dog-friendly Pear Tree cottage in the village of Southrop (pronounced, I am reliably informed, as Suth-er-up) — we realised why Thyme consistently receives rave reviews.

For, far from being another expensive, faceless hotel, where all the interior-designed rooms are essentially the same, this is a true one-off. From the cheerful soft furnishings — featuring Caryn’s hand-painted Bertioli botanical prints (above)—to flocks of chattering house sparrows and the screaming swifts overhead, it’s simply magical.

The rooms 

It’s the individual personality of the rooms that sets Thyme apart from so many other luxurious country-house hotels in similarly bucolic locations. Each features prints and/or wallpapers designed by Caryn, then digitised by her film director/animator husband, Jerry—the neat repeat patterns in ‘Radish’ and ‘Carrot’ are particularly pleasing. ‘English rose’ — a pale blush oasis in The Lodge, overlooking an ancient Cedar tree and the estate’s flock of black Welsh mountain sheep in the fields beyond — is a firm favourite with guests, too (below). 

However, for those who prefer more privacy, your own cottage (it’s also possible to book Old Walls, a two double-bedroom eyrie) is where it’s at. OK, it’s small — two-up, two-down — but I fell in love with Pear Tree Cottage the moment we stepped into the stone-walled garden. Downstairs, there’s a sweet kitchen with double doors onto a terrace — where we enjoyed an old fashioned cocktail from the trug of welcome goodies — plus a cosy lounge with a fireplace. And, up the winding wooden staircase, a marshmallow pink, tongue and groove-panelled bedroom, with a huge bed and a hawthorn-bloom patterned headboard facing a roll top bath. Furthermore, as well as a roomy en-suite, there’s a spoiling separate dressing room that was ideal for doing my hair and make-up without getting on my husband’s nerves (too much).

Eating and drinking

Dining in the expansive, yet welcoming Ox Barn Restaurant (above; lovingly restored by Caryn’s late father, Michael Bertioli, a physicist and engineer), with towering full height ceilings that lead the eye to marvel at the lattice of gargantuan beams overhead, is another defining quality that makes being at Thyme such a pleasure.

Whether lingering over breakfast — with such delights as beetroot and ginger juice made from produce grown in the hotel’s own kitchen garden — then tucking into roast lamb with asparagus and anchoïade at dinner, it was hard to tear ourselves away from this cleverly reimagined 19th century agricultural building. Overseen by the Hibberts’ son, Charlie (formerly at London’s Quo Vadis), the menu is simple, with a modern British/French twist that makes tasty use of picked-that-day ingredients. 

How they’ll keep you busy

I lucked out by attending an afternoon tea cookery course, led by talented young chef, Alex Goulding (brother of pop star, Ellie, who lives nearby), which saw me learning how to make scones, crème pâtissière, buckwheat and smoked salmon blinis and sweet shortcrust pastry for delicate fruit tarts. The soothing Meadow Spa offers a range of wellbeing treatments designed to harness the power of breath. Then why not take a dip in the heated springwater swimming pool next door, before enjoying a light meal in The Orchid House or striking a few balls on the tennis court.

What else to do while you’re there

Explore the Bunny Guinness-designed gardens (above) and the water meadows (below), a Site of Special Scientific Interest, where wild orchids, dragonflies and kingfishers abound. There’s always a great programme of exhibitions and talks in the 16th century Tithe Barn, as well as two boutiques selling Bertoli’s silk wear, tableware and homeware.

You can also grab a pint and some pub food at The Swan, the Hibberts’ recently refurbished hostelry in Southrop. If you want to venture further afield, follow the footpath by the side of Pear Tree Cottage for about two miles to Eastleach, where you (and your canine companions) can eat alfresco at The Victoria Inn.

Who is it for?

Anyone wanting to take a properly relaxing breather in a spot where time appears to stand still. Thyme’s welcoming approach also means that even non hotel residents can eat at The Ox Barn Restaurant and use the Meadow Spa. In fact, The Baa Bar (once lambing sheds) is the only residents-only area. It’s also worth noting that, although Thyme is (subject to a few house rules) properly dog-friendly — to the extent that my husband, Simon, was able to relax on the terrace with our three Labradors in tow while I completed my cookery course — children under the age of 12 are not permitted, except for when staying at the Old Walls cottage.

What gives it the ‘wow’ factor?

Its serene setting, where field upon field of long grass sways gently in the breeze and every detail of a guest’s experience has been meticulously thought out. That the Hibbert family is so invested in the running of the hotel (Caryn and Jerry live next door and their daughter, Camilla, is the General Manager) makes a difference, too. As does the calibre of the staff. Yes, you’d expect them to be first class, but they are all so kind and helpful — without being obsequious — that we immediately felt at ease.

The one thing we’d change

When staying in one of the Thyme properties in Southrop, it would be good to be able to park your car off the main road through the village, which is flanked by steep-sided pavements that hamper opening car doors. As, although all the cottages are within easy walking distance of The Ox Barn, the car park is on the other side of the hotel, which makes ferrying wheeled cases along the gravel paths a little tricky.

Rooms at Thyme start from £400 a night, including breakfast. Call 01367 850174 or visit www.thyme.co.uk for more details.

‘One of the finest, if not the very best, of the small Cotswold Tudor houses,’ rhapsodised the late architectural historian and author, Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, of the Grade I-listed Temple Guiting Manor, near Cheltenham in Gloucestershire.

In fact, I’d defy anyone who approaches this honey-hewn eyrie — where a statuesque beech shades the gateway, flanked by pleasingly symmetrical Cotswolds drystone walls — and crunches their way down the gravel drive, not to be beguiled by the shape and the setting of this most impressive and historic six-bedroom retreat.

As with so many places in the Cotswolds, this one — with extensive 14.5-acre grounds and a tranquil series of garden ‘rooms’ masterminded by psychologist turned RHS Chelsea winning designer Jinny Blom — has to be seen to be believed.

But what if the impossibly romantic Manor House — with a formal, vaulted dining room seating up to 12 — which overlooks its own lake (with a boat and a jetty) isn’t enough? There are also four traditional, yet contemporarily decorated, barns (The Granary Barn, which sleeps six, The Barn — where I stayed — which sleeps 10, that can also be taken with the one-bedroom The Peacock Shed, next to the outdoor, heated swimming pool, plus The Cow Barn, which sleeps two), that can be taken either on an exclusive or an individual basis.

The Rooms 

As you might expect from a property of such architectural note, which has been in private ownership since the 15th century, the rooms in the manor house are chock full of charm and fascinating period detail, such as ancient wood panelling and a well worn spiral stone staircase.

Furthermore, Steven and Jane Collins — who own Henry’s Townhouse in London and another, soon to be announced property in Tuscany, as part of their meticulously-run Collins Collection and previously enjoyed the house as a weekend and holiday haven — have furnished it in a comfortable and entertaining way. Squashy velvet sofas and quirky pieces of furniture abound, along with four en-suite bathrooms.

Each nook and cranny has been put to good use, too. Its two dovecotes (notable for being within, rather than without, the manor) — which are accessed via hobbit-like doorways — are home to a hot tub in one and a secret cinema (perfect for teenagers too cool to hang out with mum and dad) in another.

Eating and drinking

When it comes to food and drink — almost anything goes. In fact, the options are so copious (from booking a private chef to rustle up a tasting menu or having staff order a takeaway) that they are too legion to list here. When I visited in May, the kindly and encyclopaedic estate manager, Gavin Thomson, had picked up a lovely light lunch (quiche, salad and a bottle of fizz) from The Cotswold Guy, a delicatessen and food distribution service in neighbouring Guiting Power.

Then, for my evening meal, I took a pleasant 20-minute stroll to The Halfway pub in Kineton, where I enjoyed a lip-smackingly tasty bavette steak with peppercorn sauce and crispy fries.

How they’ll keep you busy

Again, the list of available activities is as long as your arm (flower arranging, quad bike riding, rifle shooting, time with a magician and a cocktail-making masterclass were some of the many options that caught my eye).

However, for me, the opportunity to kick back and relax at my own leisure, either on the white mediterranean style loungers by the swimming pool, beside the tinkling water feature in the garden by the main house (possible if the manor is not let) or revel in the sheer bliss of being in the midst of such serene countryside — where the silence is only interrupted by the birdsong or the baa-ing of a sheep — was everything I needed.

What else to do while you’re there

Should you wish to venture out of this idyll, which also has an all-weather tennis court (with rackets, balls and its own umpire’s chair if you’re that competitive), the property is not far from a clutch of impressive country houses (such as Sudely Castle and Sezincote) or Lady Bamford’s Daylesford organic farmshop.

I also visited the picture-postcard 17th century village of Lower Slaughter, with two stone footbridges over the clear-as-a-bell River Eye — where time has literally stood still. However, the highlight of my visit was the most indulgent and restorative 1.5-long holistic massage by Johanna Leah at The Retreat, a treatment, gym, yoga and pilates space, a short walk from the manor, in Temple Guiting (named after the Knights Templar) itself.

Who is it for?

Multi-generational families looking for somewhere they can be together, yet have time alone. Couples in search of a quiet and spoiling getaway, plus anyone wanting to get married — the range of accommodation is perfect for a wedding party.

What gives it the ‘wow’ factor?

The sheer history of the house — I can only imagine everything that has happened there in the past 600-plus years — and the fact that anyone can enjoy this most private of homes. I was also struck by the Collins’s skill of having sympathetically designed and furnished the properties so that they have every modern convenience you could wish for (there are two dishwashers within the sleek white marble kitchen island in The Barn), without compromising on the authentic charm of the old Cotswolds agricultural buildings.

Furthermore, I welcomed the fact that, even though you can ask for or arrange pretty much anything you want, you’re essentially left to your own devices, which is exactly what I craved after a busy spell at work.

The one thing we’d change 

I’d ditch the need to arm the alarm before vacating any of the properties. In this day and age, it must be possible to set up a centralised system that would relieve guests of this responsibility.

Rent the entire estate (which sleeps 32) at Temple Guiting Manor & Barns on an exclusive basis, from £38,150 per week. Alternatively, The Granary Barn — or any of the other barns — can be booked from £1,000 a night, for a minimum of two nights — call 07748 118288 or book direct at www.templeguitingmanor.co.uk

Credit: Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland

The Gleneagles Hotel review: Heaven in the Highlands

The Gleneagles Hotel review: Heaven in the Highlands

Overlooking Rutland Water in the East Midlands, The Barnsdale at Oakham offers cosy luxury in a rural setting.

The former hunting lodge was integrated into The Signet Collection’s portfolio at the end of last year, joining The Retreat at Elcot Park near Newbury (opened June 2022) and The Mitre in Hampton Court (opened September 2020).

Following an extensive interior refurbishment of the rooms and main areas by London based team Taylor and Turner, it reopened to the public in May.

The Rooms

The 46 rooms are a lesson in pure relaxation, decorated in muted tones — olives, beige, creams and pale pinks. There are several categories to choose from depending on your preferred style and budget, such as the Cosy room, featuring a single bed for solo travellers, and the Fort Henry Suite which boasts a copper, roll-top bath.

Mine was a Culture room — situated on the ground floor, off of a central courtyard. Highlights included a welcome plate of delicious shortbread, a power shower and very comfy super-king size bed, and a dog bed and bowl for my eight month old puppy, enjoying her first night away from home. Dogs are very welcome in all areas of the hotel, including the brasserie, and staff were very kind (and very patient) with her which was greatly appreciated.

Eating and drinking

The brasserie — named 1760, after the year the original lodge was built — is one of the first things you see when you walk in through the front door. It's light, airy and continues on through to a beautiful conservatory with an enviable flagstone floor, bar area and more intimate dining areas.

I was looked after the hotel's head of restaurants, Frank O’Mahoney, who once worked for the Orient Express, and helped launch the Northern Belle train service. He's reasonably new to the Signet team, but already seemed passionate about it all and heads up a crack team of super friendly staff (all wearing Vans trainers) who went out of their way to create a relaxed dining experience.

Make sure you order the crispy cauliflower popcorn with teriyaki and soy (you will find it under the Nibbles section of the menu). Pair with a glass (or bottle) of The Pale by Sacha Lichine.

Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day — and the one I most look forward to when I'm in a hotel — and Barnsdale's didn't disappoint. I went for a traditional English fry-up, made with locally sourced produce.

How they keep you busy

The grounds accommodate a booming wedding business and croquet lawn with views over the surrounding countryside. Tour the kitchen garden or listen to one of the live music acts in the central courtyard. A farm shop and spa is in the works (the latter promises an indoor pool, salt flotation room, state-of-the-art gym, three treatment rooms and a beauty salon) and there are plans to set up an e-bike station.

What else to do while you’re there

Rutland Water is the largest reservoir in England, by surface water, and is located directly opposite the hotel. The 22.1mile circuit (15.1miles if you skip out the peninsula) is popular with walkers and cyclists.

Alternatively take to the water and go sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding.

There are even cruises around the reservoir in daylight hours between April and October.

Who is it for?

Couples and families who don't want to leave their canine friends behind. And anyone with a helicopter — there's a handy helipad on site.

What gives it the 'wow' factor?

The foundations are there, but The Barnsdale still has a little way to go before it reaches the same heady heights as The Mitre and The Retreat. I'm looking forward to seeing how it does.

The one thing we'd change?

Some more thought could've gone into where the in-room desk lights were situated. It made turning them on and off tricky.

Rates at The Barnsdale from £120 a night, on a B&B basis — call 01572 724678 or book direct at www.barnsdalerutland.com

Lime Wood has masqueraded as many things in its former incarnations: a working farm, a school, a private house, and even a fire station: the National Fire Service used it as a base during the Second World War. In the 21st century, however, it has established itself firmly as one of the UK's original country house hotels, a role it's played for 14 years and counting, as of 2023.

And the place really seems to have found its niche: it's a bastion of good taste and excellent food, with a superb spa to boot.

The Rooms

There are 33 rooms ranging in style and size, from the bijou Eaves Rooms and Cosy Rooms, to the spacious Forest Suites — which come with their own living spaces — and the two-storey Forest Lofts and Forest Hideaway Suites including a Lake Cabin. Our favourites are the Susie Atkinson-designed Forest Lofts, located inside the main building. Some have views of the walled garden and forest beyond, others of manicured grounds; all are effortlessly elegant, so much so that we featured one of Lime Wood's bedrooms in our interiors pages a little while ago.

On the ground floor of each suite, you will find a large bathroom — with a walk-in shower, roll-top bath and a double vanity sink — and cosy sitting room; on the mezzanine floor, a super king-size bed set beneath large skylights. We particularly liked the caramel-coloured fabric walls, chequerboard sofa, bobbin mirrors and quirky valet clothes stand.

Eating and drinking

In this day and age, a five-star hotel must have five-star worthy food. It’s surprising how many don’t, but this is something that Lime Wood has truly understood from the off. Angela Hartnett of London’s Murano fame was brought in to be in charge of all things culinary, and the results are exceptional.

Her on-site restaurant, Hartnett Holder & Co, is open for lunch, supper and afternoon tea; the food served a nod to rustic Italian cooking and seasonal, English ingredients. This is proper, wholesome food, expertly prepared, designed to fill you up and put a smile on your face.

As for breakfast the morning after? Expect a cornucopia of fresh and dried fruits, nuts, seeds, yoghurts and cereals, plus inventive riffs on the oft-overdone egg and avocado front. It's served up in the old, scrubbed-wood Scullery; well worth getting out of bed for.

How they'll keep you busy

Lime Wood’s Herb House Spa has earned a reputation just as glowing as that of its food, and as of 2023 they have a new spa partner, GROUND Wellbeing. Annoying block capitals aside, this means a curated selection of products that are handmade in small batches in Cork. A number of several GROUND-specific treatments have also been added to the spa menu; they'll also be quite happy to sell you more of them in the spa shop.

As for treatments, our go-to is the Grounding Ritual, a properly-relaxing 90-minute, full-body experience. Instead of working on the body piece-by-piece from top-to-bottom (or vice-versa), which can feel a bit disjointed, therapists work on one side of the body in its entirety in one go, head-to-toe using long, sweeping strokes. Some reflexology, head and facial massage is also included.

All that said? You might well prefer to just order a drink and soak up the atmosphere in the grounds. That definitely works.

What else to do while you're there

Once-upon-a-time, the New Forest, like much of England, was deciduous woodland, primarily colonised by birch, beech and oak. The majority of this widespread woodland started to disappear in the Bronze Age onwards as the need for space, pasture and building materials grew.

Today, the New Forest is one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed forest, heath- and pasture-land in the whole of southern England, and still home to the New Forest Commoner — a person with still-recognised, historic rights of common pasture.

The grazing animals — primarily cattle and pigs — play an important role in forest life. The pigs, for example, are turned out between September and November to eat fallen acorns and beechnuts which are poisonous to other livestock and the famous wild ponies.

As well as the forest it’s worth exploring the coastline, a 20 minute drive south. On Avon and Highcliffe beaches it’s even possible to surf when the conditions are right.

Who is it for?

Not a place to take the kids: this is one for couples young and old in need of some wholesome rest and relaxation.

The Herb House spa organises various wellness-themed retreats throughout the year for those who require a more regimented approach to unwinding.

What gives it the 'wow' factor 

We were really taken by the sheer amount of loosely-arranged flowers and potted plants, dotted all around the hotel, from the blousy, oversized arrangements in the lobby, to the mismatched pots of daffodils and hellebores in the Scullery. A simple touch that makes a really big difference.

The one thing we'd change

The spa treatments run off a corridor linking the Herb House reception and the spa and gym itself. Everyone is very considerate, but from time-to-time you can hear people tiptoeing past. If you’re easily distracted, simply ask your therapist to turn the music up in your room.

Rooms at Lime Wood Hotel from £405 a night; GROUND treatments from £130; spa days from £175 — call 02380 287 177 or book direct at www.limewoodhotel.co.uk

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Magnificent coastline, beautiful countryside, irresistible romantic ruins and wonderful local produce make Dorset a superb place to go. Here's our