'Steeped in history' and 'in a spectacular setting', this Tudor Gothic-style Elizabethan mansion, extended over centuries, overlooks parkland with a rare 17th-century parterre, walled rose garden, cascade, lily pond and follies. Owned by the National Trust, it is part of the Historic House Hotels group (see also Hartwell House, Aylesbury, and Middlethorpe Hall, York), and offers 'excellent food and drink' and 'exceptionally attentive service', report trusted readers. There is period charm everywhere; public rooms have oak panelling, magnificent fireplaces, oil portraits, antiques. Our readers loved their traditional, country-house room, which had 'wonderful views over the garden and Snowdonia' through stone-mullioned windows, but didn't appreciate the captive coat hangers. Suites, one with a four-poster, have a sitting room. All have an espresso machine, home-made biscuits, classy toiletries. There are further rooms in charming stone cottages in the grounds, sleeping up to four, some with a private garden, some dog-friendly. Chef Abdalla El Shershaby uses organic produce from the potager in dishes such as roast sea bass fillet with roasted butternut squash, aubergine, cauliflower purée and Bodysgallen tomato butter. Another reader on a multi-generational break enjoyed the 'inviting pool' and 'tasty meals', though 'a children's menu would have been appreciated'. (Stephen and Paulin Glover, JB)