‘Without question a beautiful hotel,’ writes an inspector of this Elizabethan manor house, a place of contrasts, from the Great Hall lounge/bar with monumental Jacobean chimneypiece, oak doors and flagstones, to a swish contemporary spa and modern rooms. Rooms range from doubles in a new wing, with coffee machine and fridge, to wellness suites, ‘almost Scandi in style, with rain shower, outdoor spa bath’ and indoor free-standing bath. A detox salad in the spa café was enjoyed, while dining options include tasting menus in Michelin-starred Àclèaf, and simpler dishes such as Wagyu beef burger, risotto, crab and crayfish fettucine in the brasserie. ‘Food was lovely. The staff were delightful’, but, sadly, on a busy weekend, they were not on top of their game. Still, ‘I would definitely go back.’