An Arts and Crafts Victorian mansion remodelled in the 1940s in the style of a château by Francophile owners, this hotel stands in tranquil parkland with a lake, tennis court and 17th-century dovecote. Part of Sir Peter Rigby’s Eden Collection (see Mallory Court) it offers affordable country-house luxury with an appropriate smart-casual dress code (no leisure wear or trainers). Traditionally styled, spacious bedrooms in five categories range from ‘classic’ to opulent feature suites. Some overlook the lake, some have views over countryside to the Malvern hills. All have concierge services and are supplied with a fridge, fresh fruit, bottled water, Temple Spa toiletries. Afternoon tea can be taken on the terrace, or in a French-inspired, panelled lounge with carved oak bar and period furniture. There are three double rooms in the self-catering Gate House. You can opt to dine casually from a tapas menu, while the nine-course tasting menu might include king oyster, dashi, rosemary; venison, red cabbage, elderberry. At breakfast there is smoked haddock, omelettes, a full English or vegetarian, tian of smoked salmon with free-range scrambled eggs, and more.