Eshott Hall

Everything about this property screams 'Country House". From the audible crunching as your car makes its way up the long gravel driveway, to the wisteria clad, uniformly symmetrical Georgian facade. This is Jane Austen territory. But the similarity stops there. Forget formal high-tea in stuffy parlour rooms, guests are encouraged to relax and unwind, to enjoy the property's expansive 35 acres of manicured gardens and try their hand at a game of tennis. They even allow dogs (although I wouldn't trust mine in such an immaculate setting). Rooms are decorated in soft colours, filled with antiques and light from the large sash windows. The Collingwood suite, our favourite, features a four poster bed and in room roll-top bath. Dinner is taken in the lemon yellow dining room and is a slightly more formal affair, however guests need not overdress. Smart casual will do. Head chef Chris Wood creates modern dishes from locally sourced producers. Hats off to owner's Robert and Gina for successfully creating an elegant, country house stay whilst avoiding that 'museum' feel.