What it is

A 15th-century estate on 90 emerald green acres, with indulgent dining and a heated al fresco pool.

What it isn't

Modernist. Chintz reigns in this corner of the Cotswolds’, and that’s just the way anglophile’s prefer it.

What we think

If you ever wanted to pack your bags and move in to The Great British Bake Off, you’d be hard pressed to find a better substitute than this. Rooms feature canopied beds, made-in-Britain Hypnos mattresses, and pattern-on-pattern interior design coziness (or shall we say cosiness?) that’s the definition of country chic. All three restaurants are locavore-leaning, with dishes like Norfolk Quail and Scottish Venison served with hispi cabbage. In the spa, nods to England’s love affair with India abounds, with treatments like the Deeper than Deep hot stone massage, in which you’ll be rubbed down with Balinese stones and Frangipani Monoi body oil. As they say: Smashing!

You're here because

You have a serious obsession with staying in historic hotels. To you, there’s nothing worse than a newly built, soulless stay. The bones of this property were built in 1485 and, in 1833, became home to the former Governor General of India: the 1st Earl of Ellenborough.

The Moment

You’re not entirely positive, but you could swear you spied Pippa Middleton splayed across from you at Afternoon Tea...or was it Emma Watson? Or Keira Knightly? No matter. She was unflappably fabulous and clearly enmeshed in what’s amounted to the finest afternoon tea you’ve ever had, from the lemon posset to the note-perfect gin and tonic.

Restaurants & Bars

Beaufort Fine Dining - Exceptional dining by David Kelman

The Beaufort Dining Room - An oak-panelled restaurant, offering contemporary dining in historic surroundings

The Brasserie & bar - Relaxed surroundings serving a country house menu during the day and cocktails by night

Location

In the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, just over two miles from Cheltenham Racecourse. Don’t miss 1,000-year-old Sudeley Castle, an eleven minute drive (through lush forests) away, owned by Lady Ashcombe.