Tasburgh House

The 'elegant and kind hostess', Sue Keeling, is 'very much around' at her red brick Victorian house in 'lovely', large grounds that slope down to the Kennet and Avon canal. She 'presides at breakfast with her girls (who wear white gloves)'. The bedrooms, each named after an English author, vary in size: Charles Dickens can accommodate one person, John Keats three, Percy Shelley five. The house faces a busy road: 'But it is in a dip,' says an inspector, 'I wasn't bothered by traffic noise in my immaculate small front room.' Sheets and blankets can be provided instead of a duvet. Restaurant lists are available but, should you wish to stay in, drinks and a 'simple supper' can be provided from Monday to Thursday. Breakfast, served in a 'pretty conservatory with a chandelier', has a 'small buffet of cereals, croissants, fruit and jams in little jars'; cooked costs extra. 'There is a nice sitting room.' Mrs Keeling tells us that the background music can be 'muted or turned off if a guest prefers peace and quiet'. The house is a three-minute taxi ride from the city centre. 'In good weather you can walk along the canal past fields with sheep.' Hen parties and small wedding receptions are catered for. 'A parrot whistles musically at Reception.'