‘We felt we were staying at a grand house rather than a hotel,’ say regular Guide correspondents this year of Charles Lowther and his family'’s Grade I listed ancestral home, built around a medieval pele tower and brimming with the owners’ personality.

‘From the excellent service, decor and food to the exceptional attention to detail, they’ve certainly got it right.’

‘Helpful, charming, welcoming staff’ make a stay at this ‘beautiful’ 19th-century stone-and-slate country house a ‘relaxing experience’.