Cowley Manor

An Italianate mansion in landscaped gardens and pleasure grounds is today ‘a lovely, classic country house hotel with a modern, quirky feel’. It is now part of the Experimental group, which plans to keep things running as they are. The ‘extraordinary and beautiful grounds’ are thought to have inspired Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland. ‘Interiors have been sympathetically modernised, with flair,’ readers write. There is playfulness here, from papier-mâché hunting trophies to the bold mixing of ’60s styling with original features. Rooms range from ‘good’ to ‘best’ via various superlatives. ‘Marvellous’ rooms have a balcony, lounge space, perhaps a modern four-poster. ‘Outstanding’ rooms in the stables have a balcony or terrace. All have a minibar, a deep bath and rainfall shower, exclusive toiletries inspired by the gardens. Dogs and children are welcome, and dining, in the restaurant or on the terrace, is more fun than fine, with dishes such as spinach and ricotta ravioli; poached chicken supreme, wild garlic mash. ‘The food was tasty and interesting, and the staff helpful and friendly.’ (Jane and Martin Bailey)