‘Describing it as “quirky” is a hole-in-one.’ There’s ‘a pleasant, rural tranquillity’ to Wendy and Jim Sarton’s 15th-century manor house in large gardens where wild rabbits scamper. Fans like the informal approach and ‘comforting, relaxing’, lived-in feel. ‘We arrived with our four children in the late afternoon and were shown to our own cosy parlour, where a bright fire, home-made brownies and tea awaited. It was nothing chi-chi, but was nicely decorated, with paintings and squashy sofas.’ Hand-woven rugs and intricate furnishings add an eclectic air to the bedrooms, some in converted barns. ‘My room had a comfortable bed with high-quality linen; an extraordinary bathroom basin. No guide to hotel facilities, though.’ Wendy Sarton cooks ‘simple, generous’ dinners, served by ‘prompt, courteous’ staff; in the morning, a ‘first-class’ breakfast might include ‘home-made marmalade served in vintage dishes; buttery scrambled eggs; home-baked bread’. ‘Few places are better for a country retreat with children.’ Residential painting courses are held from February to November. (Robert Gower, Thomas and Sybille Raphael)