A home-from-home in the Blackwater valley. Visitors to this ivy-clad Georgian country house are invited to stay ‘as if with friends’ by the welcoming Sharp Bolster family. Meadows and farmland extend beyond the acres of landscaped gardens. Inside brims with heirlooms and memorabilia collected by more than ten generations of the family. Days might be spent in a fireside armchair in the book-lined study, and having tea in the airy drawing room. Spacious country-style bedrooms are pleasingly old-fashioned, with original fireplaces; one has a four-poster. The family has tips for decent nearby eateries; guests might alternatively give a day’s notice and dine in. The hosts can help with organising vintage motorcycle or classic car tours.