‘It’s a good thing the Chatsworth estate is just a stroll through the field,’ writes our inspector. ‘You’ll need to go there to walk off the superb food here.’ Owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire (see index, Devonshire, for sister properties), the hotel has undergone a design makeover. Soft pink, green and blue paint finishes are teamed with Pierre Frey patterned wallpapers. The bar is adorned with old family photographs, while playful touches include horse carriage lamps repurposed as wall lights. Bedrooms range from ‘cosy’ and ‘spacious’ to a four-poster room and duplex Townhouse suite. ‘Our ground-floor room was bright, spacious and beautifully designed, with feature wallpaper and bucolic views. There was fresh milk in the fridge, a whole pack of Chatsworth biscuits.’ Dinner in the Gallery brought ‘fresh and tasty tuna with seaweed, a delicious roast celeriac cannelloni, perfectly cooked Chatsworth beef'. You can eat more casually in the Garden Room. ‘Breakfast is similarly superb; the full English gets a big thumbs up.’ The staff are friendly and professional. ‘The receptionist was particularly helpful and advised us about the best walks to take.’