Romance is in the air, along with the birdsong of robins, nuthatches and chaffinches, at this golden-hued manor house in a pretty Cotswold village. Set in historic gardens, the 17th-century stone house was once the home of Rosemary Verey, grande dame of garden design. The laburnum walk and ornamental fruit and vegetable garden she created still flourish today. Now part of the Calcot Collection, the whole makes up a fine hotel and spa with ‘an informal atmosphere’ and ‘a nice country house feel’. Traditional bedrooms are in the main house, each individually decorated in soothing shades. Duplex rooms are in a modern wing. All rooms contain magazines, bottled water, hot drinks and biscuits. Tables are dressed with sprigs of rosemary and linen napkins in the Potager restaurant, where Francesco Volgo’s cooking takes inspiration from the garden. His seasonal menu might include chilled wild garlic velouté, potato puff, ham hock; Barnsley lamb chop, broad beans, tomato, black olive and anchovy salsa. Up the road, the Village Pub (see Shortlist) has more casual meals. Bicycles are available to borrow for a rural ride. More reports, please. Barnsley House is also a member of Pride of Britain hotels,