Corse Lawn House

Ducks glide on a pond and guests take tea in front of this beautifully proportioned Queen Anne-style mansion in a hamlet between the Cotswolds and the Mendip hills. Owned for more than 40 years by Baba Hine, it has ‘faded charm, but not in a bad way’, writes a reader. Guide insiders on a return visit noted ‘lots to like’, not least a heated swimming pool, tennis court and croquet lawn. The decor and furnishings may be dated, but are still appealing. Walls are painted in shades of peach. Armchairs propose a fireside snooze. ‘Bedrooms are large and opulent, with every extra you need’ – fresh milk, ground coffee, leaf tea. ‘Our room had a fridge, an ottoman, old brown furniture, a good selection of fresh fruit, lovely home-made shortbread.’ The bistro and dining room differ only in ambience. ‘Dishes are nicely presented. The food is tasty, and changes. We had fish soup, Waldorf salad, loin of muntjac, and sole. Desserts are excellent.’ Breakfast brings ‘imaginative touches’ such as mango and lime juice, ‘a nicely arranged fruit and yogurt plate’. Cooked choices are limited, but ‘well done’. (Christine Hodgkin, N and CH)