Langar Hall

The apricot-coloured Georgian house, at the end of a lime-tree avenue, adds just a touch of eccentricity to a traditional country house stay. The family home-turned-hotel of the late Imogen Skirving is run by her granddaughter, Lila Arora, with the same ‘very warm’ welcome. The pillared hall, sitting rooms and dining room are graciously furnished in English country house style – bookcases, wood floors, gilt-framed paintings – spiced up with a hint of India (Imogen loved the country). Bedrooms – one named after a former regular guest, Barbara Cartland – feature boldly patterned wallpapers, antiques, desks, books, upholstered armchairs and views over ‘attractive parkland’. One has wood panelling, another a rocking chair and there are four-poster and half-tester beds. Most have a bath as well as a shower. For romance, try the cosy wooden ‘pod’ or chalet by the croquet lawn. Dinner in the ‘classical’ dining room is ‘outstanding’, raves a guest, with a ‘menu full of temptation’ such as wild sea bass with scallop ravioli, and crispy pork belly with barbecued aubergine and grapefruit. Throughout, the ambience is ‘delightful’. (Robert Gower)