Hambleton Hall

‘Fay ce que voudras’ reads a motto on the porch of Tim and Stefa Hart’s Victorian picturesque country house, an invitation to do as you please, and this year, as ever, readers have been pleased by their stay here. It is ‘the most wonderful place for relaxation’, vouch regular returnees. ‘The staff are efficient and pleasant as always, and the decor and furnishings remain a delight.’ The style throughout is classic and elegant. Even standard rooms have designer wallpaper, maybe a bath and walk-in shower. Bay-windowed master room Fern overlooks the colourful parterre and shining Rutland Water. Michelin-starred chef Aaron Patterson creates a concise daily menu using produce from the walled kitchen garden. Choices might include poached halibut, cucumber, oyster leaf salad; roast venison, turnips, braised red cabbage. You can spend days by the pool, play croquet or tennis, and when the sun’s over the yardarm, as it says on the sundial on the south front of the house, ‘Nune Hora Bibendi’ – time for a drink! Hambleton Hall is a Relais & Châteaux hotel. (See also Hart’s Hotel, Nottingham.) (Anthony Bradbury, and others)