Brockencote Hall

As you drive through landscaped parkland to find this country house hotel overlooking a lake and 17th-century dovecote, you might wonder if you have arrived in the Loire valley. The Victorian mansion, remodelled in château style, is part of the Eden Hotel Collection (see also Mallory Court, Leamington Spa). Public rooms have original maple and pine woodwork and period furniture. Bedrooms range from contemporary classics to stunning feature suites. New this year is the converted Gate Lodge, with three double rooms, private dining and outdoor hot tub. (Friends and families can book it for themselves.) All rooms have home-made biscuits, fruit, savouries, luxury toiletries. ‘Really excellent in all respects,’ writes a reader. ‘Our bedroom was a very good size with 
a huge, well-laid-out bathroom.’ You can dine from a lounge menu or in the restaurant on dishes such as pan-roasted venison loin with cheek brandade, shank croquette, red cabbage and garden beetroot. ‘Dinner a delight, with the nice touches of an amuse-bouche and a pre-dessert.’ Breakfasts are equally impressive. ‘I had bacon, eggs and mushrooms – the best I have eaten in many years.’ (Ian Dewey)