The real charm of this grand country house, with sweeping gardens, terraces, oak panelling and swish spa along with a convenient location in a hamlet a few miles from the A1 lies in its warm and informal atmosphere. Run by the Robinsons, a local farming family, the creeper-covered 17th-century hall has flagged and polished-wood floors, panelled walls, an orangery brasserie, terraces overlooking walled gardens. Yet there's nothing stuffy about the interiors, with tartan carpets and comfortable tweed-covered armchairs. 'The public rooms are a delight,' reports one reader. There is plenty of space to relax in, from the elegant drawing room and fire-warmed library bar to the spa (with a £15 a day fee). The gardens are 'well worth exploring'. Bedrooms have a modern country-house feel, and range from ones in the main hall, with original features and antiques, to contemporary spa bedrooms and more rustic mews and coach-house rooms. Don't book one near the kitchen if fan noise bothers you. The modern British menus accompanied by an 'eclectic wine list' might include herb-roasted rib of pork, bubble and squeak croquette and black pudding purée, followed by limoncello tiramisu. (ST)