Shallowdale House

Guests are made to feel like old friends at this wisteria-clad, light-filled 1960s house with its peerless views over gardens to the Howardian hills. Hosts Phillip Gill and Anton van der Horst have the happy knack of creating rooms and an atmosphere that are ‘deeply relaxing’, helped in no small measure by the picture windows that ensure striking views at every turn. Large, luminous bedrooms are full of warm colours, brightly patterned fabrics and a classic country house style. They are filled with art and books, as are the two sitting rooms. Thoughtful touches include binoculars (great for birdwatching and rabbit-spotting), pot plants, chocolates and Penhaligon toiletries. Enjoy complimentary tea and home-made cakes while gazing over the ‘mature and lovely gardens’. Phillip’s cooking is ‘out of this world’, says a regular guest, with dinner (booked ahead) a treat of white napery, fresh flowers and four courses that might include smoked trout salad, duck breast with braised endive and Marsala, and ‘delicious desserts’. The scrambled eggs at breakfast are legendary: ‘Nobody does that better!’ An ‘utterly splendid’ stay. (AW, FT)