A Saxon royal hunting lodge in the Gloucestershire countryside, rebuilt over centuries, is run today as a private hotel by 'the perfect host', Christopher Trim, and his wife Kathryn Warner, 'a great chef'. This was previously a hospitality venue for Rolls-Royce, and they cater to conferences, but the ambience is that of an intimate country-house party and is not the least corporate. The 'beautiful and historic building' has stone mullion windows, a Tudor arched stone fireplace and 16th-century plasterwork ceilings. The ruins of medieval St Helen's church stand serene in the grounds. 'Large and tasteful' bedrooms have fine antiques, home-made biscuits, views of the churchyard or rose garden and croquet lawn, music courtesy of Alexa. The drawing room has a baby grand piano, comfy sofas, rich fabrics, books, prints and pastoral landscapes. Currently (check beforehand), on Fridays and Saturdays or for whole house bookings, Cordon Bleu-trained Kathryn cooks an 'amazing' three-course dinner with the emphasis on quality and local sourcing, including produce from the walled garden. Breakfast brings freshly baked pastries, maybe eggs Benedict, home-made jams, the full English or vegetarian if you wish. (NB, MH, and others)