Gravetye Manor

Deep in the Sussex countryside, a romantic Elizabethan manor house, built by an ironmaster for his bride, stands amid 1,000 acres of historically important gardens, pleasure grounds and woodland. Oak-panelled public rooms are filled with antiques. In the dining room, George Blogg’s elegant Michelin-starred menus feature produce from orchard and kitchen garden, with foraged ingredients, in dishes such as roe venison, beetroot and red chicory; spring greens, hen of the woods, cèpe and wild garlic; crab apple, caramelised white chocolate and thyme. Beyond glass walls, flowers overspill borders laid out by William Robinson, pioneer of wild and natural gardening, who lived here until his death in 1935. Bedrooms are traditionally furnished, with signature floral fabrics, perhaps dual-aspect windows, a four-poster bed. Praise from readers is unstinted. ‘From arrival to departure our stay was magical. Such naturally friendly staff, with such a fantastic kitchen – every meal was perfection.’ ‘Best hotel we have stayed at in Britain so far.’ 
It is a Relais & Châteaux hotel. (Ralph Wilson, Mrs E Gould)