Surrounded by ‘lovely grounds’ rolling down to the River Stour, this ‘beautiful, well-preserved’ 16th-century manor house enters the Guide this year on the urging of trusted readers. High marks for the ‘timeless, relaxing atmosphere’ and ‘warm professional welcome’. The ‘project’ of hands-on Jane Pusey; she is helped by husband, William, and Gertie and Summer, ‘a pair of flat-coated retrievers of impeccable manners’. Books, curios and antiques fill the large, elegant drawing room. ‘It feels like staying at a friend’s home.’ Bedrooms are full of character: mullioned windows, wonky exposed beams, a chest-of-drawers-sized alcove. ‘Our room was huge, with a very comfortable king-size bed draped in crisp bedlinen, independently controlled heating, good lighting; fluffy towels, a bathroom with bath and powerful separate shower.’ Good secondary glazing ensured a perfectly quiet night. One quibble: ‘Not enough seating, given the size of the room.’ ‘Breakfast had no real choice but an excellent full English of local produce, plus muesli, superb home-made preserves (and a small jar of Marmite, much to my pleasure).’ No fresh orange juice, but ‘very good coffee’. (Sue and John Jenkinson)