The Old Manor House

‘B&Bs this good are rare,’ write hoteliers who stayed at Jane and William Pusey’s 16th-century manor house. Set in extensive gardens sloping down to the River Stour, it is just ten minutes’ drive from Stratford-upon-Avon. Cordon Bleu-trained Jane runs the show, but William proved ‘the perfect host’ when Guide readers arrived in her absence. He showed them to a spacious, comfortable bedroom. ‘The bathroom was larger than in most hotel bedrooms; it had a bath and walk-in power shower.’ All the rooms have period charm, fresh milk on request, bathrobes and ila Spa toiletries. Rowley, reached by its own staircase, adjoins a single room that can be used for a friend or family member. You can take tea in the drawing room or on the terrace. ‘Piles of books, knick-knacks, antiques, and the clock in the breakfast room playing music every four hours make it feel like staying at a friend’s house.’ Retriever Summer welcomes canine guests, by arrangement. Breakfast brings home-baked organic bread, organic yogurts and local bacon, before a day’s fishing or a game of tennis. For dinner we suggest The Howard Arms at Ilmington (see entry). (Sue and John Jenkinson)