The Arch

The drawing room is cosy, comfortable and attractive with gentle Farrow and Ball colours, striking fabrics, a merry wood-burner and lots of books and games. The kitchen is a good size and well stocked with plenty of pretty china and glasses, a big table for convivial meals and whatever you’ve ordered for breakfast waiting for you. Or you can walk through the estate to the pub and have it cooked for you. It’s a generous place too – you’re left decanters of whisky, port and brandy, chocolate brownies and crisps and sweets.

Bedrooms – the main double on the first floor with a freestanding bath looking over the lake and an en suite bathroom, the bunk room up a further flight of stairs – are reached via a spiral stone staircase. There’s a shower room and extra loo on the ground floor.

Wander down to the lake for an evening stroll, continue to the Beckford Arms for exceptional food from a seasonal menu. Walk back under dark starry skies.