Le Manoir de Raynaudes, a Farmhouse Hotel in France

London sophistication meets laid-back French country style at Le Manoir de Raynaudes, a 19th-century farmhouse converted into a hotel and restaurant by two British expats: Peter Steggall, a former IT professional, and his partner, Orlando Murrin, a cookbook author and the former editor of BBC's Good Food. The pair spent two years carefully restoring and modernizing the estate, which occupies 13 bucolic acres in the Tarn region of Southwestern France. The manor house now has four bed-and-breakfast guestrooms, and the barn comprises four spacious self-catering apartments.

All rooms have a stylishly spare, contemporary decor, most with king size beds, plush linens, modern bath fixtures and L'Occitane products. But at Raynaudes, the main draws are exploring the acres of gardens and nearby gorges and lakes, and savoring the amazing gastronomic meals prepared by Orlando. He grows his own fruit, herbs and vegetables on-site in his organic gardens. After a fresh country breakfast, your lazy days there might include a game of pétanque and lounging by the lap pool. Children, pets and cell phones are not allowed, so absolute tranquility is ensured. There's much to see on day-trips within the region, including local villages and markets, the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, the excellent Toulouse-Lautrec museum in Albi, and Sir Norman Foster's breathtaking viaduct at Millau. Be sure to get back to Le Manoir for the main event—dinner served on the patio with views of the rolling countryside. NB: Go soon because Orlando and Peter have the hotel on the market, as they are keen on moving on to their next renovation project ...

Room rates from €190. Six hours by TGV from Paris to Toulouse, via Bordeaux, plus a one-hour drive; 7 hours by car from Paris.

Insider tip from Mr & Mrs Smith, one of my trusted resources:

"Our favorite rooms: Mauricette is light and airy, with a free-standing rolltop bath and views all the way to the Pyrénées. Maison Bonné is a spacious apartment with its own private patio garden, perfect for a late breakfast. Maison Montfort also has its own patio garden next to the swimming pool."

Visit Mr & Mrs Smith for more tips, photos, and to book a special Suzanne's Files rate—3 nights for the price of 2! Valid for stays until May 31, 2009, Monday to Thursday; three-night minimum stay. Subject to availability.