Lucknam Park

Approached by a mile-long drive flanked on either side by beech and lime trees, Lucknam Park is true Austen-esque elegance. As soon as you enter the historic estate home's impressive lobby and grand public salons, with their chandeliers, paneled walls, oil portraits and ornate furnishings, you'll know that you've stepped into somewhere special. The 42 guest rooms and suites are equally graceful yet not too old fashioned, with a mix of period and modern furnishings, thick curtains, spacious marble bathrooms (we loved the extra-large Penhaligon's amenities), and views over the park or courtyard. Staff is expert and kind, and you know you're in good hands when the hotel's Managing Director has the title MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his contributions to the hospitality industry. The whole experience was one of relaxation and casual sophistication. Without venturing into Bath, there's plenty to do on site. Take afternoon tea in the lovely salons or gardens—there's the Walled Garden, the Rose Garden and the Herb Garden—or explore the 500-acre property by foot or horseback. Equestrianism is a big thing there; Lucknam has stables, horses and instructors ready to take all levels of riders on estate tours, lunging and jumping lessons, or cross-country hacks. We thoroughly enjoyed the Park Restaurant's Michelin-starred cuisine and appreciated the cheeky French sommelier Christophe, who pointed us to a spot-on little Spanish number that wasn't even on the menu. When they've finished building the new spa, pool and fitness complex in autumn 2008, I've no doubt that it will provide yet another great reason to visit. This is one of my UK faves and it's less than a 2-hour drive from Central London.

Room rates from £225.