Troutbeck

The Dining Room. Using banquets, fireplaces and warm lighting, the dining room has ‘I think I’ll stay a while’ comfortable feeling to it. Unlike New York City, it feels like your meal is not to be rushed; nor should it be. The food is world class.

Tie on the door: there is so much character at Troutbeck at every stage of your stay. My favourite touch was the tie you can hang on the door to make sure no one comes in… and to let your neighbours know you are mid cuddle.

Breakfast: I don’t know about you but after a brisk early morning walk, there is nothing better to come to than tea and toast with marmalade. I was thrilled to see that on the menu and leapt at the chance to feel like a kid again.

The Bedroom Porch: an addictive part of the setup is that our bedroom had an indoor porch with a bath on it so you could soak away stresses and then lie in the sunshine on the sunbed while still feeling like you were half outside.

The Drawing Room. In England, your vocabulary will give away your breeding faster than your old school tie, so the use of ‘drawing room’ rather than ‘lounge’ is very deliberate. This room may be the most perfect room for reading a good book I have come across in a while.

The Bedroom. Our bedroom was beautifully designed in that effortless way. There is no over decorating but every finish has been perfectly thought out. Its simplicity is consuming and it’s tough to leave, which may also depend on whom you are sharing it with.

The Games Room: no country house in England is complete without a games room, but unlike many others I’ve been to back home, this is in a bright and light room to keep spirits high. The games rooms back home are usually far more dark and sinister and not often just a game of pool.