Langar is a true original – stubbornly English, deliciously stylish, quietly eccentric. It ticks to its own beat, a place of gentle ritual and timeless beauty. Most wonderful among its endless bounties is its instinct for self-deprecation: this is not a brash, arrogant country house keen to blow its trumpet, but one that blushes slightly if you mention its beauty. At the helm is the indomitable Imogen. Her family came here 150 years ago and she has kept the place much as it was. The same paintings hang where they always have and the clipped approach of footsteps still rings from the original stone-flagged floors. Remarkably, it retains the feel of a home. Follow your nose and you will come across marble busts and statues, a proper library, an open fire in the drawing room and a pillared dining room that is candle-lit at night. Nothing is done to impress which is why so much does, and those in search of smart country-house hospitality will be in heaven.

Half a mile up a gracious drive, the house stands on a slight hill in imperious parkland, bang next door to the church. If you have ever doubted the loveliness of the Nottinghamshire countryside, come and prove yourself wrong. Many people shy away for this very reason, making Langar all the more attractive as it remains ‘undiscovered’. Those who frequent it tend to be a friendly, eclectic bunch and they return again and again. Pre-dinner drinks, which Imogen orchestrates with infectious charm, is like a drinks party.

ROOMS

The rooms at Langar are breathtaking and represent excellent value for money. They are named after people who have stayed in them, or people who once lived in them. Hence ‘Cartland’ is named after Dame Barbara, and ‘Agnews’, a pavilion in the garden, is named after Jonathan (the Test Match Special team decamp here for the Trent Bridge test and you may hear Blowers waxing lyrical about the place over the airwaves).

All are delightful, and when you book, staff will gladly guide you through each one much as a sommelier explains his wine list. Expect big beds, pretty fabrics, great views and tons of style. Some are ‘country-house’ (old rugs, brass beds, chaise longues). Others are more contemporary (tongue-and-groove woodwork, tromp-l’œil panelling, faux leopard-skin throws). One looks over a network of Medieval fishponds. You’ll find fresh flowers, antique furniture, beams, chests and the odd four-poster. Prices equate to the size of the room and as none are particularly small, you could take pot luck and be delighted.

EATING

One of the highlights at Langar is their food. There’s game from Belvoir Castle (where else?), homemade soups and waist-expanding puddings. Menus change with the seasons; whatever can be is sourced locally and the odd vegetable is plucked from the kitchen garden. You might have grilled lobster with butter and lemon, Langar lamb, then caramelised orange pancakes. Those who usually abstain from puddings should make an exception; they are out of this world. Best of all is the dining room. As smartly-dressed waiters weave and candlelight flickers, don’t be surprised if you imagine for a moment that you are attending a society dinner party circa 1923.

ACTIVITIES

Langar is a destination in itself: there are summer concerts, Shakespeare on the lawn once a year and the occasional fashion show. Venture into the outside world and visit Sherwood Forest, Belvoir Castle (pronounced ‘beaver’), Doddington Hall or Calke Abbey. Alternatively, walk down to the parachute school in Langar village and take a lesson. Nottingham is well worth a visit, and much prettier than most would imagine. You’ll find Medieval streets, antique shops, good restaurants and a much-admired theatre.

HIGHS

• A terrifically stylish country house
  
• A place to come and step back in time
  
• Superb bedrooms full of beautiful things
  
• Exceptional food

• Nottinghamshire is not England’s Number One tourist destination (but it’s lovely, and you’ll have it to yourself)
  
• This is a quiet place: night life at Langar is hushed

FEATURES

	Phone
	TV
	Restaurant
	Breakfast
	Room Service
	Garden
	Meeting Rooms
	Wedding License
	Babysitting
	Pets by Arrangement
	Parking Available

	Fishing
	Hiking / Walking
	Music
	Theatre/Film