The Rectory

Delightful country house hotel in the Cotswolds: homely and elegant with stylish contemporary touches

We've seen loads of English country house hotels but so often they seem over-worked, over-chintzed or over-priced. The Rectory's different. Set in a charming walled garden on the edge of the Cotswolds, its 12 rooms have been revamped without losing a homely feel. Upstairs has a more traditional appeal whilst downstairs sees more contemporary flourishes such as the colourful bijou bar where a fire crackles in winter.

There's no fear of any stuffy formality here thanks to young owners Jonathan Barry, ex-Hotel du Vin, and Julian Muggridge, an antiques dealer from Petworth. They've given this 18th century house a perfect balance. Furnishings are elegant, the welcome's friendly and service is unobtrusive. Walk in from the gravel drive, passing wellies by the door, and sink into a sofa with a glossy mag. Sip champagne on the lawn, then dine on local organic produce in the lovely panelled dining room. You're an hour and a half's drive from London and within easy striking distance of the antiques shops of Tetbury, Cirencester or even Bath.

Highs

• Pretty Cotswold stone house with eclectic interior decor - a successful mix of old and new that's constantly evolving
• Large walled garden with croquet lawn and heated outdoor pool in summer
• Good location - not too far from London, yet far enough to be in the country
• Unstuffy, homely ambiance
• Comfortable elegant guest rooms with DVD players and iPod docks
• You can book the whole house for a special occasion

Lows

• Some minor frays around the edges but it's an old house and at these prices it's hard to complain
• There's a road that runs just beyond the grounds but we never heard much traffic
• Weekends in summer get booked up far in advance