Heckfield Place

The stunning Georgian house has been restored with a light hand and the original fireplaces and sash windows are all intact. The interiors, however, are Vogue-worthy and incredibly stylish, all neutral tones and rich fabrics. Restaurant-wise, Heckfield shines. Marle occupies the main dining room, its terrace facing the pretty grounds; Hearth, the open-fire restaurant for guests only, is in a converted stable, all flagstone floors and sheepskin rugs - but head to the Moon Bar with its midnight-blue walls, marble fireplace and disco ball first. Outside, walled gardens and wildflower meadows stretch across your eyeline and there's a beautiful six-room spa for ultimate R&R.

Six room types, ranging from the Friends Rooms - smaller, corridor-facing and simply furnished - to the Signature Rooms with serious space and sweeping views of the manicured grounds. The Ochre Room is the pick for a special occasion with its emperor bed, west lawn views and a magncifent marble bathroom. There are also two cottages within the estate grounds those looking for a touch more privacy. Characterfu lChurch Lodge, a timbered gatehouse, is our favourite and comes with its own walled garden.

The estate has enough walking routes to fill several days, plus falconry, cold-water immersion and farm tours that trace the biodynamic growing cycle from soil to plate. The Bothy Spa - 17,000 square feet, leave your phones at the door! - has a chlorine-free pool whose glass wall opens onto the grounds when the weather permits. Jane Austen's house at nearby Chawton is also worth an afternoon but most find the walled gardens reason enough to stay put.