Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

A magnificent refurbishment – a medieval manor house that stands on land mentioned in the Domesday Book, encircled by its own moat. The Courthouse occupies the southwest corner of the manor and was known to William Wordsworth – his brother-in-law lived here. Outside, views from the terrace drift over the moat and across the fields to the Skirrid and the Black Mountains; simply sublime. Inside, fabulous interiors elate: ancient timber frames in the hall; an open fire in the dining room; an inglenook in the panelled sitting room, with a cylindrical wood-burner; an Aga in the kitchen/breakfast room – with views from the sink of the ducks gliding across the moat. Bedrooms upstairs are equally delicious: vast beds, beautiful fabrics, cool colours, gorgeous bathrooms. One room is huge, all overlook the water. The house interconnects with a spectacular timber-framed hall that you can hire for special occasions, and the estate is yours to roam: cycle tracks, a bird hide, lakes to fish, a tennis court, stabling for your horse. A chef can be arranged if you don't want to cook, but the kitchen is so lovely, you will. Hay-on-Wye is close.