Some of our favourite inspection experiences
Inspection trips throw all sorts of things at us, from nine-point turns in muddy lanes to extremely friendly dogs and severe tests of our lemon drizzle cake capacity. They also throw us lovely places of course, so we thought we’d look back on some of our favourites.
Part of our Inspection series
Originally published in February 2022. Last updated October 2026.
5 min read
Salmestone Grange, Kent
“This is like no other place I have seen, but in a good way. Set in a large two-acre plot dominated by this 13th-century flint and stone Monastic Grange, complete with its own chapel. Step inside and the feeling is grand and so comfortable with large squishy sofas and plenty of oak beams. Bedrooms are all new with colourful walls and amazing comfortable bedding and bathrooms. All extremely high standard.” – Scott, Inspector
Glebe House, Devon
“A very special place to come across in the Devon countryside! Olive, Hugo and their staff are relaxed and welcoming, and pleased to share the house and grounds, their local knowledge and their love of good food. The house is homely and inviting and welcomes you with its warm and comfortable spaces, where there’s room to find a quiet corner to yourself or sit down to enjoy an evening together.” – Claire, Inspector
Another Place, The Lake District
“I have to admit that when I arrived at Another Place I felt a bit underdressed. It has that grand country hotel stature and there’s something about tyres crunching on a gravel drive that feels posh. But inside it’s relaxed, warm and beautiful. It manages to be a spa hotel, a dog-friendly bar and a classy restaurant at once and make you feel welcome in all three. Leave a couple of hours for breakfast too – self-service waffle irons!”– Chris, Inspector
Casa Leonardo, Spain
“If ever there is a place or person that embodies what I presume is Sawday’s philosophy, it must be this house, with Mireia as guardian of traditional values, social, environmental, historical and cultural.” – Wim, Inspector
Old Granary at Middle Colenso Farm
“As soon as I arrived here I felt peaceful and calmed. We had a homemade cream tea waiting for us which was superb. The cottage is easy to find and parking is great, the cottage itself is surrounded by beautiful, well-kept gardens and trees, all you can hear is bird song and rustling leaves. With beautifully designed and furnished interiors, this is really somewhere to relax and re-charge.” – Naomi, Inspector
Le Sémaphore de Lervily
“This kind of place inspires creative types to write, paint or snuggle with a book, while others will immediately want to explore the coast or nearby sandy beaches. Enjoy French life, rocked by the rhythm of the tides and the ever-changing seascapes in a home fitted out with luxury and comfort as guiding principles.” – Annaliza, Inspector
This article was first published in February 2022 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.