3 NEW ENGLISH COUNTRY HOUSES THAT YOU CAN STAY IN

Climb into one of its fleet of Land Rovers and be whisked to this 18th-century manor house found an hour outside of London. Designer Ben Thompson took the cue that Heckfield Place in Hampshire should look like a country house that belonged to your cousin. So he used a warm palette with locally-sourced materials. Enjoy your weekend – or week – in the country, wild swimming in the lake, relaxing at the Bothy Spa, watching movies in the underground cinema and enjoying a tipple or two in the old English pub in the grounds. Open now.

The former home of the Duke of Marlborough is now a glittering new hotel. The heritage hotel will feature 41 rooms that can be found within the main house and the 18th-century Brew House, and these will sit alongside a world-class spa and a fitness centre that has been designed by celebrity personal trainer Matt Roberts. The gardens don’t need to be touched as they were designed by none other than Capability Brown. Opening February 2019.

South African hotel Babylonstoren is about to set up its eco-friendly luxury brand on UK shores. The 17th-century boutique property will feature 30 guest rooms, a restaurant, spa, and a pool that it’s believed will be tucked away within one of its barns. Babylonstoren is the only hotel outside of the UK to work with the Royal Horticultural Society, so we will be expecting great things from the 300 acres of parkland they have to play with. Opens 2019.