Cringletie House

‘Expensive but very comfortable' with 'excellent food', this Victorian Scottish baronial hotel on a 28-acre estate combines luxury with easygoing family and dog-friendliness. It invites you to relax, with lots of comfy seating around log fires in bar and lounges. Bedrooms are individually styled, with contemporary comforts that respect the building’s history. They range from very good classic rooms to the Selkirk Suite, which has a spa bath and walk-in jet shower; all are supplied with Scottish-made toiletries. ‘Our suite was lovely, with plenty of seating plus a couple of small bottles of the local whisky to enjoy.’ In the restaurant, under a painted ceiling depicting a heavenly classical scene, either a seven or nine-course tasting menu is served. It changes daily to reflect the best seasonal and local produce but might include mushroom parfait, roasted Gigha halibut and filet of aged white park beef. 'The food was tremendous.' In the grounds you find a walled kitchen garden, dovecote and sundial, modern sculpture, games, a nature trail and woodland that is home to a badger colony. (Bill Wood, and others)