Wingrove House, Alfriston, East Sussex

Set back slightly from the High Street on the southern fringes of Alfriston, but only a five-minute stroll to the medieval pubs, tea rooms and antique shops the village is known for. Berwick is the nearest station, three miles away, while the beach at Cuckmere is a five-mile drive. The medieval Star Inn is a few minutes' walk, as is the National Trust's first property, the Alfriston Clergy House.

By car: The hotel is a 2-hour drive from London, 40 minutes from Brighton and 50 minutes from Gatwick Airport. There is free private parking available on-site.

By train: London Victoria to Lewes station takes around 1 hour. From there guests should take a connecting train to Berwick, which takes 10 minutes. Berwick station is a 5-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Book trains to Berwick.

Built in 1860 in the classic colonial style, the house has a wraparound veranda and neat gardens, just like in a Henry James epic. Inside it has a modern hunting lodge vibe, all muted greys and soft greens, and the odd deer antler or stuffed elk head on the wall.

Wingrove House is run by a small but efficient team who all manage to be friendly, chatty and professional, often at the same time. In the summer, they bring out the garden furniture so guests can relax on the lawn or in a wicker lounger on the veranda.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Lounge
• Garden
• Terrace
• Room service
• Parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Recently upgraded, the rooms are all decorated in a muted palette of soft greys, olive greens and creams. Some have seagrass carpets, plantation shutters and Art Deco-inspired art and crafts, while others have vaulted ceilings with rustic exposed beams or access to the veranda. Bathrooms are decadently spacious and many have deep baths.

Room types: Standard Double, Superior, Deluxe, Premium Deluxe and the Churchill Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Temple Spa toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

Head chef Matthew Comben hails from The Hungry Monk in Jevington and brings with him the Monk's original, and magnificent, banoffee pie recipe. He cooks up a seasonal menu with mainly local produce, like Sussex Smokie bonbons or local venison and pheasant. The small lounge bar with an open fire and an impressive gin menu is great for a nightcap.

The Wingrove restaurant: European cuisine, fish from the grill, steaks, Sunday roasts. Open daily for breakfast, dinner Mon-Sat 6-9pm; Sunday lunch 12-3pm, dinner 6-8pm. Mains from £15.