Hotel Review: Marshall Meadows, Northumberland

Two miles north of Berwick-upon-Tweed, it's the most northerly hotel in England; the Scottish border is less than a mile away. Tucked just off the A1, it's hidden in parkland and with views to the North Sea, albeit with a railway line and caravan park in-between (though at a lower level). There are no beaches at this point of the coast, but there is direct access to the coastal path. Berwick-upon-Tweed is a fine border town with the most complete Elizabethan walls in Britain, a Lowry Trail (the artist holidayed here), art galleries and a great micro-pub, The Curfew, on Bridge Street.

By car: around 1 hour from Edinburgh, 1 hour 20 minutes from Newcastle and 4 hours from Manchester. Free parking available.

By train: there are direct trains from Edinburgh (50 minutes) and London King's Cross (3 hours 45 minutes) to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The hotel is a seven-minute drive. Book trains to Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

The rosy-pink Georgian manor house has been given a bold makeover without losing its innate elegance. Deep-blue walls, white-painted shutters and polished-wood floors form the backdrop to sea-green and plum sofas and chairs. Quirky animal portraits hang on walls while a cleverly designed central bar serves both the drawing room and bar to create a large relaxed space.

If you want to stretch your legs, the 12-acre grounds lead directly to the coastal path with Berwick-upon-Tweed reached in a little over an hour. Otherwise, there's a choice of drawing room, cocktail bar, conservatory and terrace for relaxing over a coffee or drink.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Board games
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Bedrooms have a modern freshness that still nods to the manor's heritage while breezy colours reflect the coastal location. Panelling and plasterwork mix with linen headboards, velvet-covered armchairs and feature walls, while a refreshing lack of clutter gives them a relaxed air.

Room types: Classic Room, Premier Room, Junior Suite, Master Suite, Stable Suite, Meadow Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Molten Brown toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, TV, desk, free Wi-Fi

Modern British food - occasionally with a startling presentation, such as a starter of beetroot with pistachio and goat's cheese sorbet or duck with a pear and duck sausage roll - is served in the smart though unstuffy restaurant. For something lighter, the bar snacks menu includes savoury dishes such as chorizo and Manchego croquettes and breaded brie with fruit chutney.

Restaurant 1782: seasonal menus, locally sourced produce. Open daily for dinner, mains from £18.

The Drawing Room: open daily for lunch (12-5pm) or bar snacks (12-10pm). Small plates, 3 for £12.