Deer Park Country House Hotel

A narrow lane flanked by low hedgerow winds though a picturesque countryside to arrive at the Deer Park Country House Hotel. A pair of beautifully preserved vintage cars -- one of them a Rolls Royce -- parked outside sets the tone for this superbly restored 18th-century manor house. While the deer park dates to the 1720s, the mansion was built in 1755 for a wealthy Georgian squire. The property sits amid more than 80 acres of well-tended grounds complete with scented herb gardens, tinkling fountains, and swaths of manicured lawns. Inside, the building has retained a sense of history while keeping a cozy and homey vibe often lacking in restored country houses. Numerous paintings adorn the walls, many of which are cricket-themed, comprising one of the most extensive and diverse sporting collections in the U.K. Set well away from the main road, the surroundings are peaceful with little noise save for the chirruping of birds and an occasional cry from the house falconry or snuffling of the resident pigs. 

The hotel is located between the villages of Buckerell and Weston, nestled in the East Devonshire countryside. The charming market town of Honiton -- where the nearest train station can be found -- is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while the M5 motorway and Exeter are about 20 minutes away by car. The pretty coastal town of Exmouth is about a half-hour's drive, and the nearest airport -- Exeter International -- is about a 20-minute drive. 

The hotel has 32 rooms, including House Rooms in the main building and Garden Rooms in an annex that's a short walk from the house. While all rooms are nicely presented, House Rooms have more traditional elements, while Garden Rooms tend to include more contemporary touches, though they're generally smaller. All rooms include flat-screen TVs and tea- and coffee-making facilities, and although some rooms pick up Wi-Fi, the signal is weak. Bathrooms tastefully blend traditional and modern elements, and come with fluffy bathrobes; many have separate tubs and showers.

The Treehouse -- a one-bedroom thatched bower stuffed with luxury touches such as a lounge with log-burner, handmade furnishings, and bathrooms with roll-top tubs and underfloor heating -- is an extra special accommodation.

A full English breakfast, included in the room rate, is served in Loxton's, the hotel's elegantly traditional restaurant, named after the artist Margaret Loxton, whose work decorates the walls. The restaurant also offers excellent lunch and dinner menus with much of the ingredients grown in the hotel's walled garden. A pizza oven also provides less formal fare, with an alfresco dining option in the summer. Although there's nothing in the way of spa or health facilities, the hotel puts on regular falconry displays, and clay-pigeon shooting is available on the grounds. The hotel also offers excellent facilities for weddings and conferences.