Four Seasons comes highly recommended by FT'er Raffles, maybe PM him for more info. I think Le Manoir is great, and depending on your room you can have your own roaring log fire. I really enjoy Babbington. It's not luxury (although it is expensive and trendy) but is very laid back, comfortable and fun. I suspect there are fewer children there in term time, but if you don't want children around then don't go there. Le Manoir would be more suitable. As for the rest, I would not go to any of them. Most UK country hotels are ghastly and incredibly naff. I'd rather stay in a nice pub (seriously). Summer Lodge is absolutely dire. I can't explain how horrible it is. And friends who have been to Chewton Glen report bad experiences. With respect to DavidO, if these two are recommended by Virtuoso, it doesn't say much for them.