Originally Posted by Pausanias

I like EfficientTraveller idea of The Waterside Inn. An upscale restaurant aves chambres or Auberge that you rarely find in France these days, let alone the UK. A bliss-out setting. I have a total aversion to anything called Heston Blumental. A total charlatan in my view. I was the one who suggested Great Fosters without ever claiming it was a luxury hotel. Fact is, there are no luxury hotels in this area. I like Great Fosters because of its Tudor origins, its garden and its food. You can also park there.

To add to your list of houses and gardens I recommend you look at Ham House near Richmond. A wonderful formal garden. It's a National Trust property.