A restful retreat to soothe the soul  It's not unusual for psychotherapists to suggest a holiday, but it's unusual for them to specify one particular place. But that's why a steady stream head down from London to experience the tranquil elegance of this very special place, a radical 'Grand Design' creation of glass and steel set a few fields from Glastonbury Tor. Around are sheep and trees, inside cosy interiors beautifully furnished with modern facilities and antique art. This is a place where you can relax in luxury and free your spirit.  Upper Crannel Farm Barn was designed by the leading architect Richard Paxton, a regular star of TV's Grand Designs, and his brief was to make the buildings part of the landscape. In this he more than succeeded: you feel as though he's brought the landscape into the building. It feels nothing like a 'rented space', with excellent paintings, interesting decorative pieces and bookshelves crammed with good books but also modern comforts, with wifi throughout and underfloor heating.

A working farm with a difference… Don't be fooled by the name 'The Wold Cottage'. Originally a Georgian city gentleman’s country retreat, Wold Cottage sits in beautifully landscaped grounds, surrounded by woodland and with un-spoilt views over their 300 acres of farmland and beyond to the Yorkshire Wolds.

A haven of peace near Cornwall's southern gems  Tubbs House Mill is a charming refuge in one of Cornwall's most beautiful regions, close to Megavissey and the coast.  Beautifully restored, both house and gardens are perfect for relaxing, with tea and homemade cakes greeting your arrival setting the tone for your stay. There's a lovely sitting room for the use of guests and the garden is a highlight, leading down to the river and with plenty of seating areas to enjoy tea, wine, or - weather permitting - breakfast. 

A working Georgian farmhouse with glorious views  This elegant farmhouse dates back to 1720 and has been elegantly and sympathetically restored by its current owners, providing superbly comfortable guest accommodation in what is still a working farm and family home. Open fireplaces, antique furnishings and original period features are brought together by beautiful wallpapers and decorations, providing a soothing and comfortable home from home. 

Gracious accommodation with a personal touch  Quiet and relaxing, this Georgian manor house oozes charm, beautifully set on East Yorkshire's dramatic coast. With just two guest bedrooms you're very much en famille, but there are several sitting rooms, featuring open fires and a woodburning stove in the hall. The property was mentioned in the Domesday Book but has since been much rebuilt and improved, and has pleasing, human proportions. Guests love the gentle buzz of quiet activity: this is not just a home, it's also attached to its own converted stable block, where antiques are sold, books are written and traditional fishermen's Ganseys hand-knitted.  

Step back through time at this very special Lodge… Prepare to be warmly welcomed by your hosts Eileen and Andy (and their family pets), followed by homemade afternoon tea, served just after your arrival in front of the magnificent inglenook fireplace – reputedly the largest in Suffolk. This Grade I listed Tudor house complete with Gatehouse and colonnade oozes Olde World charm whilst having every modern convenience.  

Modern, luxurious, fabulous views and great food… Arriving in Ashmore on a fine day one can appreciate just how high you've climbed to reach this utterly beautiful luxury bed and breakfast, with views across the Dorset coast.

500 years in the heart of the Cotswold’s… Aylworth Manor dates back through the centuries and has been lovingly restored over the last few years by John and Joanna Ireland who together have turned it into a most friendly, welcoming family home for their two children and the many B&B guests that are lucky enough to discover them.  

An enchanting country escape… In search of peace and quiet? Then look no further!  Manor House Farm offers all that you could possibly wish for in luxury accommodation. Your hosts Libby and Robin Ellis have transformed their family home into an utterly beautiful bed and breakfast, with a garden that visitors flock to see whenever it is open under the National Gardens Scheme.

A wonderful luxury lodge, whose hosts go above and beyond... Be it the fantastic welcome, the individually styled bedrooms, the exquisite home-baked treats, and food. You are sure to thoroughly enjoy your time being well looked after by your bed and breakfast hosts! This quintessentially English home, dating back to the Victorian era and Grade II listed, is a haven of restful ambiance and exceptional standards. It resides in the centre of Matlock and offers the standard of a great Derbyshire hotel but with that personal touch. Glendon House offers the ideal base to explore the stunning scenery, history and outdoor pursuits that our county and the Peak District have to offer.

A luxurious escape, perfect for exploring the west country… Spacious and comfortable, the farmhouse has seen much restoration since it became home to your bed and breakfast hosts Kerstin and Robert Sharpe in the late 1980s. Downstairs is a sitting room complete with deep sofas and a cosy wood burning stove as well as a snooker room complete with full-size table and an atmospheric dining room where guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner too if requested.

A welcoming and historic jewel…. A perfect example of Georgian refinement, this superb English stately home was built in 1730 by the Clifford family and is part of the Frampton Court Estate, set within parkland and gardens. It is open to the public for house and garden tours, it can host wedding receptions, has its own 18th Century Orangery and even hold its own fair every September.

Classic Country house hospitality… Arriving along a tree-lined driveway, you will be warmly welcomed by your hosts Carole and Andrew and perhaps the friendly cat, Felix. You can’t help but feel instantly ‘at home’. Enjoy tea and cakes (home baking is a true specialty here) in the splendidly comfortable Music Room with its grand fireplace before unwinding and relaxing in the sumptuous luxury of your bed and breakfast room.

A lovely family-run Highland retreat, complete with a nautical theme and incredible views… Residing on the shores of Loch Ewe is this stunning Wolsey Lodge which is steeped in history and is filled with an eclectic selection of furnishing from around the world. The location provides stunning views of not only the Loch but also where the river meets the sea. It is the perfect place to venture for a bit of rest and relaxation and has attracted many celebrities over the years.

A charming family home near Leamington Spa  Set on the edge of a conservation village, this Edwardian property is flooded with light, and warmed by the welcome of your exceptional hosts.  Dating back to 1890 it combines a period charm with very modern comforts, with a south-facing terrace giving on to glorious grounds. Power is solar, rainwater is recycled for the garden and chemicals are hardly ever used, so along with its adjoining field the formal garden is often home to hedgehogs, muntjac deer and countless birds.  It's a wonderful base for country walks and a relaxing haven in an area with plenty of attractions to explore. 

Beyond reproach in every way… A delightful, traditional Wolsey Lodge, nestling deep in glorious Kent countryside, a perfect location for exploring the picturesque Weald of Kent. This historic building offering luxury accommodation has been sympathetically restored, resulting in a characterful family home with more than a touch of luxury!

Exceedingly homely, lovely and eco-friendly… A charming Victorian house in the heart of County Durham, once the local mine manager’s residence, it now offers the very warmest of welcomes. This ‘home from home’, near to the North Pennines an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has attractive grounds with views over the Wear Valley and beyond. 

A working-farm welcome in the heart of the Dales  Share this idyllic period property with sheep, hens and horses in the Nidderdale AONB. Firs Farm is a traditional Grade II listed farmhouse with barns dating back to the 14th Century, with glorious views across the valley to the heather moors. It offers traditional farmhouse accommodation with lots of extra luxury touches: cakes on arrival, locally-sourced breakfasts and unexpected comforts. It's truly beyond a home from home.

A luxury Georgian Country House in a thousand Irish acres  Reached by a half-mile avenue threading through parkland grazed by 1,600 sheep and their lambs, this is a classic stately manor in the heart of County Sligo. Home to the Perceval family since 1665 it effortlessly blends grandeur with intimacy in a stunning rural setting. It's a wonderful place to get together for a private event or a romantic getaway, an unequalled chance to experience of life on a grand estate. 

A musical introduction to Chichester's historic heart  A Bluthner grand piano sets the tone for a classical stay in West Sussex's gentle capital. A great location within the city walls, plentiful parking and an eight-bedroom grade II* listed period property makes this a natural choice for your next visit to England's southern coast.

A warm welcome over Ulverston and the Cumbria Way  Set in an acre of peaceful walled gardens, St Mary's Mount Country House is a comfortable and elegant property with views over Ulverston and Morecambe Bay. The house dates back to 1825 and is full of period features, warmed by the welcome of your very friendly hosts.

Classic, family run, country farm B&B… Surrounded by a 450-acre valley of scenic farmland, sits this beautifully secluded, two hundred and seventy-year-old, creeper-clad country house. Located in the heart of the North Cotswolds, you won’t find a better bed and breakfast that is as quiet, peaceful and as charming as this one.

Cosy country retreat, full of character and quirky old world charm… Built in 1840 this fabulous early Victorian country house which has retained many of its original features. It’s set in eight acres of its own grounds (with an ancient oak tree) and approached via a tree-lined drive. Guests are assured a warm welcome alongside tea and scones in the Morning Room, a lovely space complete with Chesterfield sofas and a variety of books, board games and DVDs. 

A picture perfect B&B, bordering Exmoor National Park… Set in 21 acres, close to the sea, surrounded by splendid walks and coastal paths resides this very special Wolsey Lodge. Nestled amidst the trees, Glen Lodge is a tranquil haven, with a tiered garden that extends all around, complete with a captivating stream cascading over waterfalls alongside secluded terraces, the croquet lawn, and seating areas.

A Jane-Austen welcome in a house she knew well  Ibthorpe House isn't just in Austen country; it's a house in which she stayed often, visiting her friends Martha and Mary Lloyd. Friends became relatives when Jane Austen's brother James married Mary Lloyd at the local Hurstbourne Tarrant church. Even now Ibthorpe House is a calm and welcoming place, an effortlessly casual rural oasis with a small walled garden and wonderful views. There are ponies, a dog, a cat and chickens, much as in Victorian times, and it's a wonderful place to relax in the heart of the Hampshire countryside. 

Immaculately kept, tranquil and comfortable… This is the kind of Wolsey Lodge, once you have visited, you don't want to share with anyone else because it is so special. This is an outstanding 1960's architect-designed house with huge picture windows to every room, allowing guests to take in spectacular views of the glorious Ampleforth and North Yorkshire countryside. 

A 17th century mansion that welcomes guests like friends  Owners Nigel and Robina welcome you to Langrish House, home to seven generations of the Talbot-Ponsonby family. Enjoy a stay at this historic destination, nestled in a landscape of extraordinary beauty in the heart of the South Downs National Park. There are beautiful woodland walks from our doorstep - ideal for four-legged friends - and countless attractions nearby. Langrish House gives you the chance to stay in an idyllic Country House that feels like visiting close (and favoured) relatives.

A wonderful Irish manor house well hidden - and all the better for it  This is not your standard B&B, but an enormously welcoming and gracious home in a private estate in County Cork. There are just three guest bedrooms and three enchanting hosts who make every effort to dine with their guests: between them can help with the most specific requests. As the tenth generation to live in this ancestral home they share a fair bit of local knowledge. This is a place where you can tailor your experience, whether it's fishing for salmon or trout, hunting for foxes or driving collectible cars and motobikes for a tour of southern Ireland. It's not a hotel but an experience of Ireland.  

Strikingly modern interiors and deluxe breakfasts… The impressive pillared entrance of this luxury B&B leads to the lovely airy hallway of this welcoming Edinburgh home, where grand furniture, beautiful antiques, and many original features stylishly blend with chic furnishings and décor. Set in a pretty walled garden, with immaculate lawns and outdoor seating. There is parking for one car, alternatively, there is on street parking.

Spa treatments and therapies at this holistic south-coast retreat  Stylish and contemporary, this haven hides in clear view, in the coastal town of St Leonards. The Cloudesley is a B&B unlike any other. In part it's the ethos: the food is organic and locally grown, there are no microwaves and only Himalayan crystal salt is used in food preparation. It's a place to heal the body and mind: holistic therapies on offer here, carried out in the comfort of your room or in a dedicated therapy suite. The choice of treatments offered by specialist therapists includes Reiki, reflexology, shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, aromatherapy, Thai hot compress and hot stone massages.

Redolent of a long history, Johnby is a most unusual and singularly beguiling place… The Elizabethan manor house started around 1350 as a fortified pele tower and has belonged to the Howard family since 1783. It is now home to Henry and Anna Howard who welcome bed and breakfast guests looking for a comfortable base from which to enjoy the Lake District, Eden Valley and beyond.

Rural Scandic-style eco-refuge in the heart of Staffordshire   Just half an hour north of Birmingham, this soothingly stylish getaway is a world removed from city pressures. Eco-friendly ground source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels power the underfloor heating and electrical systems. The decor is uncluttered and elegant and vast picture windows fill each room with light. Truly a relaxing and peaceful place to escape the relentless demands of everyday life.

Undoubtedly one of the best… With views of the Tamar Valley and rolling Devon countryside, this imposing Victorian farmhouse bed and breakfast, in the parish of Milton Abbot, near Tavistock was built in 1856 by the Duke of Bedford and is situated on the border of Devon and Cornwall in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A wonderful welcome in a Wiltshire farm  Settle in among Red Poll cattle on this organic farm, beautifully close to Stonehenge and Shaftesbury but imbued with the peace of our classical English countryside. The stone farmhouse is 400 years old and sitting on its original footprint. It was completely refurbished recently but retained its exposed beams, inglenook fireplaces and light sunny rooms. 21st-century comforts are seamlessly integrated into a historic traditional farm.

Step through centuries of history, crafted into one unforgettable Lodge... Over the years it has featured as the backdrop for many films and TV shows, Midsummer Murders for one and most recently, The Woman in Black. Originally a dwelling for the abbots of Notley in 1187, the east and west wings were added by the 15th century, before renowned architect Philip Tilden restored and extended the Manor to its current magnificence in the 1920s.

Authentic and full of character, with a true garden lovers garden... Built upon a gentle rise and facing southeast over the Ems Valley await this fine 17th Century manor house, surrounded by a lovingly tended to garden which is especially radiant during the spring and summer seasons. Hedge and lawns reside to the rear, where the long border of shrubs, lilies, and anemones line its boundaries, interesting trees including a black mulberry and paperback maple add to the already proud and delightful vistas. Keen gardeners will appreciate this elegant Wolsey Lodge.

The epitome of gracious hosts… Perfectly situated for exploring the beautiful South Downs, this spacious, detached, contemporary luxury B&B with secluded private garden is in Old Thakeham; a quintessentially English village, in gorgeous countryside.      

A lodge for all seasons, where guests are welcomed as friends... In the spring, the garden comes to life with rhododendrons, azaleas, daffodils and tulips creating a riot of colour. The lily scented terrace, with its rose covered pergola, is well used on sunny days and warm summer evenings, as is the drawing room with the blazing fire in winter.

Life's better with a butler  Once owned by a son-in-law of Henry I, this gorgeous property has evolved over 900 years to become one of England's finest country-house bed and breakfasts. This is far more than just a place to sleep: the warm welcome, attentive service, glorious architecture and elegant interiors set it apart. It has a beautifully tranquil setting in its own 160 acres, including a duck flighting lake, a walled vegetable garden, a cut flower garden and countless woodland walks. From the moment of arrival you're welcomed by Gary, a professional butler, who will introduce you to a gilded way of life that takes place amongst the imposing entrance hall, panelled dining room and the stately morning room. Think Jeeves without Wooster and his dramas.

Personable hospitality at its best… Residing on a hill overlooking Telegraph Park Hill, is this very distinguished Wolsey Lodge, at night you get the most magnificent view of the twinkling London lights. A Victorian semi-detached, it has been beautifully refurbished and restored with all the modern luxuries a guest could need.

A great base in Putney to explore London - and more  Poised in London's fashionable southwest, Putney is one of the most enchanting 'villages' that make up London; a place of rowing clubs, tennis courts and riverfront vistas, along with an excellent selection of restaurants and bars. Links to central London are easy and fast, but there's no real need: at One Fanthorpe Street you can enjoy the Putney experience as a pampered resident in your temporary home.

A rural haven minutes from the motorway  Tea and home-made cakes on arrival set the tone for a welcoming stay in this listed family house in the heart of Somerset. The Weston-Super-Mare junction on the M5 is just two miles away but feels a different world: here guests have their own access to two guest bedrooms and a stove-heated private sitting room in a glorious setting. The extensive grounds include a croquet lawn and clock golf, while Bridge players are welcome: arrive as a four or invite your hosts to make up numbers. 

A Georgian manor house in seven glorious acres  Beautifully set in rural County Wexford, Kilmokea is a tranquil refuge for all the senses. Rooms are wonderfully designed with antiques and fine fabrics, the resident chef provides organic meals through the day, and there's even a spa. Add in one of Ireland's finest gardens, mixing formal areas with open woodlands, and you have the ideal destination B&B, more than just a base from which to explore but truly a great place to be.

Warm and welcoming, with an enchanting garden… Overlooking the Vale of Clwyd in Denbighshire, the gardens surrounding Firgrove are a blend of exotic, colourful and inspired planting that will delight gardening enthusiasts and non-gardeners alike. The house itself is a Grade II listed Georgian gem and home since the mid-1980s to your hosts Philip and Anna.

Stunning modern architecture, bright open living spaces, and incredible views… Set high above the River Dart just outside the quintessentially English village of Stoke Gabriel, near Totnes in Devon, resides this wonderful Wolsey Lodge. The house was completed in 2010 and has been designed to take full advantage of its elevated location deep in the Devon countryside. On arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your hosts and offered a classic Devon cream tea and a chance to take in your rather special surroundings.      

Casually elegant, with amazing views of the town… Originally a terrace of six 17th Century weaver’s cottages, it was converted in 1985 into a fabulous home from home with panoramic views over the town towards Salisbury Plain. This spacious bed and breakfast was purchased from the world record-breaking aviatrix and motor racer, The Hon Mrs Victor Bruce - the first lady to win the Monte Carlo Rally Coupe Des Dames in 1928 and the first Englishwoman to fly solo around the world. Fascinating memorabilia relating to her exploits are displayed in the house.

A warm welcome awaits in Jordans, the historic Quaker village   With just two guest bedrooms, Spindrift at Jordans is a cosy refuge in a beautiful part of the Chilterns. A sense of peace and tranquillity pervades the house. In the family living room is a grand piano once owned by Queen Alexandra, and sometimes Norma can be persuaded to play. A huge part of Spindrift's appeal is in its spectacular two-acre gardens, divided into different levels, each with an atmosphere all of its own. There's the Hosta Garden, lush with foliage, a terraced garden tumbling with Irishes and a separate Monet Garden that shares its shape and colour palette with the world-famous gardens at Giverny. For a quieter mood head down into the wooded dell, or stroll through the kitchen garden to see choose your selection of fresh food for a salad. These gardens have been nurtured by Norma and her family for over half a century: unsurprisingly the gardens are open to the public during Open Garden Week but visitors aren't allowed in the swimming pool - which is strictly for guests.  The village's history goes back to the distant past: many Stone Age flint axes have been found here, many of which can be seen at the British Museum. But it achieved an international significance in the 17th century when Quakerism started: their Meeting House still stands on the outskirts of the village. Jordans was at the heart of the movement when persecution drove many to start the new colony in America and the village has a barn built using timbers from the Mayflower, which carried some of the founding fathers to America. At that time nearby Chalfont St Giles was also home to the poet John Milton, whose cottage still stands and is open to the public as a museum to his memory. Spindrift itself was designed itself by the Quaker architects Fred and Douglas Rowntree, descendants of the famous confectionary family.

Idyllic views, peaceful bedrooms and the warmest of welcomes… Nestling in the un-spoilt, lovely and relatively unknown Coly Valley in the heart of East Devon is this superb late Georgian luxury bed and breakfast. Home of the aptly named Guest family Wolsey Lodge guests can expect a friendly welcome by your hosts, alongside much lauded homemade biscuits and cakes.

Typical regency style Cornish country house, with a fascinating garden… This elegant and comfortable Wolsey Lodge stands in the rolling countryside of the Roseland Peninsula. Built in 1839 this late Regency offers bed and breakfast guests, with its wealth of beautiful antiques, a wonderful retreat in picturesque surroundings. Approach through the outstanding gardens, there is ample parking and more importantly a warm welcome.

A quintessentially English experience… What are the hallmarks of a perfect Wolsey Lodge B&B? Splendid food, convivial company and truly wonderful hospitality and this is exactly what awaits at Pitfour House. Tea and homemade delicacies are served to guests on their arrival, after which guests may enjoy the comforts of an elegantly furnished formal sitting room to unfurl after a long journey.

A fabulous lodge for Wensleydale walks  Set in 13 private acres of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this is an elegant country mansion packed with period features and the latest comforts. Guest rooms are huge and the breakfasts - served in an oak-paneled dining room - are superb. It's the ultimate base for exploring North Yorkshire, with its unforgettable walks, salmon fishing on the River Ure, and countless towns and villages to reward a longer look.

Strikingly modern, luxurious and comfortable, with marvellous views to match... This Lodge sits on a hillside overlooking the World Heritage Site of Derwent Valley Mills, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. The estate on which it sits used to belong to the Strutt family, Belper’s key benefactors, meaning that the grounds benefit from established trees, retained from the original property.

Exceptionally welcoming, friendly and helpful…. Your journey's end is met with tea and home baked treats served either on a sunny veranda if the weather is fine or in front of the drawing room's warming fire. The farmhouse dates from c.1840 with loving attention brought to bear on the more recent additions added by your hosts Maggie and Malcolm.

Award winning luxury, with a personal touch… This elegant Victorian former rectory is in the delightful hamlet of Davidstow nestled between two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Bodmin Moor and the coastal area from Pentire Point to Widemouth. It has won numerous awards and recognitions, most notably a gold in Green Tourism demonstrating that this truly is a special space to stay.

Multi award-winning medieval manor house… Set within a conservation area, this most historical of homes is quiet, discreet, luxurious and above all has a charming country house atmosphere. It even has its own coat of arms and flag! The interiors are a sumptuous mix of high quality Georgian furniture and exquisite silk lined walls. Antique weapons, fans and plates add to the unique style and character of this Wolsey Lodge.  

A warm welcome awaits you in rural Leicestershire… Having been renovated to an incredibly high standard, Horseshoe Cottage Farm is a truly wonderful luxury bed and breakfast; one that has won multiple awards and is thoroughly eco-friendly. Traditional antique furniture graces the interior, as well as the three, pretty, en-suite guest bedrooms, that are individually decorated with quality fabrics and furnishings.  These lovely farmhouse bedrooms are a haven of relaxation and the ground floor room is ideal for guests less able to climb stairs.

A thoroughbred welcome in the north Cotswold countryside  Once a dairy, this building has been lavishly converted to the very highest standards to provide elegance and luxury in a setting that is at once very rural but superbly well-connected. The conversion is brand new, so the latest styles prevail, with soaring open beams and a sense of airy elegance. Set around a walled garden the Ox House provides privacy and comfort in equal measure. It is at the heart of a working farm that schools cross-country and eventing horses, so the setting is calm and rural, only broken occasionally by the sound hooves galloping by. 

An elegant Georgian country house in the heart of Wales  This glorious mansion with marble fireplaces, panelled doors, picture windows and glittering chandeliers has a sublimely peaceful setting in 20 acre grounds. But it's uniquely connected: the restaurants and pubs of St Florence are just 250m along a tree-lined drive and Tenby three miles further.

Come as guests, leave as friends    There's the scent of the Gulf Stream on this part of Scotland's coast, where this grand country mansion gazes serenely over the Moray Firth. This defies the stereotype by the making this part of Scotland the third-sunniest region of the UK, the perfect place to explore the unexpected beauty of this remote region. Easily reached from Inverness Airport, Blervie House is set in 272 acres of its own estate: 45 acres are garden while the rest is woodland, a paradise of walking and riding trails. The lawn attracts regular visitors such as deer and red squirrels: Blervie House guests, also, tend to return. 

A skip away from the sea in one of England's most beautiful regions  Far to the West, the Lizard Peninsula is perhaps remote but warmly rewarding, a sunny micro-climate where choughs dance on the breeze and dolphins and seals swim offshore. Atlantic House is the perfect place to experience this area, with maps and binoculars always provided along with expert advice. 

Top notch breakfasts… Fine fare awaits you at this charming 18th Century Farmhouse located in the heart of the Quorn Hunt country. Wholesome breakfasts and sumptuous evening meals feature local and fair trade produce, will set you up for the day ahead or round off a lovely evening. Formal bespoke dinners can be arranged on request. Alternatively, there are excellent local pubs and restaurants within easy reach.

Artistically vibrant and luxuriously comfortable… What better way to be greeted than by a home-made afternoon tea! Be it in the conservatory, garden terrace or when the weather is inclement, beside a cosy fire in the drawing room. Lucy has made this house into a most comfortable base for her bed and breakfast guests - light and sunny and furnished with fine art, furniture, and family photographs.

A welcoming home in the heart of London  Step through the doors of this traditional family home and you'll feel instantly at ease. There are dogs, cats and chickens, beautiful fabrics and artworks throughout, and a glorious garden. Crystal Palace is a quiet and leafy village-within-a-city with a character all of its own. This is a great alternative to the city's anonymous hotels, with London's unparalleled transport system linking you to anywhere you need to be but also bringing you back to this tranquil, unrushed haven. 

Abound in history, surrounded by lush woodland and wonderfully welcoming… Nestled within a stone’s throw of lush green woodland, this Wolsey Lodge is a real haven of luxury near the Scottish Borders. The B&B itself sits imposingly at the end of a lovely private drive, just off the A7, surrounded by stunning countryside giving it a postcard-worthy setting.

The rooms, the facilities, the food… Simply Perfect! A large hall and sweeping staircase lead to the generously proportioned and classically decorated bed and breakfast guest bedrooms, with en-suite bath/shower rooms. There are hidden fridges and antique furniture cleverly mixed with the contemporary. Entertainment systems, luxurious bathrooms, toiletries, linens, fresh flowers and hospitality trays offer understated luxury and style.

Classic, Cosy and above all hospitable with a capital ‘H’… Fragrances of lavender, honeysuckle, jasmine, and roses tumbling over golden stone walls, alongside a range of regular avian residents create an air of calm, that instantly relaxes and enchants all guests upon arrival. Uplands House is approached along a drive lined with ancient lime trees, at the end of which await a tasty welcome of tea and homemade cakes, served in the spacious drawing room or weather permitting in the magnificent garden.

A stately home on the River Eden  Salmon fishing's at your door in this wonderful manor house, where dogs are as welcome as their owners and everyone feels at home. This is a place that's a classic English country home, with ten bedrooms - all en suite - and classically elegant living areas comfortably furnished with modern comforts and period details. There is, of course, wifi throughout.

A cobbled courtyard farm tucked into Cornwall's finest cliffs  Dating back to the 16th century, this is a working farm within five minutes stroll of what feels a private beach. While surfers flock to neigbouring Crackington Haven, Strangles Beech is invariably deserted, with magnificent surfing breaks sweeping warm Gulf Stream waters onto miles of untouched sands. The farm itself is all but organic, with pedigree cattle slowly grazing on heather and free-range chickens roaming the grounds and laying your breakfast. Farmed by the same family for three generations, it's an atmospheric refuge of flagstone floors, cosy log-burning stoves and exposed oak beams. Thanks to a warm-as-toast Cornish welcome, this is a fantastic place to experience North Cornwall in all its natural grandeur and beauty. 

Escape from the hubbub and experience Victorian luxury living at its finest... The spectacular Welsh Marches and Powys countryside are the perfect backdrop for The Old Vicarage, a Gothic style house on the edge of the village of Norton. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1860s on the bailey of a Norman castle and now a perfect luxury bed and breakfast retreat.

Splendidly isolated, this former shooting lodge has been transformed by music into a Bronte home  Cradled in National Trust land, Walshaw Lodge is the ultimate setting for a Wuthering Heights-inspired West Yorkshire break. Built in the 19th Century as a hunting lodge for the surrounding grouse moors, Walshaw Lodge has been transformed by music. No fewer than three grand pianos can be found on the ground floor, while the guest rooms have now been extensively restored to provide luxurious accommodation in the heart of open countryside. There are extensive views of the Hardcastle Crags and the Pennine Way passes through the grounds.

More than a touch of vintage, 5-star luxury… Described by guests as ‘an amazing little treasure in the beautiful Kent countryside’, Beacon Hall House is a lovely 1920’s style family bed and breakfast - oozing a vintage feel. It was rebuilt after a WWII flying bomb destroyed the original.

A luxurious boutique B&B in all senses… Period sophistication meets contemporary style at Roseberry Cottage, a Georgian stone farmhouse, surrounded by established gardens and open countryside. The lovely family home has been immaculately restored to retain original features, yet offering every luxury associated with a Wolsey Lodge bed and breakfast.

Simply stunning views, coupled with attentive and unobtrusive service… Situated right on the South West Coast path, overlooking Lynmouth Bay and across to Wales, this large Victorian cliff top residence has been a guest house since 1880. Many generations have enjoyed the breathtaking views, either dining on the terrace, from their rooms or as they wander the garden.

Fascinatingly historical and immaculately presented… Many Wolsey Lodges have histories dating back many hundreds of years and The Old Rectory is no exception. Rebuilt in 1704 following a fire, the original house was a hunting lodge owned by Henry VIII and home to Catherine Parr. Original Tudor features are apparent and blended with the new to create a beautiful family home with a welcoming atmosphere set amidst lovingly restored gardens.

A Georgian gem in Wordsworth country  Set in two acres of landscaped gardens and with sweeping views over the Duddon Estuary, Broadgate House is a grand family mansion in the heart of the Lake District. The common areas are positively baronial, with a Baroque drawing room with a black marble fireplace, and a dining room seating 14 with ease. If that's too formal there's also a charming breakfast room and a cosy guest sitting room with a wood-burning stove. It can be grand or intimate to suit your taste.

A wonderful blend of friendly informality and elegant formality… For anyone with an interest in historic buildings, this should be on your 'must visit' list as it is simply magnificent! Built in 1598 as a Tower House with later additions, it occupies a commanding position on rising ground above the River Forth with spectacular views in all directions.

Award-winning 5-star hospitality on the doorstep of 1066 country... This delightful Grade II listed Georgian Lodge was the local apothecary, before being lovingly and sympathetically transformed into a luxurious bed and breakfast. Perched upon a ridge, it offers magnificent views over the very best of Sussex countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Layers of history, curated into a wonderful B&B experience…  Looking for something a bit unusual whilst at the same time still wanting luxury bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation? Then look no further, Old Kippenross is a magical architectural gem, quite unique in Scotland, tucked away in a sheltered sunny position in a wooded valley beside the River Allan.  

Blessed by the air of the North Sea coast this home is rich with history and full of character  Jane Austen was clear in Emma that the air on the Cromer coast would repair any ills. Not five miles inland: it had to be coastal. This property fits that perfectly: you can walk to the sea in minutes. Relax in the gardens – designed by Gertrude Jekyll though quite some time ago – and breathe deeply on the curative air. Old Hall was built as a 17th century Jacobean shooting lodge, complete with sprung floors for Highland reels. It was later owned by Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, a prolific author of books against the slave trade, friend of William Wilberforce and Member of Parliament in an era where a feeling of responsibility held force. His sense of philanthropy permeates the property and brings a sense of community to an outstanding period property.

Stylish and palatial retreat, offering hospitality that goes above and beyond…  ‘Meadow of the Sun’, is the English title of this Irish Gaelic named Wolsey Lodge, and it is most fitting indeed. The sun rises in the morning at the eastern end of the walled garden, floats over the extensive lawn before setting beyond the herbaceous borders and woodland teeming with wildlife. All of which sits on 3.5 acres of land on the banks of the River Dee.

One of Hampshire's oldest buildings now transformed into a luxurious B&B  Find a ready welcome into a family home that blends traditional grandeur with very modern comforts. Three guest bedrooms ooze period charm on a stately-home scale, beautifully developed into a luxury mansion very much of the current age. The opportunity to stay in this historic property is not to be missed. At its heart is a medieval five-bay core dating back to 1333 that may have been a monastery. Since 1480 it has been owned by only four families, most recently by the Bullens, descendants of Anne Boleyn. Recent generations have included the noted artist Anne Bullen, many of whose paintings are still found in the house, and five-times Olympic event rider Michael Bullen, whose horses’ descendants still graze the 90-acre estate.

An angler's delight in Nether Wallop  This former Baptist chapel has been beautifully transformed into a sanctuary for the soul. Set amongst the quintessentially English chalk streams of the region, it comes with access to a beat on the River Test - perfect for anglers in search of trout. The chapel itself was built in 1841, and lends its soaring vaulted ceilings to the airy and elegant sitting room and dining area. The guest rooms are off this, and beautifully furnished with luxurious en-suite bathrooms. It's a superb place to explore the borderland areas where Hampshire meets Wiltshire.

An authentic Country Manor House, in a fantastic location… An idyllic Grade II listed Queen Anne Manor house set in peaceful gardens and woodland in the heart of the countryside and just minutes away from beautiful, unspoiled Cornish Heritage coastline scenery and walks.

Multiple award-winning country farmhouse… The eco-friendly luxury farmhouse is set in beautiful Arts & Crafts landscaped gardens with river access and planned walks for Wolsey Lodge guests to enjoy. Set amidst a working farm in a conservation area, this superb bed and breakfast dates back over 350 years, with later extensions by famous Norfolk architect Thomas Jeckel.