Address: Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JR.

Reservations: Small Luxury Hotels of the World, tel: 00 800 525 48000

Web address: www.slh.com

First impressions:

Huge country-house estate. The kind of place that Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy set up home in together. With a neighbouring chapel, this former convent is in grounds with 186 acres of lakes, lawns, trails and gardens. Stunning.

What are the rooms like?

Our Fairway suite opened out on to the golf course. Extremely spacious with large double bed, sofa and two arm-chairs, satellite TV, bottles of still and sparkling water plus tea- and coffee-making.

The bed test:

Some rooms have four-poster beds. Ours didn't, but it was still large and comfy.

Bathroom luxury:

Outstanding. Huge with (height of luxury) two sinks, a walk-in shower and a large whirlpool bath. Generous quantities of smellies by Molton Brown plus fluffy bathrobe, slippers, the works.

The restaurant:

Award-winning and delicious range of modern and traditional food. Three-course table d'hote very reasonable (lunch for two without wine came to less than £50) and dinner is a suitably pampered occasion, with cocktails and canapes served in the lounge. Light meals can be served in your room.

The lounge:

Oak panelled and real log fires. Better yet is the basement games room with two full-size snooker tables and bar billiards.

What is there to see within walking distance?

You'd be hard pushed to walk to the end of the driveway.

What is there to see nearby?

Visit Ann Boleyn's ghost at Hever Castle or play pooh sticks at Pooh Corner.

How much a night?

Singles from £120 to £175, suites from £230 to £330. Includes dinner, full English breakfast and membership of the country club for your stay. Various weekend break deals available.