Address: Cowley, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NL.

Phone: 01242 870900.

Website: Cowley Manor.

First impressions: An imposing Italianate house located in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cowley has recently been overhauled by up-and-coming architects De Matos Storey Ryan. Their modern take on a classical country house replaces austerity and chintzy clutter with a blend of warmth and minimalism. Hand-me-down Barbours have been exchanged for cool poolside attire as guests relax around the swimming pools sunk into the gardens. London's bold and beautiful are abandoning their private members' clubs and heading for this very big house in the country.

What are the rooms like? Simple yet elegant combinations of glass, oak and leather afford the rooms a comfortable feeling without any concessions on the style front. Airy and bright, each is equipped with cutting-edge home entertainment devices which, to be frank, would be criminal to use given the beauty of the surroundings.

The bed test: Vast, firm and encased in copious amounts of crisp, white Egyptian cotton.

The bathroom test: Large and perfectly formed. Deep baths, double basins and walk-through showers provide enough room for a rugby team, with toiletries designed by Michelle Roques-O'Neil.

The restaurant: The laid-back atmosphere of the wood-panelled restaurant is reflected in the food, which balances sophistication with comfort - and they don't skimp on the portions either.

The bar: A contemporary interpretation of traditional English country entertaining. Papier-mché animal heads look wryly down on the smart crowd indulging in cocktails.

How much? From £205 to £375 per room, per night.