Hotel of the month - Hartwell House, Aylesbury

Driving into Aylesbury, you could be forgiven for not even realising that one of Britain's finest stately homes is situated just off the main 'A' road leading into the town. And sitting in the finery of the gardens and the many acres of land that surround the historic building, you certainly wouldn't think you were anywhere other than the middle of nowhere.

Nestled far down a long and secluded road, Hartwell House, once home to the exiled King of France Louis VIII, is truly idyllic. Set in 90 acres of parkland with a lake spanned by a stone bridge, church ruins and old garden buildings, total peace and relaxation are the watchwords of any weekend break here.

The magnificent building has been sympathetically restored by Historic House Hotels to wonderful effect. The Great Hall is one of three elegant and spacious public rooms, adorned with fine paintings, remarkable decorative plasterwork and a marble-clad open fire, with sofas that make it difficult for you to want to move anywhere else once you've settled down with a warm drink of an evening.

Even the staircase leading up to the bedrooms hasn’t been spared the restorer's touch. Carved Jacobean figures stand on the balustrades leading up the grand staircase, back in their rightful place having many years ago been taken down by Louis XVIII's Queen who found them unsettling.

Thirty exquisitely designed bedrooms and suites are found in the main house, with more in Hartwell Court, the converted coach houses. And more recently, in the restored Old Rectory, an elegant Georgian House standing within the grounds of Hartwell House, offering total privacy for smaller groups. It's unsurprising that noted guests to the hotel have included former American president, Bill Clinton.

As with any hotel of note, food is also an important part of the Hartwell experience. The principal Dining Room has been awarded three rosettes for its imaginative cooking and friendly formality; shirts and jackets are required for men, although ties are optional. Seasonal, local foods make up the menu, together with fruits, vegetables and herbs from the hotels own gardens. The wine list is extensive. With over 400 on the menu, wine buffs should give themselves plenty of time to peruse.

The spa finishes off a perfect weekend. Although open to non-hotel guests, it is peaceful and relaxed, with a full menu of Espa treatments. While you can enjoy the sauna, steam room, jacuzzi or indoor pool, we recommend that you venture outside on a cold day into the spa's hydrotherapy hot tub. With the 28 hydro jets massaging and soothing tired aching muscles, and cool air in your face, your every worry will be forgotten.

For more information visit  www.hartwell-house.com