The Welcombe

The hotel is a Grade II*-listed building that was constructed in the neo-Jacobean style in 1869, although it is part of a manor that dates back to the 12th century.

The building was designed as a calendar house, an architectural concept that had some prominence from the Elizabethan to the Victorian era. Calendar houses are relatively rare and incorporate architectural elements in quantities that represent days of the week, months of the year, etc. In this instance, The Welcombe has seven entrances, 12 fireplaces, 52 chimneys and 365 windows.

It also has 85 air-conditioned guest rooms, which all have comfortable beds, a writing desk, flatscreen televisions, tea and coffee making facilities and en suite bathrooms.

If you want a lot of space (and have a lot more money) there are also seven apartments, including some with three bedrooms.

Rooms have a traditional decor that highlights the building’s historic nature. This includes period furnishings, chandeliers and four-poster beds in some of the rooms.

A couple of the ground-floor rooms are wheelchair accessible. However, there is no lift and this may be a problem if you have mobility issues and are staying on one of the higher floors.

The hotel’s Trevelyan Restaurant serves classic British and French cuisine. It a grand space with traditional decor and a lovely outlook.

There is also a bar, a nice outdoor terrace overlooking the expansive grounds and a cosy wood-panelled lounge with a clubby atmosphere.

The hotel is part of a 63.5ha (157 acre) estate that includes an 18-hole par 70 golf course plus tennis courts and spa facilities that include a 15m- (49 ft)-long indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room, spa treatment rooms and fully-equipped fitness centre.

It is also a popular venue for business events and the hotel’s business facilities include 11 meeting rooms with some holding up to 200 people.

The hotel’s location outside town means that it is best suited if you’re driving but you can walk into the town centre in around half an hour. Although there is a bus stop on Warwick Road outside the hotel grounds, it is a 15-minute walk from the hotel to the bus stop so it is not really worth taking the bus.

Free car parking is available.