A rather large and shaggy St Bernard was taking an early evening stroll in the prize-winning gardens as we pulled into the drive, while an equally furry cat was sunbathing peacefully by the front door. Unfortunately I didn’t see the latter until it was too late and my own dog had shot out of the car and chased it up the tree.

Not a good start seeing as the cat was one of two feline residents and dogs are only allowed on the lead.

Now don’t let me paint the wrong picture. This isn’t a hotel full of four-legged friends. The point is that they are welcome (in your rooms).

The smell of log fires wafts through the house, the odd cat lies curled in the corner and staff welcome guests’ dogs who appear to settle as quickly as their owners.

The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath

The grandeur may be a little faded, but the food and spa still impresses Lucy Tobin

The Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, Sydney Road, Bath

A disappointing breakfast was more than made up for by the evening meal and spa

BACKGROUND

• Homewood Park, Hinton Charterhouse, Bath

• Lucknam Park Hotel, Colerne, Bath

• Dorian House, Bath

• The Queensberry, Bath

• Milsoms Hotel, Bath

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Just six miles from the grand Georgian city of Bath, this luxury country house isn’t far from the beaten track, yet it’s set in 10 acres of parkland, located in the jaw-dropping Limpley Stoke Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The atmosphere reflects its peaceful surroundings and well-manicured grounds, but there’s nothing imposing or stuffy about this fine luxury country house dating back to 1832.

Rooms somehow strike that tricky balance between country casual and contemporary chic with each of the 19 bedrooms individually furnished. Some are quintessentially English with warm neutrals while others have vibrant floral prints in zesty green tones. Most are generous in size and beds are simply so sumptuous that it’s hard to climb out in the morning…

The bathroom in our suite was huge with a large freestanding tub, although curiously the shower cubicle was miniscule to the point that my husband struggled to get his shoulders through the door.

But it’s downstairs in the restaurant where this hotel really excels. Here, head chef Daniel Moon and his team have created quite a stir, winning countless accolades, including Country Restaurant of the Year in the Good Food Guide.

Dishes in this two AA Rosettes restaurant are both innovative in flavour and beautifully presented, where possible using the finest locally-sourced produce and herbs from the garden.

My recommendations? The sautéed south coast scallops, with pea purée and pea shoots, followed by the roasted John Dory, butternut squash purée, wild asparagus with a side dish of smoked haddock chowder to drizzle over the top. Prices? Surprisingly reasonable, with three-course evening meals from £48.50 per person.

Don’t miss the utterly indulgent cream tea, and watch out for the occasional jazz lunch and cooking classes where you can learn the tricks of the trade with the chef and his team.

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