CHECKING OUT

THE GREAT HOUSE AT SONNING

THE BACKGROUND: This Grade II-listed, timbered former Elizabethan coaching inn is a cosy Thameside retreat, in a pretty Berkshire village brimming with star residents. Its 49 rooms, some in a building opposite the main house, have been given a wonderful makeover blending modern facilities with clever retro touches.

THE LOCATION: Just 40 minutes by train from London’s Paddington Station, including a 10-minute taxi from Reading, The Great House sits alongside the Thames by the only bridge over the river between Henley and Reading. It is close to the M4 and has the Chiltern Hills on its doorstep.

THE ROOM: My Riverside Deluxe room oozed character, with walls, window frames and wood panelling of duck-egg blue, a wall of exposed brickwork behind the king-size bed, a bright orange office chair for the simple wooden desk and fun touches that included a retro-style digital radio, red vintage phone and duck-egg blue retro fridge, as well as a 43-inch flat-screen TV. The large bathroom, beautifully tiled in muted browns, contained a free-standing, roll-top bath, walkin shower and ‘his and hers’ sink unit.

KEY F ACILI TI E S: Free wifi and three room categories (Cosy, Relaxed and Retro Deluxe), all featuring full-size fridge with free milk and water, and luxury towels and bedding. RESTAURANTS/BARS: The Coppa Club serves as restaurant, bar and lounge area and is open from early in the morning until late at night. Sit on stools at the long pewter bar, on sumptuous sofas or at tables below oak beams. Terrace tables have protective ‘igloos’ for cool weather.

Address: Thames Street, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6UT; greathouseatsonning.co.uk;

0118 969 2277