Hotel of the week

Horwood House Hotel, Little Horwood,

Milton Keynes, Bucks

WHERE AND WHY One of the few sights that could drive me away from the family TV set in the 1970s was Percy Thrower on Gardeners’ World.

Now, however, it is a joy to stand on the steps of the Arts and Crafts estate where he grew up, and look across the acres of lawns where he learned from his head gardener father. But this hotel is a master at uniting opposites.

It is in a pocket of country calm, yet just a short hop from Milton Keynes, Silverstone Grand Prix circuit and Bicester shopping village. And while one end of the hotel is a beautiful Grade II-listed manor house, the other is range of modern wings fanning from a central bar and terrace.

Rooms are comfortable, stylish and new, as the whole hotel is half-way through a smart update, and there is a buzz about the spa and fine dining to come.

ON THE MENU Harry’s Bar and Kitchen (named after Percy’s father) offers good gastropub fare – the pork and apricot croquette (£10) is a standout starter. Mains range from chargrilled sirloin, fries, rocket and peppercorn sauce (£28), to burgers or fish and chips (£16).

A special mention should be made of the staff, who catered for a food intolerance with exceptional attention.

Breakfast was a buffet, with plenty of choice from the full-works English, to fresh fruit, croissants, cereals and toppings.

But the standout meal for us was the picnic, which you can pre-order to have on the grounds the afternoon you arrive, or take away for lunch as you leave. Elegant fingers of sandwiches, freshly-baked scones with clotted cream, fruit, cakes, sumptuous chocolatey treats… a charming idea, beautifully done.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE So much is on your doorstep – from Woburn, to Stowe, Bicester shopping, and Second World War codebreakers’ Bletchley Park which is just seven miles away.

Or you can do as we did and opt for a walk through the rolling Buckinghamshire countryside, enjoy our picnic and admit that, these days, we secretly enjoy Gardeners’ World.

WAKE UP CALL A double room for two with dinner starts at £179. Picnic afternoon tea is £24.95pp. horwoodhouse.co.uk