The cream of the Cotswolds

The Painswick, Painswick, Gloucestershire

Built in the late 18th century, in the time of the Slad Valley’s booming wool trade, the Painswick was once the local vicarage. today, it’s a 16-bedroom hotel—voted The Sunday Times ultimate Hotel of the Year when it opened in 2016—nestled deep in Laurie Lee country, in the historic hilltop village known as the Queen of the Cotswolds.

Described as a ‘country-cool restaurant with rooms’, the feel of the interiors, by Nicky Farquhar and Cathy Birtles, is urban style meets rural charm. in the entrance hall, a central staircase leads straight up to the bar (right), which was once the building’s chapel. With light from the curved window illuminating the rows of bottles, it’s an elegant setting for a drink. Part of the Calcot Collection, the Painswick has struck a winning formula. LF Rooms from £274 (01452 813688; www.thepainswick.co.uk)