NAJETI HÔTEL CHÂTEAU TILQUES – France

THE BACKGROUND: The impressive Château Tilques was built in neo-Flemish style in 1891 on the site of a 17th-century fortified manor house. It has the remains of a moat, which is now a lake, and extensive grounds, with dovecotes, peacocks and modern sculpture. It is owned by the Najeti group, which has eight hotels and three golf courses, mainly in northern France.

THE LOCATION: Set in the countryside about seven kilometres from the market town of St-Omer, In the Pas-de-Calais region. It’s about 40 minutes’ drive from the Eurotunnel terminal at Calais.

THE ROOM: We had a large corner room in the Pavillon du

Parc annexe, with lovely lake and garden views from the balcony. The room is furnished in a modern style and is ideal for a family, due to an extra bedroom upstairs.

KEY FACILITIES: There’s a 15-metre swimming pool, with kids’ paddling pool, in an annexe in the grounds. There is also a hard-surface tennis court, and a giant chess set.

RESTAURANTS/BARS: The Bar and Lounge are three comfortable connecting rooms with ornate French period furniture, dark oak panelling and lawn views. The restaurant is a light, airy conversion of the old stable block and its signature ‘filet de boeuf’ is cooked to your taste over an open fire. 12 rue du Château, 62500 Tilques.

 tilques.najeti.fr.co.uk;  +33 3 21 88 99 99