AS a 17th century manor house set in six acres of countryside overlooking the Stroud valley, Stonehouse Court Hotel is striking to behold as you approach from the long driveway.

So it is no surprise that the place is popular with wedding parties, especially with the newly-refurbished Caroline Suite with its 150-guest capacity, but what about the ordinary customer who just wants to enjoy an overnight stay at an upmarket hotel?

Well, as mentioned, the building and gardens are stunning and the décor in the lobby and dining rooms maintains that sense of prestige and history which should come with a manor house that dates back to 1601.

But, when I saw my room, I couldn’t help but feel slightly disappointed. For a ‘superior double’, it was small and decorated in a pleasant but unremarkable fashion, and fitted with a tiny bathroom that offered only the basic shower, sink and toilet. All in all, the room felt like an ordinary en suite bedroom in a semi-detached, not a ‘superior double’ in a historic manor house.

At a reasonable £85 for the night including breakfast and with a fantastic view of the garden and valley beyond, it would be unjust to complain too much about the room, but there was just a sense that the design didn’t fit with the feel of a ‘grand’ hotel, although those who wish to experience true manor house comfort do have the option to pay for a more luxurious suite, with the ‘manor house double’ (£94.50) and ‘four poster’ (£112.50) available. Fortunately, dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Henry’s, quickly swept away any lingering disappointment from the room.

With an open fire shimmering its amber light on the wood-panelled walls and the picturesque view from the vast windows, the dining room is beautiful, and the food was equally as impressive.

I began with the prawn and crayfish risotto (£8) while my companion started with a blue cheese brulee (£7). For my main, I chose the spinach and ricotta ravioli (£14) while she had the fillet of pollock (£17), and to finish we shared a piece of the apple cheesecake (£7). The food was superb throughout – prepared and presented perfectly – and the Chilean sauvignon blanc (£4.95 per 175ml glass) which accompanied the meal was also excellent.

Judging by the few people who dined alongside us, Henry’s is perhaps something of a hidden treasure and mainly frequented by the hotel’s guests, but the restaurant is deserving of customers who are there purely for the quality food and service.

Breakfast was also served in the restaurant and there was a decent selection of continental-style cereals, pastries and fruit, as well as cooked fare.

Although, as mentioned, our room wasn’t anything special, the bed was comfortable and we both enjoyed a peaceful night’s sleep and awaking to the gorgeous view.

Altogether, Stonehouse Court Hotel comes highly recommended to anyone who wants to enjoy a night at a historic manor house without spending like a Lord or Lady.

4/5

For more information or to book, see bespokehotels.com/stonehousecourt