Room Service: Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club, East Sussex

Think country house hotel and chances are you'll think of chintz and reproduction antiques. What probably won't spring to mind is a relaxing Indian head massage or a performance of The Barber of Seville in a magnificent restored chapel (scheduled for 31 January).

At the end of the broad gravel driveway to Ashdown Park Hotel, trees part to reveal a handsome 19th-century manor house. This romantic scene is reflected in the shimmering lake in front of the hotel, while deer stroll in the background.

This luxurious hotel was once a convent, and an old chapel complete with stained-glass windows has been restored in one of the wings. There's also a spa, an 18-hole golf course and 187 acres of lush parkland to explore. High tea or cocktails are served in front of roaring log fires, while dinner in the buzzing restaurant is a candlelit affair.

Location, location, location

Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club, Wych Cross, Nr Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JR (01342 824988; www.ashdownpark.com).

Time to international airport: it's 25 minutes to Gatwick.

Are you lying comfortably?

Each of the 107 rooms has been furnished with individual, and sometimes eccentric, style. In one room, a stained-glass window forms a bathroom wall. Ours was at the front of the hotel, and it was hard to tear our gaze away from the view across the lake. Sinking on to the huge four-poster bed, and lounging on a sumptuous chaise longue proved worthy distractions, however.

Freebies: Molton Brown bath products and mineral water.

Keeping in touch: TV, radio and direct-dial telephone.

The bottom line

Rooms start at £159 for a double, including full English breakfast and newspaper.

I'm not paying that: There are often special offers available. At the moment two people can stay for the single occupancy rate of £125 per night (minimum two-night stay).