We walk past the resident ducks as we hear the lock click open to our room before pushing open the large arch door. This is our second time staying at the elegant Middleton Lodge and the room that we have booked on this occasion boasts a snug seating area with a fireplace and a large outdoor hot tub to while away the afternoon. Only a 2.5-hour train journey from London the estate is home to a romantic walled garden, outdoor pool, self-catering cottages and two excellent restaurants.

More to my taste and available to book are the rooms around the walled gardens, orchard and dairy. These have all been individually designed by the owners themselves using a combination of reclaimed materials, new items and antiques that have been given a new lease of life. On our visit in March, we stayed in one of the dairy hot tub rooms which, very luxuriously, contained a cosy sitting area with a fireplace, kingsize bed, the largest copper bathtub I have ever seen and a huge outdoor jacuzzi. The scheme within this area of the property is a combination of shaker meets farmhouse style but with a light contemporary colour pallet and muted patterns. Sanitary items are victorian inspired and rooms contain a double sink with toiletries provided.

The head gardeners' cottage is the only room with direct access to the walled gardens. Similar furnishings but a deeper colour palette the rooms around this area of the property are slightly smaller but are perfect for guests attending a wedding in the Fig house. Just next door the newly built shepherd huts have a traditional cottage painted in rich greens with foliage-inspired wallpapers. All guest rooms regardless of size are tastefully decorated appropriately to the style of the building with a cosy English countryside feel.

The wine list is well-sized and selected by a sommelier but what I particularly enjoy about the drinks selection is the unique use of fresh herbs and vegetable extracts within the cocktails. I spotted ingredients such as basil, beetroot and carrot to name a few which elevates the menu from hotels I have stayed in before. Classically we opted for scallops which came on a small bed of celeriac puree with burnt apple, almond and artichoke crisps as well as the grilled halloumi. This was closely followed by the market fish for myself alongside fresh greens and a delicious creamy white wine sauce. The artichoke ice cream that previously caught my eye did not disappoint and ended up being the highlight of the meal. The kitchen sources high-quality ingredients but what sets the food at Middleton Lodge apart is the creativity and unique balance of flavour alongside the stunning presentation that is put into every dish.

Breakfast is included in all rooms and served in the Coach House or, for an additional charge, can be brought to your room. There is a selection of pastries, fruits, and cereals as well as a hot menu to order from. I always greatly appreciate when hot dishes are cooked to order as appose to sitting in a heated container. Overall I have dinned at Middleton Lodge four times across the seasons and have loved every meal.

Only 2.5 hours by train from London, Middleton Lodge is a suburb escape for couples who want fine dining quality food with a welcoming cosy atmosphere and classy traditional interiors. The estate and walled garden are beautifully maintained with immense care and the staff have a natural sense of pride and care for their guests.

You may also like Glebe House, Devon or Number One Bruton, Somerset!

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