Ireland
A beautiful country house where you are not a customer but a guest. The house itself is very comfortable in the Strawberry Gothic style. There's a walled garden where, as well as flower beds and a tennis court, most of the veg and fruit you eat come from.
Its run by a Meryl, a formidable hostess. It is not suitable for children and there are dogs, so allergists beware. There are golf courses, horse races, the Japanese gardens and the national stud. Plus they do really good dinners if you tell them in advance.
Near Kildare town
www.martinstownhouse.com
Search Been there