The Summer Lodge Country House Hotel and Restaurant (and Spa, let’s not forget the Spa) set in gorgeous grounds, is in the deliciously delightful Dorset village of Evershot, about 13 miles north of Dorchester.

Part of the Red Carnation Luxury Hotel Group, the privately owned hotel’s South African owners have extensive experience of running boutique hotels around the world, so the service and high levels of comfort at the Grade II-listed Georgian Summer Lodge are second to none.

Relax in the ever-so-elegant drawing room, which was designed by Thomas Hardy – an architect by profession – when he wasn’t writing one of his iconic West Country novels, that is.

Sip a pre- or post-prandial drink in the cosy, dog-friendly whisky bar. There are over 300 whiskies not to mention the Armagnacs and unusual tipples from local brews to alcohol-free kombuchas.

Savour your meal in the fine dining restaurant – the food is exquisite.

Indulge in a spa treatment, take a dip in the pool, lie back in the jacuzzi or work out in the gym (if you must). Open to non-residents by appointment.

Sleep in one of their 18 lovely bedrooms and 7 suites, each individually decorated, in the main house and dotted around – with a terrace, a walled garden, in picturesque cottages.

Stroll in the grounds, have a game of tennis or take a walk in the 600-acre adjoining deer park.

A pretty perfect weekend – or week day – escape, we say.