Barnsley House is so much more than a luxury country house. It’s a haven of tranquillity, calm and serenity in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Located just a few miles outside the Roman town of Cirencester, lies the stunning Grade II listed manor house Barnsley House.

Upon arrival we received one of the warmest of welcomes and were immediately whisked on a tour of the house. With no imposing reception (it’s tucked away downstairs) you really do feel as if you have arrived at your very own luxury, country house for the weekend – and trust us, the staff will ensure you feel that way all weekend long.

After a brief tour we were shown to our room. Making your stay even more personal is the fact that no two rooms at Barnsely House are the same. StyleNest stayed in one of the three Stable Yard rooms. It was hard to believe it wasn’t the best suite in the hotel – with the bedroom upstairs, a spacious lounge and Turkish bath there was enough room to resemble a small London flat. The decor was minimal yet comfortable and in keeping with the hotel’s stylish decor yet still had it’s own personality.

We were blessed with sunshine on our visit and indulged in a long, relaxing lunch in the stunning gardens. Relaxation is key to the atmosphere at Barnsley House and with gardens as beautiful as theirs it’s hard not to. The menu is seasonal with all the vegetables and herbs coming straight from their own garden and veggie patch– a lovely touch, especially for us city folk. As recommended to us by our waiter, we opted for the Vincisgrassi (Barnsley House’s speciality of baked pasta with Parma ham, porcini and truffle adapted from an 18th-century recipe) – utterly delicious.

With much of the afternoon still in front of us we headed to the spa. Whilst there isn’t a pool there are loungers and a large hydro therapy pool, not to mention the extensive treatment menu.

In keeping with the laid back charm of the house is the hotel’s bar. Decked out in dark leather furniture with a circular bar at its center it’s the ideal spot for an aperitif before heading into the main restaurant.

Whist Barnsley House allows children and has facilities for cots and highchairs it lends itself far more to a romantic getaway and families will feel far more at home at their sister hotel Calcot Manor.

The Italian-style minimalist interiors and furniture are comfortable yet stylish, the service is superb (the best perhaps we have encountered), the food is simply delicious and the atmosphere couldn’t be more serene. Just one night here will send you back to city life like a new person.

• Rooms 18, including 11 suites.
• Rates Double rooms from £229.00, excluding tax at 20 per cent including breakfast.
• Facilities Landscaped gardens, tennis court, helipad, holistic spa with hydrotherapy pool, private 30-seat cinema, DVD library. In rooms, plasma-screen TV with surround-sound system, CD/DVD player, iPod dock, free broadband connection, mini fridge with complimentary water and juice. Fresh fruit and tea and coffee also available. Bikes to borrow.
• Poolside The spa – which focuses on holistic treatments – has a hydrotherapy pool. It’s best to book treatments before your stay.
• Check-out Midday (5pm check-out available on payment of a £75 supplement). Check-in, 3pm.
• Children Extra beds (£45) or cots (£20) can be provided. Babysitting can be arranged (£10 an hour). Children’s menu available; the chef can prepare children’s meals at 6pm.

For more information please visit Barnsleyhouse.com.