With a reputation as ‘Soho House in the country’, boutique hotel Babington House is a Somerset bolthole popular with stressed-out media types and their families. The boutique hotel, however, offers the kind of luxury experience anyone can enjoy, and it’s great for kids.

Babington House’s main building is Grade II listed early Georgian, built in mellow Bath stone with a tile roof. The north side has three large bow windows that have great views of the lake. Original features include the Queen Anne ornate moulded ceilings and cornices, period fireplaces and a mahogany staircase in the lobby. A beautiful, original 15th-century stained glass window sits above the main stairs – all in all, the boutique hotel is the perfect antidote for those used to tower blocks and a crowded commute.

The facilities

Babington House has everything you might need for a relaxing and indulgent break. The Cowshed Spa, housed (where else?) in the property’s old cow shed, uses its own products made with herbs from the boutique hotel’s garden. And, with names like Dirty Cow soap, you’ll probably go home with a suitcase well-stuffed with cute new beauty bits.

As well as treatment rooms, the spa has a swimming pool, sauna and massages available.

The boutique hotel's restaurant serves yummy Mediterranean-influenced food, either in the Log Room dining area or out on the terrace. The Martini Bar is adults-only and does exactly what it says on the tin.

Guests at Babington House can also catch a film at the plush 45-seat cinema, keep fit on the tennis court and stroll around the gorgeous grounds.

The rooms

Babington House has 28 rooms and suites which are dotted around the Main House, Coach House, Stable Block and Lodge. All bedrooms are large, individually designed and equipped with plasma screens, DVD players (there’s a huge DVD library available) and Wi-Fi internet access. The bathrooms have stand-alone or sunken baths, large showerheads and a full range of gorgeous Cowshed bath products. Rooms are so popular at weekends they need to be booked 6 months in advance, and the family Lodge cottage needs to be booked a year in advance.