Hardwick Hall Hotel

Boutique take on old-school country house grandeur. Heads up: Expect eyebrow-raising rooms.

There’s no hard work at Hardwick. The hotel management insist. Relaxation is the order of the day, Hardwick style. What you’d expect from its green-colour scene – oodles (120 acres of them) of country park, serpentine lake and all.

Whatever its vintage, it’s certainly matured well (like the Durham beef in its steakhouse); former country seat of the squires of Sedgefield, a major part of the manor was built in the late 1700s, but historian Nikolaus Pevsner believes Hardwick actually dates back to 1634.

Not-a-hair-out-of-place Insta-ready rooms combine antique furnishings with all your mod cons – free Wi-Fi, Sky TV, always-on room service, walk-in showers, super-king beds. Fancy a lie-in? And whilst there’s no hard work at Hardwick, strictly speaking, there are proper desks should the muse take you.

You can Relax (capital ‘R’) at the colonial-styled lounge and bar – there are potted palms, so go on, you really must relax. And you’ll see your steak – from meat locker to plate – in The Rib Room – refined mod-British dining serving up simple, artfully presented dishes to ogle and enjoy. That’s Hardwick for you, in a nutshell. But don’t take our word for it. Crack it open. Stay inspired.