Cotswold Essence visits the hotel at the edge of the world-famous Westonbirt Arboretum - what better time of year to visit?

I've driven past the Hare & Hounds many times and always thought it a lovely looking place, but never actually made it inside. Now I've stayed over night and sampled the restaurant, I wish I'd visited sooner.

The hotel looks like a stately home from the outside, but inside resembles a hunting lodge, with medieval-style metal framed light-fittings, oak panelling, lead-lined windows and 18th century furniture.

I was amused to learn that I was a victim of a very good mock-up job. Apparently the building is only a couple of hundred years old and the wood-lined windows, not the lead ones, are the oldest part of the house.

This made no difference to the quality of our stay. The bedroom was spacious with a huge bed. My husband and I practised calling to each other whilst lying on either side of it, joking that we were too far away to hear each other. The room obviously likes catering for two or more - the bath had central taps and the shower had two heads.

I like that the dcor had an air of antiquity - oak furniture, countryside scene paintings, thick curtains - that easily sat next to the modern-ness of the bathroom.

The Westonbirt Restaurant menu changes every day. We treated ourselves to a generous buffet of Hors d'Oeurves, including smoked salmon, Scotch eggs. Greek salad, Parma ham, pate and egg mayonaise.

For the mains my husband opted for the guinea fowl which was deliciously tender; I choose the grilled Dover sole with lemon and parsley butter which, a bit greasy and chewy, was the only disappointment of the meal. It was good to see an effort made with vegetables - courgettes Provencal, broccoli and new potatoes were tasty rather than over-processed or plain.

To finish we had beautiful dark and white chocolate mousse, and vanilla panacotte - for those, like us, who like desserts rich and creamy. Adding to the atmosphere was music from a live Spanish guitarist.

In the leather bound-furniture lounge we were introduced to a selection of whisky, via some amusing description cards which only real connoisseurs could produce seriously! My favourite was 'a curiosity to impress your friends.' They don't know my friends - it wouldn't last long enough to invoke curiosity. I went for a single malt as old as me.

After a restful night's sleep we choose from both a buffet and freshly cooked breakfast, before heading into the sweeping lawns of the gardens.

The hotel's land encompasses some woodland, which they are hoping to turn into a walk for residents. Gentle sports fans can partake in croquet on the lawns or, for the more energetic, tennis on the courts.

The Hare & Hounds is a lovely family run establishment. The great-grandmother, 92, who bought the house and converted it into a hotel still lives on site, along with a few ghosts, apparently (which we were fortunate enough not to meet!).

The hotel's Jack Hare bar is very popular with the locals and serves cocktails and more lovely food. It's mainly busy at weekends, especially around autumn leaves time at the arboretum. There are bargains to be had for those seeking a mid-week stay.