Cotswolds 88 blends high style with country-house escapism, transforming a mansion in the charming village of Painswick into a modern design marvel. Urban types come here for a breath of country air and a gawp at the so-daring-they-work interiors.

The facilities

A bar and restaurant provide a visual as well as culinary feast, with black and white striped floors and walls clashing with retro sci-fi lights and traditional purple armchairs. The effect is a kind of 60s fashion shoot/Alice in Wonderland hybrid that, try as it might, can't quite distract from the excellent food. A contemporary British menu makes the most of organic local produce, and afternoon tea proves popular for those in search of storybook England.

The library is guests-only, making it a quiet escape from the buzzy public restaurant. The design ethic carries through, however, with chequered sofas offset against latticed windows, ornately framed mirrors and traditional oil portraits.

The rooms

Seventeen rooms are a high-concept riot. Each has its own decor, with individual themes getting stronger as rooms climb in size. The Leigh Bowery room has cartoonish portrait wallpaper, while Oriental and White Shaker rooms shock with monochromatic prints. There are plasma TVs in all rooms, as well as Jacuzzi baths in the Detler rooms and above. Molton Brown toiletries come as standard.