Babington House by Gemma Pitcher

This 18thC manor house of Sense and Sensibility fame (the film, that is) has been turned into a groovy club outpost for London's media crowd. It’s open to a more pedstrian crowd now, provided one don’t find the prospect of a hive of networking media darlings too unnerving. The general feel of things is very laid back, with Notting Hill-esque cooking, large bathrooms, and a constant buzz in the public rooms. Comfort food is available round the clock for those thrashing out film scripts all night or partying into the early hours.

Children abound, many showing signs of inheriting the prima donna-ish tendencies of their parents. There’s a games room full of state of the art games machines to keep them occupied, and a team of long-suffering nannies. For those keeping themselves paparazzi-perfect, there’s an all singing, all dancing gym, plus two pools, steam room and excellent spa - the Cowshed - for those emergency seaweed facials or St Tropez tans.

Wholesome, outdoor activities as befit a spell out of London are provided in the form of a football pitch, cricket ground and tennis courts. If this all sounds frighteningly hearty, retire to the private cinema or tuck yourself up in bed in front of the DVD player – as one might expect, the hotel has an enormous library of films.