Ballyfin, Ireland
What's so special
Built in the 1820s, Ballyfin in County Laois is an impressive stately home with extensive grounds 600 acres in all that has been lovingly restored to a level of luxury worthy of a lord, writes Ruth Jackson. It is now a hotel, but you can hire the whole house for exclusive use and experience life as lord of your own manor.
How they rate it
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Imagine any of the great stately homes that you have visited. Now take away the velvet ropes and the other tourists, and you have a sense of what a stay at Ballyfin is like. The current owners have spent nine years restoring the property, and no expense has been spared.
For example, experts were sent to scour the globe to retrieve the furniture that was originally in the property. The house now features all the luxuries its original owners would have expected lavish rooms, magnificent beds, and a wealth of activities to keep you entertained with the addition of modern pleasures, such as a fantastic spa complete with large indoor pool.
The menu
The chef uses local ingredients in dishes such as Ballymahon beef with truffles and spinach. The wine selection is huge (tours of the cellars, including tasting, are available).
The cost
A double room at Ballyfin costs from €750 per night. If you wish to have exclusive use of the hotel, it will cost from €14,500 per night, including meals. If you need any further information, contact www.ballyfin.com, or telephone 00 353 05787 55866.
Cliveden, England
What's so special
Built by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, Cliveden is one of England's most famous country houses owing to its beauty, its view and its scandals this was where John Profumo met Christine Keeler. The house is now run as a hotel with guests free to wander the house and grounds and swim in the infamous swimming pool although swimming costumes are now required.
How they rate it
You can't help but feel a thrill when you turn onto the long Cliveden drive and, seeing the house ahead of you, know that you are staying there. This thrill is heightened by the fact that you get to fight your way past the National Trust visitors, who aren't allowed in the building.
The rooms at Cliveden are large and impressive. The decor is a little tired in places, but this is set to be remedied with the new owners planning extensive redecoration. Nitpicking aside, it is a beautiful hotel and offers every opportunity for guests to feel like nobility. Cliveden too lets you take the experience to the next level by hiring the whole house for your own exclusive use.
The menu
The food at Cliveden is as impressive as the house itself, with dishes including lamb with sweetbreads or slow-roasted venison with roast bee pollen. The extensive wine list encompasses wines from around the globe.
The cost
Rates start from £385 for a double room. Exclusive use costs from £40,000, including a £10,000 spend on food and drink (www.clivedenhouse.co.uk, 01628-668561).
