I knew we were in for a unique treat as we passed the old Bentley parked on the drive and descended into the the basement room, following Denize's cries of welcome coming up from the depths.
The room is spacious, with a commodious bed, a large desk, a table with chairs, two sturdy bedside cabinets, and a cheval mirror. There is also a built-in wardrobe space. The style of the room could best be described as shabby chic, with walls and ceiling boldly painted in terracotta, which surprisingly do not have the effect of making the room seem small, despite the plethora of pictures, books and other odd and sods that adorn the space. The adjoining wet room is large and functional.
Denize was warm, welcoming and conspicuously anxious to please, but also sensitive to the needs of her guests: we were pressed for time on our arrival as we had arranged to go out - as soon as we mentioned this, after delivering a thorough and comprehensive introduction to the facilities, our hostess vanished like a will-o-the-wisp.
Following a very comfortable night's sleep we were greeted with an overwhelming array of breakfast options: muesli, yoghurt, fresh strawberries and blueberries, crumpets, eggs, bacon, sausages, vine tomatoes, three types of toasted bread, including one with cheese and olives, two homemade preserves, a range of teas, coffee ... I could go on. Denize prepared the eggs freshly to order, while at the same time, proving to be an excellent conversationalist, with a wealth of humorous anecdotes, in response to the slightest of prompting.
Overall, our brief stay was made as comfortable as humanly possible by an attentive host and I would have no hesitation in booking again.