Location is paramount, probably set in rolling acres of parkland, the terrace affording a commanding view over a carelessly manicured landscape preferably with a river or lake. The proximity of places of interest within an hour's drive, can provide a welcome diversion. It used to be taken for granted that there should be good hunting, fishing and shooting, if not ideally on the premises, within easy reach. The latter two sporting activities still add immeasurably to the scope of the menu, in season. More vulgar recreations such as golf should be catered for with discretion - there's nothing worse than being bang in the middle of a golf course, or having the 18th hole in full view of the dining room.
Great fireplaces are as necessary in winter as are pleasant places to sit out of doors in summer.
A walled garden with shady bowers where one can read peacefully is an asset. There's also a delicate balance to be struck between the requirement on the part of the hotel to generate much needed revenues from weddings and conferences, and the atmosphere of calm and solace that private guests expect to find in a luxurious country retreat. A well run hotel manages to pursue these conflicting aims, satisfying clients whose aspirations are often poles apart. The success or failure of the entire enterprise is in no small part due to the efforts and skills of the chef and the kitchen brigade. One might arrive tired after a difficult week, having fought to leave the city traffic behind.