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The Plaine - Norton St Philip

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Lovely Cotswolds B&B

Norton St Philip is the real deal as far as pretty English villages go - stunning Cotswold stone cottages, an amazing half-timbered inn, little country lanes, a village green, red telephone boxes - it’s got it all, and as if things couldn’t get any better, it’s surrounded by glorious, rolling Somerset countryside. It’s proper postcard stuff, and if you’re American, it might just make you explode with excitement.

The Plaine guest house sits in the middle of all of this and couldn’t fit in any more if it tried. A 16th-century, stone country house, covered in wisteria, its numerous sash windows and little dormer windows in the attic, keep watch over Norton’s sleepy proceedings. It’s a gorgeous family home, but lovely (and very lucky) owner, Stephanie, ensures that all her guests can relax, without feeling like they’re treading on anyone’s toes. The three double guest rooms all have four-poster beds and big windows with views of the village. Furnished simply, but stylishly, with shiny en-suite showers and period features, the rooms really let the house and its surroundings speak for themselves, while a great, proper English breakifast will set you up for a day of great, proper English pottering.

Where is it?

Norton St Philip sits in the midst of gorgeous countryside, seven miles south of Bath. And it’s not just a pretty face either - the village is full of history, including a listing in the record books as home to one of England’s oldest pubs. The George Inn (www.thegeorgeinn-nsp.co.uk Tel: 01373 834 224) is said to have been built in 1223 and has had its hostelry licence since 1397, when boozy monks would get to The George from their priory via a secret tunnel. Today, the huge, timbered dining hall and flag-stoned dungeon bar at The George are fab for an evening meal or pint of real ale, while the inn itself is a bit of a film star - recently it’s featured in Tom Jones, The Canterbury Tales, Moll Flanders and Persuasion. The George’s much younger companion-in-ales (it was opened in 1584), The Fleur de Lys (Tel: 01373 834333), is also a place steeped in history, once hosting a dinner for Samuel Pepys himself. Nearly 500 years on and it’s still a great place to go for some quality pub grub. Both The George and The Fleur de Lys are within spitting distance of The Plaine (in fact, you’ll probably be able to see inside them from your bedroom window).

Walkers will love Norton St Philip, as there are plenty of footpaths and trails right on the doorstep. It’s just two miles west to Farleigh Hungerford Castle (www.english-heritage.org.uk Tel: 01225 754026), the fascinating remains of a 15th century fortress and a good place to head for on foot. The picturesque medieval market town of Bradford on Avon is 5 miles from Norton St Philip, with its famous 13th-century bridge across the Avon, stunning Georgian architecture and weavers’ cottages. It’s a ‘mini Bath’ and a lovely place to while away a day if you fancy somewhere different. For a great day’s adventure, pack a picnic, hire a bike or a canoe from The Lock Inn (www.thelockinn.co.uk Tel: 01225 868068), on the Kennet & Avon Canal, and cycle, or paddle the ten miles along the canal to Bath.

Of course, Bath itself is the main attraction in this area, and when its beautiful crescents, bridges, cafes and shops are just 15-minutes drive away, it’s hard to resist. For more information on what to see, do and eat in this English weekend mecca, read The Weekenders Guide to Bath.

Where can I eat?

The obvious choices in Norton St Philip are The George and The Fleur de Lys. Both are great, offering above-average pub grub in cosy surroundings - all within staggering distance of your bed at The Plaine. Otherwise, there are plenty of alternatives in the area.

Bath is a no-brainer for the biggest and most varied selection of restaurants in the area. Check out The Weekenders Guide to Bath for the best of the best. If you’d rather avoid city centre dining, however, drive the 7 miles to wonderful Woolley Grange (www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk Tel: 01225 864705) on the outskirts of Bradford on Avon. Famous as the luxury destination for stressed-out parents, this super-plush, super-friendly family hotel also happens to have a fantastic fine-dining restaurant. Traditional British dishes are given a contemporary twist by head chef Rob Scott, and the puddings are to die for.

For something a little less jacket-and-tie, but equally as popular and a real hit with the critics, The Tollgate Inn (www.tollgateholt.co.uk Tel: 01225 782326) in the village of Holt, 8 miles from Norton St Philip, has been hailed as one of the best gastropubs in the country. A gorgeous country inn, The Tollgate offers modern English dishes, with a hint of the Mediterranean, all made from a whole host of local and seasonal ingredients.

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A 16th-century, stone country house, covered in wisteria - The Plaine is a beautiful and cosy Cotswolds bolthole.