Milsoms Kesgrave Hall

Situated on the eastern edge of Ipswich, this rather grand building used to be a school and was also once owned by the local Tolly Cobbold brewing dynasty, but nowadays Kesgrave Hall is a country-house retreat that's part of the small but perfectly formed East Anglian boutique hotel group, Milsoms.

It sits in expansive grounds, sheltering just 23 rooms, around half of which are in the main house, with the rest in the former headmaster’s quarters and various outbuildings. Rooms are sumptuous and on the glam side, even in the smaller, standard rooms, with sound systems, satellite TV, free superfast wifi, and complimentary soft drinks and snacks. Upgrade to the so-called 'Top Rooms' and expect a bit more woo and wow – we're talking massive beds, free-standing bath-tubs in the room, walk-in showers and plenty of space to lounge. 

Downstairs there's a bar and lounge that are relaxed rather than stuffy, and the brasserie is deliberately accessible (no reservations, no dress code), staying open all day and featuring stripped pine tables, an open kitchen and a quirky way of ordering – just write what you want on the pad provided. Brunch isn't just for weekends at Kesgrave Hall, which is great if you've done a midweek bunk from work, while summer means drinks on the outdoor terrace, a read of the book and a stroll in the grounds, making sure you're back in time for a proper afternoon tea, served from 3pm to 5pm every day. Like we said, cool, relaxed and boutique, and all super-friendly too.

Finally they have recently added a lovely standalone spa in the grounds, with light streaming through large windows, five double treatment rooms and a sauna, and sunbeds and a large hot tub and log-burning fire on a south-facing deck, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors and woodland setting.