Stepping into this historic building provides a feast for the senses: there is the pleasing aroma of burning woodchips, easy-on-the-eye antique furnishings and the gentle tinkling of a piano to be enjoyed.

But it is for its horticultural efforts that this comely old manor is most renowned. Former owner William Robertson – who owned and ran the property between 1884 and 1995 – was regarded as one of the pre-eminent gardeners of his era, and his (green) fingerprints are to be seen on a jaunt round Gravetye’s grounds.

Particularly impressive is the property’s acre-large kitchen garden, which supplies executive chef Martin Carabott with a glut of princely produce.

Gravetye was AA’s Hotel of the Year in 2013/2014 and has seventeen sumptuous bedrooms and suites – each named after a species of tree found on the estate. It also underwent an extensive refurbishment at the beginning of 2018, introducing a light, natural and bright decor to match the beautiful gardens.