Beaverbrook: A Country-House Estate in the Surrey Hills

Beaverbrook is one of England's most characterful country-house retreats, an estate in the rolling Surrey Hills that was once the home of the press baron Lord Beaverbrook, who entertained Churchill and a cast of 20th-century greats here. Barely an hour from London, it spreads across a grand house, garden cottages, a spa and a village, all set in woodland and gardens.

The dining is unusually varied for a country house. The Dining Room in The House is a surprising Japanese restaurant of sushi and fine cuts under chef Wojciech Popow; the Garden House serves comforting home-cooked dishes; Mrs Beeton's celebrates classic British fare at The Village; and a pizzeria, deli and two atmospheric bars complete the offering.

For a characterful English country stay near London, Beaverbrook is a standout.

Planning the Surrey Hills? Book your stay with me for preferred-partner perks.