At the edge of the Cotswolds sits the newly refurbished Double Red Duke. The soul of this 16th century coaching inn are the gathering spaces. Cozy sitting rooms invite you to linger with friends or a lover. In the colder months I imagine lounging in the worn leather chairs by the open fire. Outside, their red-striped umbrellas reveal a flirty side, setting this establishment apart from the otherwise plethora of charming English architecture.

Back inside, I explored more of the space. There is a gorgeous restaurant decked in warm spaces of red-velvet chairs and candlelight wooden tables to set the mood. I loved the light-filled bar and garden room layered with textures and colors, all at once both open and intimate. The hardest decision is which nook to settle into.

Dinner was an affair to remember. To start, I had the warm flatbread with local sheep’s cheese, honey and fresh herbs. I could have stopped there. It had that salt-fat-acid-heat experience going on. But this was only a preview. The main course arrived: a crispy-skin-roasted half chicken served with a silky Madeira sauce. For sides I decided on smashed Royal Jersey potatoes and salad green dressed in a citrusy vinaigrette and flaky sea salt. Perfection. All of this was accompanied with a glass of red. The grapes were flown in from Italy and grown in central London. I wishI could remember the name of it now.. of course they tempted me with the dessert menu. I wanted to but I couldn’t. So I compromised. They had an option of small sweet: chocolate caramels.

Finally the rooms. A designers dream. Each room seems a nod to the Arts & Craft movement. Colorful, tasteful interiors using William Morris inspired wallpapers and a tea & coffee station complete with homemade cookies. I appreciate my room included a fan for the warmer nights. The star of the room is definitely the bed. Pure heaven. One of the best beds I’ve slept in.

Overall one of the best hotel stays I’ve experience in a long time. Looking forward to my next stay.

DETAILS

Double Red Duke book a room from $125

While you’re there

• A shepherd’s hut in the garden doubles as a spa. Therapists use the same oils and lotions from 100 Acres in the hotel bathrooms.

• In the case of inclement weather, retreat to the snug, where there’s a roaring log fire and plenty of board games.

• The charming villages of Burford and Bibury are nearby. Rousham Gardens is a hidden gem worth visiting in the spring or summer.

• In Autumn, make for Batsford Arboretum when the turning leaves are at their most colourful.