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ower Slaughter Manor is the ultimate in country living for the 21st century. Nicknamed ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’, this hotel sits in one of the finest 17th century houses in the south of England.

Standing in its own lovely gardens next to the historic church in the heart of the village of Lower Slaughter, this is the kind of place that lives up to any romantic occasion, be it a marriage proposal or a spontaneous weekend away.

There’s no chintz here, just super cool interiors. Book the Valentine-Strong room in the Coach House and you’ll be snoozing on the biggest four-poster bed you’ve ever seen, have your own side by side baths and French doors to a private garden with a hot tub made for two.

There are gentle country pursuits all around and some stunning places to visit in this area such as the Blenheim Palace, Longleat House and Worchester Cathedral or fellow villages like Moreton in the Marsh and Burford. Or you can simple stroll along the charming country lanes.