Dreaming of a country escape with the convenience of a stylish city within arms length? St Michael’s Manor in St Albans has the best of both worlds.

This traditional townhouse hotel is only a stone’s throw from the historic city centre – perfect for for mooching, shopping and a spot of culture – yet has the feeling of a rural retreat, thanks to its five acres of country gardens (complete with lake), and rich heritage. The manor house itself dates back to the 16th century which blends with the contemporary elegance of more recent additions.

There are 30 beautifully styled boutique bedrooms to choose from, including charming doubles and twins in the original part of the building, to luxurious modern rooms in the manor house or garden wing and grand push-the-boat-out suites.

And to eat, madam? The orangery-style restaurant and terrace overlooks the gardens and lake, where you’ll find everything from light bites and afternoon tea to Sunday lunch and fine dining. Head Chef Nitin Pawar (who joined in 2023, and has previously been Head Chef at The Cavendish, London) and his team, bring creative and seasonally changing dishes to St Michael’s Manor. The Table d’hote menus cater for all tastes, but Chef Nitin’s speciality is vegetarian and vegan food, so you can expect some plant-based masterpieces alongside modern twists on meat and fish dishes. Care for a nightcap? At the bar you’ll find a fine offering of world whiskeys alongside a tempting cocktail menu.

If you’re tying the knot, St Michael’s Manor makes a dream venue, with its choice of elegant, traditional and contemporary reception spaces – from the wood panelled oak lounge to the light and airy orangery restaurant – catering for intimate weddings of 14 guests to grander occasions for up to 140. It’s available for exclusive and non-exclusive hire and is currently booking for for the Spring/Summer 2025 wedding season so get a wriggle on if you’ve got your heart set on it.

For a refined city break with all the trappings of a country estate, St Michael’s Manor gets the Muddy vote!

Want to know what there is to do in the local area? Check out my city guide to St Albans here.