The 10 best super B&Bs

York House Rooms, West Sussex

The allure of this B&B lies in its sophisticated yet homely appeal. No expense has been spared in decorating its two suites, housed in a cottage in the village of Easebourne near Midhurst. Rub shoulders with the polo set at Cowdray Park, visit Goodwood or Chichester and explore the beaches of the south coast.

The owners: Ian and Felicity Lock, who live in the house next door, will go to great lengths to make sure their guests have a good time – they will even drop you off for dinner and pick you up from the station.

What makes it so special? With just two suites, this is about as exclusive as it gets, so privacy is guaranteed. The Garden Suite looks out on to a pretty courtyard and is decked out in shades of aubergine, grey and beige. The adjacent Blue Suite is decorated to the same high standard and both have luxurious bathrooms stocked with toiletries from The White Company.

Where to eat: The Halfway Bridge (www.halfwaybridge.co.uk; 01798 861251) is a lovely converted 17th-century inn serving modern British dishes for about £25 per person.

Cost: Suites start at £100 per night. Babies are welcome and can stay free, but this is really a place for grown-ups. Visit www.yorkhouserooms.co.uk; call 01730 814090.