I’m not terribly keen on bailiffs. In my younger days, when I was less responsible, I had a few turn up on my doorstep and they’re not very nice to one as a rule. So the idea of staying at a place called Bailiffscourt for me conjured up images of an ancient stern stone building with holding cells and portcullises; lattice grilles everywhere, and strict people with clipboards and an unbending attitude. But Bailiffscourt couldn’t be further from this. Set in beautiful grounds – with resident peacocks – it’s a curious hotchpotch of the very old and very new that really works together. The main building, for example, is all stonework and low ceilings, wooden beams and four poster beds; whilst the spa and the adjoining bedrooms in the newer block are much more modern with clean lines. There’s been some thought put into it though; there’s lots of wood used throughout and the spa itself has a Scandinavian feel about it. I bet Americans love it here; it’s got just the right mixture of being really old but having modern service and facilities. This is an ideal place for a reeeaaallly long weekend. Apart from its grounds, Bailiffscourt is [...]