The thrill of the hunt lives on at Hambleton Hall, a former fox-hunting lodge north of London. But these days, the excitement comes from the rarest of prizes: a luxury hotel lovingly owner-operated.

A former investment banker and current Renaissance man, Tim Hart and his wife converted Hambleton Hall from a spacious Victorian home to plush country house hotel in 1979. The 15 double bedrooms are tastefully decorated with rich linens and antique furniture, while the well-manicured hotel grounds pay aesthetic tribute to their upper-crust heritage. The sophisticated charms extend to the dining room, where Michelin-starred Chef Aaron Patterson creates subtle palate-pleasers.

The pastoral setting is perfect for indulging in outdoor recreation: perched high on a peninsula, Hambleton Hall overlooks the outdoor playground of Rutland Water, the largest man-made lake in Western Europe. Take up fishing, or cycle its scenic 25-mile perimeter, taking time to do a little bird watching. Or, simply stay on Hambleton's well-groomed grounds for a rousing game of tennis, or dip in the pool.