Searching for bucolic bliss this autumn? Check into the historic Cowdray House for a stay like no other at this stunning Sussex stately

Dinner was served inside the barn itself. A candle-lit affair with banquet tables ‘scaped to perfection with local foliage, the smoked salmon, skillet shallots and blackened harissa aubergine proved to be exemplary warming choices. The wine too – local of course – was met with merlot-tinted smiles as the sun set into stark darkness outside.

Post-dining it was time for some stargazing. Local astronomer Dr Jason MBE talked us through the…