Wheatleigh is a country house hotel of the finest order. This 19th-century Italianate palazzo is gloriously set on 22 acres of rolling hills and lush gardens in the Berkshire Mountains. The magical estate shares in the grand Gilded Age heritage of this celebrated region. This bucolic retreat, with a Frederick Law Olmstead-designed private park as its backyard, maintains an urbane spirit. The interiors present a crisp, contemporary approach to classic sensibilities and highlight the harmony with its natural surroundings. Lacking the formality of the past and avoiding the starkness of modern style, the guest rooms are comfortably elegant with English soaking tubs, exclusive French bath amenities from Ermenegildo Zegna, raw silk coverlets, and CD players. Details make the difference here, from the dazzling Tiffany windows to the ornate fireplace in the Great Hall along with dark satiny woods and elaborately decorative mantles. The restaurant is a great source of pride, and its updated French dishes draw gourmets.

Wheatleigh Amenities:

• 19 rooms, 2 story. Children over 9 years only. Check-in 3 pm, check-out 11 am. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Two restaurants, bar. Fitness room, spa. Outdoor pool. Tennis.