I visited the new Great Hallingbury Manor in Bishop's Stortford at the weekend. The hotel is still under development, but we had a sneak preview of an annexe building called the Piggeries.
The annexe has the feeling of a secluded lodge in the country - not a village 5 miles from Stanstead Airport. The rooms were simple but elegant, light and spacious, with the delicious smell of being brand new.
The hotel is part of Anton's Restaurant, a new venture by former Savoy chef Anton Edelmann. The restaurant - already buzzing with locals - offers excellent food and service.
Owners Janet and Ludo Marcello have gone all out to make this a completely green hotel. All the food is locally sourced and they are installing an environmentally friendly heating system.
Once it's complete, this hotel will be a lovely option for a romantic weekend away or luxurious night before flying off on holiday from Stansted. It is also attracting businessmen looking for an alternative to the usual faceless corporate hotels.
The Marcelos - who also own three hotels in Barbados - are full of life and have really stamped their personaility on the property. They have lots of stories to tell, so make sure you say hello if you see them by the bar.