BACK TO REALITY

After 24 hours of unadulterated luxury it's good to be back home to the simple life. It was one of those special deals where you have dinner and spend the night free as long as you spend more than £100. Not a problem!

I'm always a little wary of 'special deals' but this was an elegant Regency house with views over the Quantocks. The grounds looked inviting - shame it was too cold to explore but we were seduced by the opulent, voluptuous interior. They didn't stint in the room with fresh fruit and flowers, sweeties in a jar, robes and slippers, bottled water, both fizzy and still, and first rate 'smellies' in the bathroom.
The staff were helpful and friendly without being intrusive and the atmosphere was totally relaxing.

The food was the kind that is great for a treat but you wouldn't want to eat every day. A French woman, who had been awarded a cordon bleu for cooking, once told me to always have a digestif after a rich meal - preferably kirsch. This time I had Grand Marnier because it's like velvet liquid fire, and it worked its magic.

Spring cleaning must be a nightmare with all those drapes, swags, cushions and curtains that weigh a ton, but as my nosy forefinger discovered it was spotless.
Those of you a little longer in the tooth may remember Cicely Courtnidge and her tongue twister ditty, 'I want two dozen double damask dinner napkins.'
No? Well I like my damask dinner napkins to be soft so I can easily drape them over my knees not have than stand to attention like rampant Bishops. My only criticism of Mount Somerset.