"Blanc opened his hotel and restaurant of the same name in 1984, swiftly banking two Michelin stars and establishing a culinary destination that has lured guests to the single-pub village of Great Milton for over three decades. Belmond Le Manoir operates from a 15th century manor house built of sand-colored limestone and ashlar, surrounded by lavender-rimmed walkways, duck ponds, and apple orchards. Until recently, a visit to the estate most likely meant a meal in the summerhouse restaurant, followed by a night in one of the eclectic bedrooms (there are art deco four-posters with mirrored headboards, canopies hung with blue toile, and suites paneled with bamboo meant to conjure Southeast Asia—take your pick), but last year saw the launch of the Raymond Blanc Gardening School, which allows customers to book day courses at the property." - Jo Rodgers