First impressions: lovely little white farmhouse, built in 1820, well off the beaten track in a Surrey hamlet but only three miles from Gatwick. Pretty flower-filled gardens too, where you can enjoy afternoon tea, or an early evening tipple (bring your own).

Why it’s special: clever people stay the night here instead of forking out £100 for a ghastly airport hotel. It’s also terribly pretty and well kept and because it’s not in the flight path it’s incredibly quiet.

Hitting the sack: only three rooms, one double/twin, one double and one single, simply furnished with antique pine and white frilled bed linen. Large bathroom with panelled bath, antique fittings and separate shower.

Sampling the fare: continental breakfast, healthy option cereals and fruit or the Full Monty if you’re up to it. For dinner you can walk to a jolly pub down the road, The Fox Revived, which does great steaks, or drive to Horley for a Chinese or an Indian.

Access all areas: not suitable for wheelchairs.

Added attractions: large residents’ lounge, which is unusual for a B&B. You can leave your car here and David Lees, the owner, will drive you to the airport by arrangement. Polesden Lacy is 20 minutes away and several other National Trust properties are near by. Great woodland walks too.

What we think: cosy, quiet and brilliant value.

Bottom line: twin £50, double £45 and single £25, all with breakfast. Parking is £20 a week.

Need to know: Latchetts Cottage (01293 862831, www.latchettscottage.co.uk ), Norwood Hill, Horley, Surrey.

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