The Good Life: Bucks Luxe

Barley Sheaf Farm Estate & Spa
The vibe: English countryside with a twist. As you meander through the 100-plus-acre property — the former estate of playwright George Kaufman — sheep, pigs, goats and mini horses greet you. Inside the main house and guest cottages, owner Christine Soderman has overlooked no detail: Furnishings are one-of-a-kind antique and custom pieces

Barley Sheaf Farm Estate & Spa

The vibe: English countryside with a twist. As you meander through the 100-plus-acre property — the former estate of playwright George Kaufman — sheep, pigs, goats and mini horses greet you. Inside the main house and guest cottages, owner Christine Soderman has overlooked no detail: Furnishings are one-of-a-kind antique and custom pieces — an ornate Chinese wedding bed here, a French carved dresser there. And there are flat-screen TVs, Bulgari toiletries and in-room Jacuzzis.

Bed: Rooms are named for Kaufman’s plays; ask for the “Deep Tangled Wildwood Suite,” with its East Asian decor, or the “You Can’t Take It With You Suite,” decked out in Art Deco. Each has its own fireplace, and some have kitchens, entertaining areas and multi-jet showers.

Breakfast: The best homemade granola we’ve ever had — there must’ve been at least 15 ingredients in one parfait. And you’ll want to cheat on Atkins for the homemade breads, apple crisp, and orange zest French toast.

Make it a weekend: Sign up for calming in-suite spa treatments, like a mild massage or gentle body scrub. In warm weather, lounge by the junior-Olympic-size pool.

Details: Rooms from $250 to $525. 5281 Old York Road, Route 202/263, Holicong, 215-794-5104; barleysheaf.com. —J.B.

The Inn at Bowman’s Hill

The vibe: From the moment the iron gates scroll open and you descend the drive toward the stone manor, you’re struck by the discreet hush and European feel, even if you’re not that far from nearby McMansions. Innkeepers Mike and Lynne Amery live in the main house, but have spent $2 million erecting two private buildings housing six well-appointed rooms — with views of the pool, grounds or courtyard fountain. And service is their strongest suit.

Bed: We opted for the modern and masculine Manor suite, with leather recliners, giant flat-screen TV (and DVD collection), and marble bath with whirlpool tub and 12-headed Swedish shower. The two-story, two-bedroom Tower Suite is ideal for two couples traveling together.

Breakfast: Served on real china in the cozy breakfast room, at poolside, or in your room, it’s a highlight. Order the genuine English breakfast.

Make it a weekend: Hop-skip into downtown New Hope, or use your guest pass to the new and wildly upscale Solebury Club, a fully appointed health club. Grab dinner at hip mainstay Tastebuds, on Ferry Street; as the inn’s guest, you’ll be treated to dessert.

Details: Rooms $295 to $395; suites $435 to $535. 518 Lurgan Road, New Hope, 215-862-8090; theinnatbowmanshill.com. —K.F.