Weston Park, the ancestral home of the Earls of Bradford, was built in 1671. Like many owners of Britain's stately piles, the present earl played a crucial role in transforming the 28-bedroom house into a successful, high-tech conference centre.
Chandeliers can be moved to erect large TV monitors if needed. There is a sophisticated sound system and conference rooms for holding round-table or smaller meetings.
The growing demand to discuss business and entertain important clients in Pride and Prejudice-style country houses has propelled Weston Park, set in 1,000 acres of Shropshire parkland and gardens, into the premier league of conference centres.
The British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, has chosen Weston Park before as a venue for highlevel talks. In 1998 he used it as the setting for a "fireside chat" with world leaders attending the G8 summit in Birmingham a few miles away.
The Earl of Bradford and his family live in a farmhouse on the outskirts of the estate. Lord Bradford once chaired the charitable foundation that owns and operates Weston Park, but he now runs several Internet sites.
Weston Park also houses a distinguished art collection, including Constables and Gainsboroughs.
The 19th-century prime minister, Benjamin Disraeli, once stayed there during his friendship with Selena, the 3rd Countess of Bradford.