'Unpretentious, charming and friendly', this Queen Anne dower house is run as an informal restaurant-with-rooms by Barbara Garnsworthy and Edward Bourke. His family has owned the estate, which includes the village of Cranbourne Chase, for over 150 years. She says: 'They are hands-on proprietors of several businesses, including the hotel and the village shop, which employ local people as much as possible.' The building, enlarged and remodelled in Victorian days, has a porticoed doorway, galleried hall, carved staircase, plasterwork ceilings, Jacobean fireplace, 'much dark wood'. 'Slightly faded gentility; haphazard decor.' 'Both lounges have deep armchairs and sofas, plenty of reading matter.' In the 'softly elegant', yellow-walled dining room, Mrs Garnsworthy and Richard Morris serve 'excellent' dinners, from a daily-changing menu: 'Halibut, king prawn, and potted crab were notable starters; medallions of venison, whole plaice, and duck breast were significant main courses. The puddings enchanted us.' 'Like being in one's own home. The comfort and charm of the place is delightfully understated.' 'Our room, with four-poster bed, was very comfortable.' There is free Wi-Fi throughout, and bedrooms have a digital TV/DVD-player. Breakfast is cooked to order: 'Faultless scrambled eggs.' 'Staff universally helpful (but don't expect hotel service).' (BR, and others)