'A well-run guest house rather than a posh hotel. The welcome is warm, and great consideration is given to guests.' Praise in 2009 from regular correspondents for Toby and Leona Rutter's listed 17th-century dower house. Some critics find the decor old-fashioned, but fans write of the 'high standards of housekeeping', the service by 'well-trained local women', and the 'remarkable value'. Most of the bedrooms are in single-storey buildings linked by paved paths around a courtyard. Eight have facilities en suite (the others each have a private bathroom). The bigger rooms have large-screen TV and DVD/CD-player. Adjoining rooms are good for a family (children are welcomed, and so are dogs). A wheelchair-dependent visitor praised the facilities (three bedrooms are adapted for disabled guests). All rooms have a fridge with fresh milk and mineral water. The vaulted residents' lounge, with open fire, faces an orchard; drinks are taken here from a 'well-stocked' honesty bar, before dinner at 7.30 pm. 'Good home cooking: choice of starters but a set main course including wild salmon one evening. No repetition over nine days.' Vegans and vegetarians are catered for. Breakfast has a large selection of fruits, yogurt and cereals; kedgeree, haddock and kippers, full English. The house is set back from the road near Flodden Field: 'a lovely setting': good views of the Cheviot hills. (Dr JMR Irving, Tony Betts, and others)