'Everything is delivered with effortless panache' at this small hotel, a cream-painted former rectory (Grade II listed) on the sunny side of the River Erme valley. The welcome from the 'enthusiastic' owners, Richard and Magdalena Hendey, 'is warm; they deserve continuing success', says a visitor in 2009. They have renovated much of the house; the hall, stairs and landings have been renewed; all but two bedrooms ('which we offer to budget-conscious guests') have been updated. 'The decor is light and modern: Matisse prints on pale pastel walls, beautiful fresh flowers, striking chandeliers and artefacts,' wrote inspectors. 'Our spacious bedroom overlooked the walled garden. Furnished with flair, it had TV, plants, fresh fruit, chocolates, a well-appointed, if slightly dark, bathroom. The lounge is pleasing, and has a well-stocked bar.' Mr Hendey, 'a talented chef', serves a fixed-price five-course dinner menu: 'Delicious scallops; well-flavoured venison stew; desserts as good as the rest. Service was attentive and effective.' Midweek visitors can choose from a carte: 'He provided a simple two-course meal, perfectly cooked and presented.' Breakfast has a buffet with squeezed juices, 'excellent fruit salad; delicious smoked haddock; well-judged scrambled eggs with smoked salmon'. (Alan W Moulds, and others)