In peaceful countryside near Tavistock, this wisteria-covered stone Georgian house has wide views over the Tamar valley. It is run as a restaurant-with-rooms by the chef, Peter Gorton, who owns it with Paul Roston. 'The food is good,' says a visitor this year. 'Peter Gorton's friendliness must rub off on the staff; they are superb.' In the L-shaped, glass-fronted dining room, with its contemporary decor, he serves international dishes, eg, scallops and king prawns in prosciutto with an oriental dressing; roast duck breast, rösti, Madeira sauce. On Monday evening there is a shorter, reduced-price menu. There are fresh flowers, and a log fire in the drawing room. The most expensive bedrooms are in the main house. Others, each with a balcony (where breakfast can be served) and a small bathroom, are in a converted coach house. 'Ours was large, well set out, good bed, fluffy towels always heated in the bathroom. A beautiful outlook on to a walled garden.' Breakfast is 'a lovely start to the day; fresh fruit, excellent scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, fishcakes'. Cookery courses and weddings are held. (John Ford)