Milebrook House

In 'very special' gardens facing the Shropshire hills and running down to the River Teme, this 18th-century house was once the home of Wilfred Thesiger and visited by Emperor Haile Selassie. It is run as a small hotel/restaurant by owners Beryl and Rodney Marsden and their family, 'lovely people in a lovely house'. 'It soothes and reassures,' said a recent visitor. 'Real log fires smoulder in lounge and bar; pleasant young staff serve the food and service the rooms.' But some guests find the noise from the nearby road a drawback. 'Beautiful art hangs on the walls', there are plenty of books in the lounge, and the bedrooms are 'homely' and comfortable. In the garden-facing restaurant, the owners' grandson, Chris Marsden, is the 'extremely competent' chef, serving a 'simply delicious' three-course table d'hôte menu (main courses like pan-roasted loin of venison, horseradish and white truffle mashed potato). Many vegetables are home grown. 'An excellent wine list: especially by the glass.' Otters and kingfishers are to be found in and by the river, and walkers are spoilt for choice in the surrounding Welsh Marches. A non-refundable deposit of £85 per room is required. (AK, and others)