Hazelwood House

'The sort of hotel the GHG is all about: personally run, giving excellent value, and with very good food.' Inspectors returning to this early Victorian house found 'the welcome as charming as ever' and were 'impressed by the improvements' (spruced-up public rooms and heating in all bedrooms). Accommodation ranges from 'simple to gracious', say the 'wonderfully friendly' owners, Jane Bowman, Gillian Kean and Anabel Farnell-Watson. It stands 'idyllically' above the River Avon in unspoilt woodland, rich in wildlife. Log fires burn in the public rooms, which have brightly coloured walls, antiques and local paintings. 'It felt like a private house.' The larger bedrooms on the first floor have a bathroom en suite; those on the second floor are simpler, and have bathrooms nearby. In the candlelit dining room, the chef, Chris Scantlebury, serves such dishes as pan fried scallops with pea puree and parsnip crisps and local rack of lamb. 'The organic wines were good, too (no headache in the morning). No background music, such bliss.' Weddings, cultural courses, concerts and weekends with entertainments are held. Children are welcomed. A non-refundable deposit of the cost of a night's stay is requested on booking. The sea is six miles away.