Skirling House

Review

'Delightful building, interesting artefacts, comfortable room and charming owners.' Returning visitors in 2009 again praise this fine Arts and Crafts house (Wolsey Lodge) on the green of a tiny village amid lovely Borders countryside. The owners, Bob and Isobel Hunter, give 'a warm welcome': 'tea and home-made cakes on the sunny patio with three friendly dogs'. Built in 1908 as the summer retreat of the art collector Sir Gibson Carmichael, Skirling House contains a 'stunning collection' of works of art, books, fresh flowers. The drawing room has a 16th-century carved Florentine ceiling, full-height windows, a log fire and a baby grand piano. 'Our spacious bedroom was supplied with everything we might need.' 'Bathroom the best ever, clean and beautifully equipped.' Mr Hunter cooks a 'superb' four-course no-choice menu (preferences discussed) with 'flavour-driven' dishes, perhaps rare breed pork and prune filo pies. 'Don't miss the poached pear with tarragon cream or the guanaja chocolate soufflé.' 'Good wine list' with suggested pairings and unusual bin ends. 'Breakfasts as good as you get' (fresh orange juice, French toast with caramelised apples and black pudding, home-made jams and marmalades). Children are welcomed. (Janet and Dennis Allom, Mary Hewson, and others)

This hotel accepts discount vouchers which entitle readers to a 25% discount off their normal B&B rate. Each printed copy of the Guide contains six vouchers worth in total about £150. BUY THE GUIDE