The little River Teff, crossed by tiny bridges, runs through this 'perfect, unspoilt, English village'. Here, this 'delightful' wisteria-clad mellow stone dower house stands, backed by a 'charming' hillside garden. It is managed with 'courtesy and skill' by Noële Thompson. 'Our favourite small hotel, you feel miles from anywhere,' one returning visitor wrote. 'Beautiful, furnished in excellent taste,' said another. Inspectors were welcomed by the 'competent and experienced' young major-domo, who 'carried cases, brought tea with cakes to the lounge'. Bedrooms have pastel colours, floral prints, bathrobes. 'Ours, looking across the garden pond to the church steeple, was like a spare room in a private home; decent size, with good-sized bed, sofa, small TV, free Wi-Fi; no bossy notes, turn-down during dinner. It was beautifully quiet.' Some rooms may be small. 'The lounge, with sofas and huge fireplace, also has the feel of a country home. Noële Thompson came to take our dinner order and chat.' Chef Nick Wentworth serves 'well-presented and delicious' modern dishes: 'Chicken liver parfait; trout on a risotto with pine nuts and spinach; parfait with berries. Soft piano background music, not intrusive.' Breakfast, served at table, had 'lots of choice; good marmalade and jam; poached egg on smoked haddock'. In the garden are tables, chairs, parasols, a pergola. 'Cows in the opposite field, buzzards overhead; if you can't relax here...' (CRH Shaw and Ann Carner, Joanna Russell, and others)