A dramatic setting for weddings, family gatherings or a special celebration, the moorland views are just part of the allure of this isolated Georgian mansion, where former visitors are said to have included Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Was he inspired here to write The Hound of the Baskervilles? Possibly. No need to venture far, though. In 7 hectares of private gardens and grounds, the whole house is for hire on a self-catering basis and offers a pack of comforts. There’s a fully equipped farmhouse-style kitchen, leading out to a BBQ area with seating, a large dining room, relaxing lounge with log fire, a lobby and a games room with a pool table, darts, table tennis and football. The hot tub and infrared sauna make relaxing diversions. Twenty people can be accommodated in nine simply decorated bedrooms (extra beds can be arranged). One has a super-king four-poster, another a sleigh bed and ‘lovely view across the moor’.

Overlooking the Blackdown Hills, a welcoming, dog-friendly country pub in an 18th century coaching Inn. It is surrounded by rolling fields and the Neroche Staple Fitzpaine Herepath  (a 13.5 mile off-road trail) is close by.  Bedrooms are neat and comfortable, and supplied with tea, coffee, bottled water; Chard is large enough to accommodate a family of four. In the bar, local ciders and wines accompany home-made food, such as calves liver with crispy bacon, creamy mash and gravy or Dover sole Benoit with Fowey mussels and a white wine crème fraîche sauce, and a choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes, all based on locally sourced ingredients.

Nestling in over seven acres, there are glorious views of the garden from every room of this lovingly refurbished 18th-century house. Accommodation is in three spacious rooms (one with a separate bathroom), and B&B guests may sit in front of a warm hearth in the cosy sitting room/library or drawing room. The host is helpful with local knowledge. A short walk away, a lively pub serves tasty food.