The White House

‘Walking is the thing’ on this ‘very green’, car-free island: alight from the ferry and let a tractor bring your luggage to this ‘truly lovely’ hotel (‘it’s all part of the enjoyment’). ‘Everything is in good condition,’ say guests this year. ‘The restaurant is large and airy; the gardens and swimming pool at their best; the view from the front lawn over the sea to Guernsey is wonderful. On a rainy day in June, cheerful coal fires burned in the lounge.’ Guests are encouraged to ‘escape the 21st century’: there’s no TV or telephone in the bedrooms (‘good Wi-Fi’, though); instead, most rooms have an ocean view and a balcony. ‘We loved our bedroom, with its large windows and great views.’ It’s ‘a good idea’ to eat in: chef Karl Ginnever’s daily-changing menus, ‘much anticipated after a day in the open air’, include a catch of the day, perhaps fillet of whiting, saffron potatoes, tandoori greens. At breakfast, tables are set with little dishes of home-made marmalade and Guernsey butter: ‘We enjoyed the traditional English and the smoked haddock.’ (Max Lickfold)