With the feel of a private country retreat, but with fabulous, leisurely breakfasts thrown in, this light-flooded Georgian manor house is between Northumberland's beaches and hills. 'Truly amazing from start to finish,' concluded one reader. Owners Mhairi and Ed Seymour 'go out of their way to make guests feel at home'. Three spacious bedrooms are elegant and pretty, and boast 'super comfortable' beds, armchairs and well-chosen antiques. Spoiling touches include a coffee machine, and the large bathrooms have bathrobes and 'capacious' cast iron baths; two have a separate shower. Two sitting rooms, with books, wood-burner and sofas, overlook gardens through floor-to-ceiling windows, while the front garden is a suntrap for evening drinks. 'We took all three rooms so could take a dog and have dinner,' writes a reader. The owners are 'a mine of information about places to visit' and where to eat; Chillingham Castle is on the doorstep and the village pub is a mile away. 'Breakfasts are a real treat, delicious and served with warm hospitality' at a communal table. A long list of options includes eggs Benedict, pancakes, avocado on sourdough, as well as a full grill. (LE, PG)