Leafy trails through the New Forest lead to a gingerbread Arts and Crafts house, home to ‘perfect hosts’ Ciaran and Cheryl Maher’s B&B. Home-made cupcakes appear on guests’ arrival, perhaps with a pick-me-up from the well-stocked honesty bar. ‘Spacious, beautifully decorated’ bedrooms are scattered across the main house and a prettily converted garden cottage; each has a wide bed, plantation shutters and a well-appointed bathroom or wet room; a Nespresso machine; hand-made chocolates; high-quality toiletries. Some cottage suites have their own patio with garden access; the shepherd’s hut has a wood burner. Breakfast orders, placed in the flowerpot outside the room at night, are transformed into ‘fantastic’ Aga-fresh fare.