Pen-y-Dyffryn

We never want for glowing reports of this dog-friendly former Georgian rectory, ‘set in a secluded and beautiful valley’, with views to the Welsh hills. From tea and cakes on arrival to a morning newsletter, Miles and Audrey Hunter, with son Tommy and daughter Charlotte, care so well for their guests (sibling Henry has The Castle, Bishop’s Castle – hospitality is in their DNA). Rooms range from cosy to suites, in main house, coach house and stables, some with a terrace, a double spa bath. The style is eclectic, nothing shouts ‘designer’, but so what? ‘Our room was smallish but had everything we needed, and a stunning view across the valley,’ a reader writes. A nightly-changing menu caters to all, with dishes such as saddle of Welsh lamb with braised salt marsh lamb shoulder, ratatouille and couscous, sea bass with herb gnocchi, and good veggie options. ‘The food is absolutely superb,’ our reader continues, only wishing there had been more wines by the glass. Breakfast is similarly varied, with smoked haddock, field mushrooms on granary toast, the full English. (R Freeman, SH, JB, and others)