‘Our third visit. Most of the other guests were also returners. It isn’t surprising.’ Readers are drawn back time and again to this stone rectory in ‘immaculate gardens’ overlooking the Welsh hills. It is run as a hotel by owners Miles and Audrey Hunter with son Tommy and daughter Charlotte (sibling Henry has The Castle, Bishop’s Castle, see entry). Bedrooms occupy the main house and coach house; some with warm, earthy hues, others with bright hits of colour. Four have a private patio where complimentary tea and cakes may be delivered by room service. Several rooms have a spa bath, a power shower. ‘Everything is spotless, with good toiletries.’ A ‘wonderfully comprehensive information pack’ includes walking routes, fishing on-site. Lounges have ‘log fires, newspapers, big armchairs, bowls of fruit’. A late arriver, requesting supper, enjoyed ‘a delicious, copious cold platter and home-made rolls’. David Braddick and Lewis Barton’s 
three-course menus include vegetarian options and such dishes as Welsh Celtic Pride sirloin, short rib bonbon, celeriac purée, carrots, fondant potato, red wine jus. A morning newsletter accompanies an ‘appetising’ breakfast. (B and JH, and many others)