Rich in antiques, fine wood panelling and painted ceilings, this sumptuous, well-refurbished country house hotel, in an historic Victorian manor house, lies on the edge of Snowdonia national park. Sustainably run, the hotel is powered by one of the country’s oldest running hydro-electric plants; it bottles its own spring water, and has the pick of local suppliers for Gareth Stevenson’s seasonal fine-dining menus in the formal restaurant. Spacious bedrooms have original features, with added modern luxuries (a complimentary decanter of sherry, a television disguised as a gilt-framed mirror). Two suites are in a turret; another room has rich chinoiserie decor with oriental furnishings. Board games are in the library; lawn games, animals for petting, outside. Travelling dogs are properly pampered.