In the lea of the cliffs, overlooking a private beach on the rugged Galloway coast, Sian and David Ibbotson’s Victorian hunting lodge offers a great sense of escape. It is easy to imagine Churchill and Eisenhower bunkered here in 1944, just days before the D-Day landings. In the snug panelled bar, stocked with 120 single malts, you can practically catch a whiff of Havana and imagine Winston puffing away. Churchill room has a huge concrete bath, of the type in which he was known to wallow, rehearsing his speeches for the Commons. Other rooms – some double- or triple-aspect – have sea views, perhaps a tester bed. Each is supplied with bathrobes, Scottish toiletries. Morning tea and coffee are delivered to the door. It is all old-fashioned-romantic, and we hear praise, above all, from newly married and honeymoon couples. ‘Cosy log fire, good bed, superb food.’ ‘Tranquil setting, friendliness, attention to detail.’ Chef Tony Pierce’s modern Scottish cooking is a large part of the appeal. From a dinner menu: roast breast of free-range chicken, wild garlic, parsnip purée, charred tenderstem broccoli, Madeira sauce. ‘Recommended without hesitation.’