Steeped in stories of baronets and scandalous affairs, Susannah and Stuart Macpherson’s ‘beautiful Georgian house’ is today a ‘simply lovely hotel’ standing in extensive gardens ‘magnificent with mature trees’. (‘A special “fairy trail” through the rhododendrons is worth a visit whatever your age.’) ‘There’s a real feeling of warmth and invitation. They even made a tremendous fuss of our cockerpoo,’ say Guide inspectors in 2017. Investigate the public rooms hung with hunting scenes and ‘interesting paintings’ before settling into one of the traditionally decorated bedrooms. ‘Our fine, restful room looked towards a backdrop of hills. There were crisp sheets on the large bed; the small bathroom (a little old-fashioned) was stocked with fluffy towels and good-quality bath products. Among the local information were Stuart’s fascinating accounts of the ups and downs of hotel-keeping.’ Chef Garry Kenley’s ‘imaginative, well-cooked’ dinners are served in the chandelier-lit dining room. ‘We enjoyed venison and well-seasoned chicken.’ In the morning, the ‘colourfully described’ breakfast menu is a pleasing start to the day. ‘Promptly served, our Gardener’s Breakfast was excellent.’