‘It’s like being a guest at a country house in an extraordinarily beautiful location,’ say Guide readers this year: Pierre Dupont’s 18th-century dwelling stands on a bay overlooking the Sound of Vaila. In this ‘informal, laid-back’ place, ‘Pierre is a charming, unobtrusive host’. Take shelter from the Shetland chill in one of the individually styled bedrooms. ‘Our splendid, spacious Laird’s Room had stunning views on two sides. The bathroom plumbing sounded eccentric, but worked perfectly well.’ There’s neither turn-down nor fancy toiletries, but downstairs find a drinks cabinet, a ‘remarkably well-stocked library’ and ‘a cosy lounge’ with ‘an enormous wood-burning stove’ and ‘a well-worn feel’. ‘A call at the kitchen door produces coffee on demand.’ In the evening, the host cooks ‘straightforward, uncomplicated fare’. ‘The fish, naturally, was particularly good.’ ‘The most memorable features of our dinners were the conversations that arose between the tables in the intimate dining room.’ Make breakfast memorable, too, with ‘irresistible kippers – the best I’ve ever tasted.’ (Andrew and Hannah Butterworth, DB)