Deans Place Shortlist*

On the outskirts of a ‘delightful’ village of ancient inns and medieval buildings, this ‘handsome’, ‘extensively modernised’ old farmhouse stands in ‘well-maintained’ ornamental gardens, with ‘many secluded spots in which to read or enjoy some privacy’. Guide inspectors in 2016 praised its ‘high-quality’ dinners and ‘splendid’ outdoor areas (croquet lawn, putting area, swimming pool). Bedrooms are ‘clean and comfortable’ (‘though they’d benefit from some updating’); most have views across the gardens to the hills beyond. Sample small plates and classic pub favourites all day in the bar and on the terrace. In the ‘attractive’ restaurant, a ‘small but well-balanced menu’ of modern British dishes is ‘attentively’ served. At breakfast, ‘I ordered a full English and was rewarded with a plate that would be the envy of most transport cafés, containing an enormous portion of all one would expect.’ An ‘excellent’ option for weddings and conferences. Bar, restaurant. Function rooms. Free Wi-Fi, in-room TV (Freeview). Civil wedding licence. Terrace. 4-acre garden. Outdoor swimming pool (12 by 6 metres, May–Sept). Background music (‘played on a loop, niggled after a while’). Children and dogs (in some bedrooms, £5 a night) welcomed. 36 bedrooms (1 suitable for disabled). Per room B&B from £100, D,B&B from £170. Dinner £38.