In walkers’ country, within the Snowdonia national park, this handsome Victorian rectory stands in a market town at the foot of Cadair Idris. Up a ‘testing, narrow lane’, the contemporary guest house has books to borrow, and a piano in the lounge; the honesty bar stocks local beers and snacks. Former managers Angela and Bernhard Lanz, an ‘impressive couple’, took over ownership in 2017. ‘The Lanzes are all-rounders: they manned the office, showed us to our room, cooked and served the food. And they couldn’t have been friendlier or more obliging.’ ‘Imaginatively decorated’ bedrooms, including two huge top-floor suites, have views over town and valley, or landscaped gardens. ‘Entering our Eastern-themed room was like walking on to a stage set for “The Mikado”. There was a comfortable super-king-size bed, excellent lighting, and easy chairs that were a joy to loll in. We slept well, in silence.’ Five nights a week, sample the daily-changing menu of ‘excellent’ modern Welsh dishes. ‘We had a crisp salad with pink duck breast and orange vinaigrette; an artistic leek and spinach roulade with Perl Las and tomato sauce. Outstanding.’ (Sarah and Tony Thomas)