‘Intimate and eccentric’, this one-time cottage hospital on a ‘testing’ country lane has been converted into a ‘stylish’ rural guest house at the foot of Cadair Idris. ‘Angela and Bernhard Lanz are all-rounders who run the show with aplomb.’ An ideal place for walkers, it offers numerous spots to unwind after a day’s tramp in surrounding Snowdonia national park: an outdoor hot tub; comfy sofas in the book-strewn lounge with its piano and honesty bar (local beers, snacks). Bedrooms are ‘imaginatively themed’ (one all pink, another like the set of ‘The Mikado’), with views across the valley or landscaped gardens; one spacious bathroom has a spectacular stand-alone bath and separate shower. ‘Our bedroom was a joy to loll about in; the comfy bed, pillow menu and utter silence all but guaranteed a good night.’ Come dinnertime, Bernhard Lanz’s contemporary Welsh food ‘modernly presented’ is served in a ‘handsome’ dining room. ‘The daily-changing menu (five nights a week) is outstanding – and so is the service.’ A typical meal: pan-seared sea bass; honey-glazed banana, chocolate ice cream. Breakfast is ‘just as good’. (S and TT)