‘Simply outstanding, bordering on the spectacular,’ writes a regular visitor to this Victorian former rectory with views of Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor. ‘We’ve discovered a real gem here!’ writes a newcomer. The owners, Nigel and Sharon Reed, are ‘perfect hosts, full of helpful advice regarding local attractions’, among them Tintagel Castle, legendary birthplace of King Arthur, son of Uther Pendragon. An Arthurian theme continues in the bedrooms. Bedivere and Lamorak each have a four-poster bed, Tristram a French-style sleigh bed (king-size, of course) and Cornish tin ceiling. At night the host cooks a ‘superb’ dinner, while his wife is in charge of desserts, both making use of ‘fresh, natural, locally sourced ingredients’ to create the likes of slow-roasted, pressed belly of pork with cider reduction jus; rhubarb fool with cinnamon-glazed wafers. Breakfast is ‘a real treat’, with ‘scrumptious’ locally caught kippers, home-made bread and jams, Cornish butter, Davidstow Cheddar, Cornish ham, Pendragon rarebit. You can bring your horse; there are stables next door. Packed lunches can be ordered for days on the hoof. (Chris Davison, William Blair, Ian McGiver)