Pendragon Country House

While we await the return of the once and future king, King Arthur is very much a presence at Sharon and Nigel Reed’s Victorian former rectory, which they run as a hugely popular B&B. A suit of armour stands sentinel in the hall. There is a sense of space and largesse throughout. Every year, readers sing their praises. ‘Nigel and Sharon provide five-star customer service, wonderful breakfasts and evening meals.’ Rooms are ‘luxurious and comfortable’, with ‘added touches such as home-made biscuits’. Dual-aspect Lamorak has a four-poster (king-size, naturally), views to Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor, while Kay has a single four-poster for a one-knight stay. Ground-floor, dog-friendly Pelleas has a wet room. Guests gather convivially for drinks before a dinner of local produce in the orangery or dining room. ‘When 14 people are served a three-course meal and every plate is returned to the kitchen without a scrap left on it, that tells you all you need to know!’ At breakfast there’s fresh-baked bread, a full Cornish, locally smoked kipper, free-range eggs, Pendragon rarebit with Davidstow Cheddar. (Jane Knapp, Sally Crowley, Sandra Hart)