The Henley

‘What a wonderful hotel – more like a lovely home,’ writes a visitor this year to this Edwardian holiday cottage with ‘sea views to die for’. More praise: ‘We were mightily impressed, our expectations exceeded.’ Owners Martyn Scarterfield and his wife, Petra Lampe, serve up ‘hospitality and fab food’ in a ‘truly delightful’ situation overlooking the Avon estuary; their black Labrador, Caspar, is ‘well beloved’ by guests. Potted palms and Lloyd Loom chairs fill the public rooms; there are paintings, books and magazines, a wood-burning stove. Traditionally and amply furnished, bedrooms are equipped with binoculars to take in the ‘inspiring’ view. Guests gather at 7 pm for Martyn Scarterfield’s three-course dinner, served in the conservatory. A typical dish: pan-fried John Dory, lemongrass-marinated prawns. ‘Though limited in choice, dinner was splendid, and beautifully cooked.’ (Vegetarians are well catered for, by prior arrangement.) Breakfast is ‘super’. The sandy beach is approached by a private cliff path at the bottom of the terraced garden. Board the sea tractor to cross the causeway to Burgh Island. (Irene Kearney, Chris Savory, SR)