A trug of sparkling wine, organic home-made fudge, fresh fruit and flowers awaits guests at the ‘lovely’ Maureen Rowlatt’s rather special B&B by a stream, in a private valley on the edge of Dartmoor. It is ideal for those who want to come and go independently. Apart from one cottage room, the accommodation is in garden bedsits, each with open fire or log-burner and secluded terrace, a microwave with grill, plates and crockery. One of these, Laughing Waters, is done out in New England style, with patchwork quilt, maple furnishings, its own garden and woodland. It has decking with hardwood furniture and a patio heater, cooking area with gas barbecue, veranda. The heated outdoor swimming pool is available for morning dips. Picnic platters of sandwiches, pastries, desserts and cheeses can be ordered in advance. Breakfast is served in the main house, from a menu that includes a compote of prunes and apricots, home-made muesli, Greek yogurt, kedgeree (a rare treat), scrambled eggs with mushrooms, the full English with Devon pork sausages, and a vegetarian grill. Where to dine out in the evening? Ask Maureen or see the Guide map.