‘A wonderful place,’ writes a trusted reader, of Julie Leivers and Damien Pease’s long-established hotel on the Devon/Cornwall border. ‘Superb location, spectacular views,’ add Guide regulars in 2018. Four bedrooms are in the main building – a Victorian mine captain’s house; others are in the original coach house and a purpose-built annexe. Ranging from traditional to contemporary, and from quite cosy to deluxe, all come with a minibar and fresh milk; most have a balcony, full-height window and glass door, with views over the lovely garden and the Tamar valley. ‘We had a very comfy room in the annexe, although with a tiny balcony.’ A dramatic outlook, too, from the dining room, where chef Ashley Wright’s locally sourced seasonal fare includes such ‘beautifully prepared and presented’ dishes as local lamb, morels, wild garlic, spring onion, heritage carrots. A dessert of lemon posset with strawberries hit the spot. However, other guests were ‘rather underwhelmed. The food looked beautiful but was much too fussy: mackerel and crab cancel each other out.’ A ‘great breakfast’ included a ‘big bowl of orange and grapefruit segments’. The staff serve with grace and charm. ‘We look forward to returning.’ (PA, and others)