The Horn of Plenty

Guests exult over the ‘spectacular’ views from this ‘comfortable’ 19th-century manor house in a ‘wonderful’ location overlooking the wooded Tamar valley. The hotel is owned by Julie Leivers and Damien Pease, who encourage a ‘friendly’ atmosphere, with ‘excellent staff who are always keen to help’. Take your pick of ‘well-equipped’ bedrooms in the main house (high-ceilinged, with original features) and in a converted coach house (‘spacious’, contemporary) a minute’s walk away. ‘It’s worth paying extra for a room with a balcony overlooking the valley.’ In the conservatory dining room, chef Ashley Wright’s ‘exquisite’ modern dishes accompany the stunning views. Consider Vulscombe goat’s cheese, beetroot, elderflower, gingerbread; John Dory, lobster, heritage carrot. ‘The food is excellent, but very nouvelle, with small, pretty portions. More vegetables, please!’ Come breakfast time, find a buffet with cereals, yogurts, dried fruit and pastries; complimentary glasses of prosecco are a nice touch. ‘I asked for more fruit in the morning, and they delivered brilliantly.’ The Tamar valley trails are reached through the hotel’s gardens and orchard. (Peter Anderson)