Lewtrenchard Manor

Admirers of Sue and James Murray’s ‘characterful’, ‘beautiful old manor’ continue to sing its praises. ‘It is uniformly excellent, with high standards of hotel-keeping, comfort and service,’ says a guest this year. ‘Welcoming and hospitable’, the Murrays ‘create a very friendly atmosphere’; ‘they are always on hand to give advice and answer any questions’. Once home to the Duke of Albemarle, ‘the hotel is full of history, including lots of antiques, portraits and books’. Individually decorated bedrooms (an oversized sleigh bed in one, a roll-top bath in another; glossy magazines throughout) overlook parkland and hillside, woodland or gardens. At aperitif o’clock, nibble on canapés by the log fire in the bar – ‘the owner served our drinks himself, chatting amicably’ – before sitting down to an ‘impeccable’ dinner. Chef Matthew Peryer wins acclaim for his modern dishes, perhaps citrus-roasted pollack, home-grown parsley root, steamed mussels and clams. Fruit compotes, yogurt, freshly squeezed juice and ‘copious’ amounts of smoked salmon are served at table at breakfast; ‘a great basket of various breads and freshly baked pastries just for the two of us’. (Richard Batson). This hotel is a member of Pride of Britain hotels.