The Old Rectory Hotel

In an isolated hamlet on the edge of Exmoor national park, where hog-backed cliffs tower above the Bristol Channel, this hotel in a 16th-century-cum-Georgian rectory ‘goes from strength to strength’. ‘The hotel interiors are very tasteful’, while the ‘dining experience is special’. Bedrooms, in the main house and coach house, mix contemporary and period style. Dual-aspect Watersmeet Suite has an open-plan seating area, a freestanding bath and walk-in power shower. A new, two-bedroom duplex suite in the former coachman’s house has a sitting room with log-burner, luxury bathroom and shower room. All have luxury toiletries and spring water on tap. ‘The orangery is a delightful spot to sit and relax in view of the pleasant garden.’ Hosts Huw Rees and Sam Prosser invite guests to join them for aperitifs and canapés as they order from a nightly changing menu of locally sourced dishes such as breast of Creedy Carver duck with a blackberry reduction or cauliflower, cashew, coconut and spinach curry. ‘We enjoy the luxury and very personal attention so much that this is our fourth visit and we are booked for next year.’ (Mary Coles)