‘Set in a period property, this hotel pampers its clients like friends, and captures an age of country house hospitality,’ write readers this year, of Barbara Garnsworthy’s former dower house in a feudal village. The hybrid building began life as a 17th-century farmhouse, growing over the years to acquire 19th-century drawing rooms, Regency plasterwork and a Jacobean fireplace. ‘If you’re looking for a trendy boutique hotel, this is not for you!’ The ambience is that of a family home. There are antiques and oil paintings in abundance, ‘a comprehensive library’. Bedrooms are spacious, handsomely furnished, perhaps with four-poster, cheval glass, Victorian wardrobe. The daily-changing menu includes such dishes as smoked cod, sorrel, white wine and cream; pork medallions, glazed shallots and port. ‘You wait with bated breath as the menu rolls off the press at about 7 pm. The quality of the food is outstanding and superb value for money.’ At breakfast, ‘you start with freshly squeezed orange juice, then enjoy whatever you would like cooked for you’. A good base for golf and country sports, while walks start at the door. (Bob and Jean Henry)