Dunkery Beacon Country House

Built at the dawn of the Edwardian era as a men-only hunting lodge, and with views to the beacon after which it was named, this smart but unstuffy hotel is an ideal base from which to explore Exmoor. It is ‘a consistent beacon of excellence’, writes a reader whose walking group stays annually. ‘We had a super room with a four-poster and a big bathroom,’ relates a trusted Guide regular. Styling is a pleasing blend of traditional and contemporary. Some suites have a separate sitting room. Thoughtful extras include fresh milk, a coffee machine or cafetière, Keiji toiletries. Hosts John and Jane Bradley garner high praise, he as chef, she the wine expert and a warm presence front-of-house. Menus are devised around local and home-grown produce. ‘The cooking is top-notch. I had sea trout in a mussel and saffron sauce – so good I had it twice!’ And for dessert? ‘I mentioned that I didn’t really eat pudding, apart from summer pudding, so they made one specially for me.’ Great breakfasts, a star-spangled dark sky (the hotel has a Newtonian telescope), and deer safaris are among the many attractions. (Andrew and Hannah Butterworth, Peter Anderson)