This delightfully different, intimate hotel and restaurant, a listed former rectory, nestles on the sunny side of the river Erme valley in the picturesque hamlet of South Hams, a beautiful part of south Devon. It is just a short distance away from picturesque estuaries and beaches, the wilderness of Dartmoor, charming market towns and stunning countryside.

The distinctive food, recognised by the Michelin Guide, is seriously sourced and prepared, and cooked with obvious passion. The repertoire includes char- grilled turbot and seared scallops with crab and champagne sauce and vegetables from the hotel's garden; crisp skinned Devon duckling with roast plums, onion and garlic cream, roast baby beetroot and a Pinot Noir jus, and shortbread of garden gooseberries and a tuile of elderflower sorbet with a vanilla seed pannacotta and crushed hazelnut praline.

The wine list boasts some precious finds from serious though lesser known producers, and the after-dinner drinks collection is openly displayed on the bar. A destination for all seasons, Plantation House makes an ideal base for a chic gourmet treat, that restful escape or a romantic rendezvous.