Located on the edge of Exmoor, it is not too difficult to imagine the world of Lorna Doone at the end of the garden leading away from this beautiful house. Holiday cottages offer a good alternative for accommodation as children below 14 years are not allowed in the main hotel. In the magnificent panelled dining room locally inspired dishes form a major part of the menu, extensively featuring herbs from their own garden. There's also a stylish conservatory where you can dine in comfort, looking out over the courtyard and gardens.

Starters could be a foie gras crème brûlée with cereliac remoulade on melba toast followed by a main course of red ruby Devon beef with horseradish mashed potatoes, wilted spinach and Madeira juice. For dessert, an iced parfait of nougat glace with raspberry compote is delectable while a selection of West Country cheese served with homemade chutneys is deeply satisfying. This is a place of unpretentious delights at every turn and well worthy of a visit.