Tucked away in the seclusion of its own valley, Lewtrenchard Manor is a peaceful retreat in the wilds of Dartmoor. The original manor house has a mention in the Doomsday Book, and today's building is beautiful and ivy-clad, set amongst lovely rolling gardens and parkland.

The facilities

The restaurant is the main draw here, awarded 3 AA rosettes it serves impeccable Modern British cuisine. The breakfasts are particularly good, cooked-to-order with plenty of fresh, local produce. The grounds are a facility in themselves, extensive and serene they feature steams, ponds, fountains and a profusion of shrubs, as well as the restored walled vegetable garden that supplies the kitchens.

The rooms

Each of Lewtrenchard Manor's 14 guestrooms is traditional and refined, in keeping with its communal areas. Individually decorated, they are appointed with burnished oak panelling, ornamental plasterwork, precious antiques and plush fabrics. One even contains the original bed of Henrietta Maria, wife of the hapless Charles I.