Buckland Tout-Saints Hotel

Goveton Kingsbridge Devon, TQ7 2DS

Surrounded by woodland and its own immaculate gardens, this 16th-century manor house is a real find, hidden as it is in the pretty South Hams region of Devon. It’s a country retreat in the proper sense: in the mornings, explore the local area before taking afternoon tea on the terrace at the front of this noble house. It has more than a sense of the old-school in the 16 rooms – ‘classical elegance’ they call it, and, in fairness, they’re right. The master suites with views of the gardens, separate dining areas, four-posters and plenty of dark wood are reasonably priced at £280 including breakfast. But the comfortable classic rooms are well priced at £135. Food here is typical country house fare – quality cuts of meat and wonderful fish as you’d expect from the area – but the beauty of Buckland Tout-Saints is the peace and quiet. It’s impossible not to unwind.