Whitehouse Hotel

Chillington, Devon

Peeping over high stone walls, nestled on the edge of the quaint village of Chillington, the Whitehouse is classic rural Devon, but with a trendy edge. Rooms have oversized lamps, botanical-print wallpaper and beds worthy of a penthouse loft. Roaring fires and gorgeous home-made, crumbly scones with oozing clotted cream appear on arrival – proving that the six-bed Georgian hotel isn’t only about designer looks. Pre-dinner, wander down a flagstone path through topiary hedges and a close-clipped lawn, with views over hazy farflung hills and woods. Return to base to chomp on a Med-Brit offering of warming onion soup or sweet queen scallops with fried sage and capers, followed by char-grilled plaice fillet served with watercress salad and potatoes. A zingy pud – such as the lemon tart with passion fruit ice cream – will round off your dinner a treat.

Foodie diversion Take a peek at the fresh fish on the Britannia stall on Beesands beach front.

Come here for brisk coastal walks and stylish comfort.

Details Double from £180, with breakfast; dinner from £22.