Amid rolling hills in an 'exquisite setting', where Shropshire nudges Herefordshire, Pippa and Willem Vlok's restaurant with rooms is a picturesque set piece of medieval and Georgian farm buildings. It lies on the historic Downton Estate (not that Downton!), and caters to shooting parties, but you are as welcome to take tea outdoors and just shoot the breeze. 'The attention to detail is faultless yet there is nothing pretentious about this place.' Bedrooms occupy former stables and barns, some with lofty, beamed ceilings, malt shoots or hidey-holes, perhaps an oak four-poster. Enjoy a bottle of wine from the 'considered, wide-ranging wine list' in the 'flower-filled courtyard which has a very French feel'. Or take a drink by the log-burner in a sitting room fashioned from a milking parlour. In a baronial-style dining room, Nick Bennett creates meals that are 'a taste explosion of perfection' that might feature halibut with piquillo pepper, courgette, basil and olive. Guests need to book 24 hours in advance so he can stock up on fresh produce and cater for dietary requirements. In the morning, 'waffles, bacon and maple syrup is a winner'. 'Completely outstanding.' (ID, and others)