A walker's paradise on the Welsh border, the Hunter family's very dog-friendly hotel, in a Georgian former rectory with a 'beautiful garden and views', is much beloved by readers. 'A favourite haunt,' writes one. 'Peaceful rural pampering, simply outstanding cooking.' 'The cream tea on arrival was lovely, with warm scones, plenty of clotted cream and homemade jam,' says another. Several of the comfortable bedrooms, in the rectory and coach house, and the Valley Room and Suite at the top of the flower-filled garden, have a patio from which to enjoy breathtaking views. 'Extremely comfortable' garden rooms have 'top-of-the-range shower and spa bath fittings plus super king-size beds'. In 2018, after 30 years at the helm, Miles and Audrey Hunter handed over the day-to-day running to two of their children, Tommy and Charlotte, whose sibling Henry runs the lauded Castle Hotel (see entry, Bishop's Castle). A wide-ranging, nightly changing menu includes dishes such as trio of pork – fillet, belly and ham hock croquette. A newsletter with breakfast lends a charming personal touch. The hotel has a 'slightly old-fashioned feel but it is none the worse for that'. (Robert Gower, Rob and Shirley Lyne, Ingle Dawson)