It's worth the expense to stay and eat in this 'lovely and historic house with delightful staff', conclude readers. Relaxed and easygoing, the Victorian Scottish baronial hotel on a 28-acre estate has plenty of comfy seating around log fires in bar and lounges. Bedrooms are individually styled, with contemporary comforts that respect the building's history. They range from very good classic rooms to the Selkirk Suite, which has a spa bath and walk-in jet shower; all are supplied with Scottish-made toiletries. 'Our room was very sizeable with two armchairs, and so was the bathroom.' In the restaurant, under a painted ceiling depicting a heavenly classical scene, either a seven or nine-course tasting menu is served. It changes daily to reflect the best seasonal and local produce. Highlights for one reader included pea risotto with crème fraîche and aged parmesan; a quails egg Scotch egg and avocado; Orkney scallop with langoustine, samphire and fennel. In the grounds you find a walled kitchen garden, dovecote and sundial, modern sculpture, games, a nature trail and woodland that is home to a badger colony. (Frances Thomas, and others)