Alistair Sawday’s Special Places to Stay

In the bar a wood-burning stove is merry and the seats are comfy; red walls large modern paintings and old prints create a mood that is cosy and warm.In the peaceful bedrooms expect muted colours white linen original fireplaces and delightful views. Food is English and locally supplied: Wiltshire ham with sweet mustard, west country fish soup, griddled organic salmon salad with anchovy mayonnaise. The village is charming and you can pretend that this fine example of a landscape garden with its lake and follies is yours when the hoards have gone home.

Bath Evening Chronicle

The local produce is excellent, the cooking exceptional and the prices make it worth seeking out –as if the gardens at Stourhead aren’t enough of a drawer.

The Good Hotel Guide

Its situation is delightful, the nearby church and cottages add to the charm. Very much a country inn it offers a warm welcome from helpful young staff. A bonus of staying here is that you have access to the gardens when they are closed to the public. The cheery large dining room has chandeliers ornate mirrors and Victorian paintings. The chef serves wholly English traditional dishes using local produce, much of it from the estate. Smoked salmon, trout and eel starter of quality, excellent salmon fish cakes, nicely presented warm chicken liver salad, grilled steak and mushrooms, both full of flavor. Desserts include treacle tart, bread and butter pudding and ice creams. The bar with simple wooden tables and chairs has a blackboard menu and serves local beers.