Horn of Plenty

Description:

• As you drive from Tavistock to Callington, a small sign points north along a leafy drive to a solid Regency house built by the duke of Bedford in the early 1800s as a private home on 2 hectares (5 acres) of grounds. Today's owners operate what the French call a restaurant avec chambres; after a day of touring the country, hotel guests enjoy well-prepared dinners at the award-winning restaurant. High-caliber starters range from pan-fried scallops with king prawn and an apple-and-coriander-laced pasta, or else roast pigeon wrapped in potato and served on a foie gras salad with a port-and-red-wine dressing. For tempting mains, opt for the pan-fried sea bass on a bed of new potatoes; it's served with a saffron-laced white-wine sauce. After dining, ascend to 1 of the 10 spacious, warm, and elegant bedrooms that have been installed over the old stables of the house. With a full English breakfast included, doubles range from £160 to £250 ($320-$500).

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010