Pen-y-Dyffryn

‘A hidden gem on the Welsh border’, the Hunter family’s ‘highly dog-friendly’ hotel, in a Georgian former rectory, basks in praise from our readers. ‘This idyllic haven is better than ever,’ wrote one returnee. ‘The cream tea on arrival was lovely, with warm scones, plenty of clotted cream and homemade jam,’ said 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. Some have a spa bath. ‘Our room on the first floor had a state-of-the-art power shower.’ 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 venison with blueberry and cassis jus. ‘The cheese soufflé was really good, plaice fillet beautifully prepared; venison tender and tasty.’ A newsletter with breakfast lends a charming personal touch. ‘Tom and his team deserve every accolade for making our stay memorable.’ (Sara Price, Gordon Evans, Robert Gower)