Knockinaam Lodge

Where the road ends and the Irish Sea begins, this former Victorian hunting lodge with a private cove is secluded, unapologetically traditional and rich in comforts and good food. ‘The cuisine has gone from very good to excellent,’ reports a reader on a repeat stay, impressed that even the petit fours were different on the daily-changing menu. ‘Not stuffy, no piles of co-ordinating cushions, just very well run,’ writes another repeat visitor. There are soft carpets, thick floral curtains, a wood-panelled bar and fires in the two lounges. Bedrooms are elegant with pretty patterned wallpapers and fabrics, antiques and good space for armchairs. Some have a window seat, one a tester bed, another views from the bathtub; all have a bath as well as shower. ‘The views across the sea to Northern Ireland are wonderful.’ Menus highlight seafood and local farm produce and might include breast of duck with black pudding and armagnac prunes. Most of the fruit and vegetables are home-grown. Expect sustaining breakfasts with Galloway kippers, kidneys and bacon on the menu. In summer, guests can dine outdoors. ‘An excellent place to get away.’ (Peter Foster, Sir William and Lady Reid, CT)