Coul House

Readers on their third visit to this ‘stunning Georgian building with wonderful grounds’, concluded that everything 'continues to be excellent'. 'The owners are friendly and helpful, the rooms are immaculate, the food excellent.' Hosts Susannah and Stuart Macpherson run a guest-centred place, ‘very traditional, tidy, clean, rather old-fashioned’. Public rooms have antiques, log fires, wall-to-wall patterned carpeting, ornate plaster ceilings. Bedroom decor, from small doubles to a four-poster suite, is contemporary. Superior rooms have a roll-top bath and walk-in rainforest shower. ‘Bathroom good, with under-floor heating, waterproof TV in bath’ – for watching the soaps, maybe. Mountain views are the most sought-after. A warm-water hose awaits your dog’s return from a walk to see the giant sequoia. In the impressive octagonal dining room, guests can dine on traditional favourites such as fillet of prime Scottish beef, or, from the more contemporary dishes, sweet potato baklava. everything possible is made from scratch; the restaurant is popular with local diners. Afterwards, enjoy a whisky nightcap from the bar. (Alan and Edwina Williams)