The Henley

The ‘spectacular views of the rugged coastline’ over Bigbury-on-Sea’s sands towards Burgh Island are what first impress about this former Edwardian holiday home, but guests also appreciate the ‘inventive, tasty and well-cooked’ food and the ‘warm, jovial and friendly’ owners. Petra Lampe and Martyn Scarterfield’s seaside bolt-hole has the feel of a private home. Bedrooms, with rich colours and mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings, all have ‘stunning views’ and contain ‘everything we would have expected and more, even binoculars’. There’s a cosy lounge with green velvet sofas and books, an inviting decked terrace, plus a path down to the beach, where you can take the sea tractor to Burgh Island. Chef Martyn’s short-choice daily changing evening meals (advance notice required), served in the palm-filled garden room with more of those views, might include braised pork belly with seared scallops. ‘We particularly enjoyed the monkfish and king prawn served with a lobster sauce.’ ‘Portions are generous.’ Breakfast is equally handsome with fresh juice, eggs Benedict and a full Devonian. 'Nothing was too much trouble.' It is an ‘idyllic place’. (SH, and others)