This stone-built cottage, owned by Rosemary Reeves, dates from 1834 and is spotless and pleasingly furnished. During renovation, original stonework and a tessellated hall floor were laid bare. The cottage is a very private guest-house with a cosy, cottagey atmosphere; there is no roadside advertisement and advance bookings only are accepted.

  Generous home cooking includes such dishes as paupiettes of plaice with smoked salmon and lime and cumin sauce followed by prune and coffee mousse. An evidently discriminating New York couple give Grey Cottage a rave review: 'Even more than your guide promised. Beautiful garden with a 100-foot Wellingtonia, planted almost 150 years ago. The bedrooms and bathrooms are on the small side, but they are immensely cosy, with firm beds, reliable hot water, heated towel rails, trouser presses and fresh fruit. A thoughtful touch is the 'funny tales from Grey Cottage', written by Rosemary, put by the bedside.'

  The food is fresh, of high quality, and abundant. Rosemary is capable, charming and dedicated - but not intrusive. Unfortunately, most tourists end up paying more for accommodation nearer the principal sights hereabouts - but actually getting far less. Rosemary recently won the AA's Friendliest Landlady of the Year Award.