Awarded a Michelin Rising Star for the second year running, Combe House is a wildly romantic, privately-owned, 15-bedroom Elizabethan Manor. Set in glorious gardens amidst acres of Devon estate, where Arabian horses and pheasants roam freely, Combe lies hidden at the end of a long winding drive that leads to the thatched cottages of Gittisham – a time warp once described by HRH Prince Charles as ‘the ideal English village’.

The alluring combination of heritage and a welcoming lived-in feel make this a special place for an indulgent mix of eating, drinking and relaxing in the country. Furnished stylishly with understated elegance, the house exudes an airy and magical atmosphere of times gone by. You’ll find an abundance of fresh flowers, roaring log fires, treasured antiques and mullioned windows.

The restaurant consists of two light but intimate dining rooms decorated with chandeliers and beautifully hand-painted walls. Guests are treated to glorious views by day and candlelit dinners by night. Hadleigh Barrett and Stuart Brown, Combe’s two Masterchefs of Great Britain and their team weave their culinary magic – drawing from Devon’s bounteous seasonal larder and making its flavours and textures speak for themselves. The two-course lunch (£22) and three-course dinner (£42) – both served with canapés – are excellent value.

The cellars contain some 200 interesting and unusual bottles sourced from the world’s major wine regions. Wines are selected for taste rather than name or vintage. Prices run from £12 for a half bottle, with full bottles from £20 to £32. Eight wines are served by the glass.

When you experience the genuine warmth and hospitality extended by Ken and Ruth Hunt and their team, you’ll understand why Combe House was also ‘The Small Hotel of the Year 2008’ – South West Tourism Awards. A warm welcome awaits residents and non-residents alike.