Hotel of the week Kentisbury Grange Hotel, near Barnstaple, North Devon

WHERE AND WHY It really is location, location, location with the award-winning Kentisbury Grange Hotel on the edge of Exmoor National Park, a stone’s throw from some of Devon’s best beaches and tourist hotspots.

Googling ‘things to do near me’ while in the area brings up some absolute cracking attractions, from Woolacombe Beach (a 26-minute drive) to Valley of Rocks (18 mins). Guests can choose to stay in one of the rooms in the house itself, in a self-catering lodge in the grounds or in a suite.

We stayed in the cottage suite, which is a very spacious bedroom and bathroom set-up that is fabulously furnished with a big double bed, roll-top bath and rainfall shower.

Like the other lodges, these suites are set in the gorgeous manicured gardens of the main house where you’re likely to share the space with a few bunny rabbits and ducks. Just walking around the grounds and lake is a treat in itself.

ON THE MENU Even if you do take a lodge with self-catering kitchen facilities you’ll want to sample the delights of the hotel’s on-site restaurant, The Coach House.

It’s brasserie-style fine dining in a relaxed and welcoming setting. My starter, sea bass with white chocolate, crab, caviar and sea herbs (£13), showcased a chef who knows how to take unusual flavours and balance them perfectly. My main of local lamb, veg and potatoes was equally exceptional in its simplicity (£35).

The restaurant has a huge selection of wines from Languedoc to California via Devon’s very own Lyme Bay.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE We ventured to Woolacombe for a spot of beach walking and to watch the surfers. We also took a shopping trip to Lynton (16 minutes away by car) and to RHS Garden Rosemoor (42 minutes) for a wander among the flowers.

WAKE-UP CALL Rooms start at £140 a night. kentisburygrange.com