Hotel Endsleigh - Tavistock

Built in 1812 as a family bolthole for the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, this Georgian sporting lodge was given the full, high-fashion treatment by Olga and Alex Polizzi, who transformed the place into dream-ticket, state-of-the-art destination hotel. Recently it was sold off to an American hotel investment company, who no doubt have plans for the place.

The setting is still as desirable as you could wish for, a 'cottage orné' set in the dramatically wooded Tamar valley and surrounded by ornamental gardens with grottoes, terraced walks, rock gardens and an historic arboretum (all designed by Humphrey Repton). There are lovely views of the gardens from the original dining room, where Bedford family crests decorate the panelled walls and the food has an emphatic modern slant.

A full review will be published shortly.