Higher Westcott Farm

Cosy boutique guesthouse in Dartmoor National Park: great for groups of friends, families and romantics

Rolling hills, beautiful woodland and Dartmoor National Park are on your doorstep. For somewhere so hidden, it's amazing Exeter's only a 15-minute drive away. Couples and young families come here to enjoy its sense of cosy isolation. Jo and Sam escaped London to bravely renovate this thatched 300-year-old Devon longhouse, immersing themselves in all things local. The result is a thoroughly homely boutique guesthouse: 3 comfy and contemporary bedrooms, views across the valley through crittle windows, a magnificent granite fireplace, squashy leather sofas and a well-stocked bar offering biodynamic wines.

This isn't just an excellent base for taking country walks: beyond the garden's stone wall, they'll organise mushroom foraging in autumn or even informal rough shoots. Even if the weather's bad, you'll come back to a wood-burning stove and a hearty dinner. Jo worked in top London restaurants and her penchant for fresh, local, seasonal and organic food makes for some very tasty fare indeed.

Highs

• This is a great location: you're in the wilds (there's no traffic noise here and it's ideal for walking) but only a few miles from Exeter
• The simple and stylish décor has a cosy family atmosphere (babies and toddlers are welcome)
• The tasty homecooking uses mainly organic produce
• The helpful owners can suggest how best to explore the area
• The warm sitting room and small bar area are ideal for putting your feet up
• You can book individual rooms or take over the whole place with a group of friends or family (sleeps 8) and they'll cook and look after you

Lows

• Evening meals are only served at weekends.
• Sitting at the same table as other guests at breakfast isn't everyone's bag, but we liked the chat
• The WiFi internet connection can be a little temperamental in the rooms, but it works downstairs
• There's no mobile phone reception (thank goodness)