Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

In a blissful valley lost to the world, this small, traditional country house sparkles on the side of a peaceful hill. To the front, beyond the stone terraces that drip with aubretia, fields tumble down to a stream that marks the border with Wales. Outside, daffodils erupt in spring, the lawns are scattered with deckchairs in summer, paths lead onto the hill for excellent walks. Inside, colourful interiors are warmly attractive: Laura Ashley wallpaper and an open fire in the quirky bar; shuttered windows and super food in the yellow restaurant; the daily papers and a good collection of art in the sitting room. Bedrooms are stylish without being grand. Most have great views, one has a French sleigh bed, good bathrooms come with fluffy towels. Four rooms are dog-friendly and have their own patios, you get crisp white linen, silky curtains, padded bedheads. There's plenty of space, ideal for a gathering, and super food to help you celebrate, perhaps Shetland mussels, Welsh beef, a plate of local cheese; the smoked haddock at breakfast is divine. Offa's Dyke and Powys Castle are close.