The Place
Young artists no longer actually decorate this place, but their work hangs on the walls, and the creativity and originality of founders Justin and Charlotte are still intact here at their fourth hotel. A thatched gingerbread house, with five bedrooms tucked away in its eaves, it’s a 16thC inn bursting with authenticity and original features; flagstone floors; open hearths; a wooden bar and settles, complemented by William Morris wallpapers (breaking the Farrow and Ball mould, we were gratified to see.)
As with the other four Artist Residences (Brighton, Bristol, London and Cornwall) there are lively hints of contemporary quirk, from Connor Brothers artworks to neon prints by Andy Doig. The Connor Brothers were also responsible for designing the restaurant, The Mason Arms, which serves dishes that are both satisfyingly rustic and sophisticated.
The bedrooms are decked out with reclaimed furniture, Volga furnishings and hung with eclectic paintings. Our series editor, Fiona Duncan, stayed in The Farmhouse Suite – a rustic bolt-hole built into the rafters, with exposed beams, slanted walls and a freestanding copper bath. So lovely, she thought she’d never want to leave.