Lympstone Manor

A Georgian manor house set in sculpted grounds above the Exe estuary, with a veranda made for a pre-dinner drink on the rare Devon evening when the sun cooperates. Michael Caines runs this Michelin-starred fine dining room, where the cooking is classical French in structure and very serious about local produce, without ever feeling like it's trying to impress you. Bedrooms are available for those who'd rather not drive home through the dark.

One honor, in evidence: