Nonsuch House

THE STUNNING CONSERVATORY and terrace of Nonsuch House in Devon simply beckon for early evening drinks. We were soon mesmerised watching the yachts, ferries and trawlers ply up and down the Dart estuary into neighbouring Dartmouth. Had we had paint brushes to hand we'd have grabbed our easels there and then – it's a vista worth bottling to take home.

This grand Edwardian townhouse – just the kind of little romantic weekend getaway we love – has been converted into an outstanding family-run B&B, perched on a hill with heart-stopping views across the estuary to the Devonshire port of Dartmouth with its castle, cottages clinging to the hillside and yachts bobbing on the tide.

Inside, Nonsuch House is cosy and intimate, with sunny colours, log fires, well-chosen fabrics and a beautifully cared-for feel. South-facing bedrooms, named after the shipping forecasts, are large and airy, bright with sunlight and reflected water all year-round. We loved Biscay, with its decked balcony overlooking the river.

Dinner to order

Dinner is served at Nonsuch four nights a week. There’s a set menu, though you can always plan ahead and ask chef-patron Kit to rustle up your favourite dish. As there is no liquor license you can bring your own wine (so no big drinks bills) and he will ensure it's nicely chilled in time for pre-dinner nibbles (which are on the house). Salmon fishcakes and home-made waffles have helped breakfasts here win awards, while peckish moments can be sated with meltingly good home-baked cakes and cookies.

The four bedrooms are piled with home-from-home comforts and come with gleaming bathrooms. Biscay has a private decked balcony, another has access to a balcony and all have picture windows framing ever-changing sea views. A little cracker.

© Room for Romance