Mr & Mrs Smith

Being a wee ‘pub and a post office’ type of village, Chillington is hardly a haven for gastronomes, but there’s plenty to tempt in nearby Dartmouth. Famed fishmonger and restaurateur Mitch Tonks is behind The Seahorse (+44 (0)1803 835147), a relaxed Mediterranean seafood outfit on the riverbank. The New Angel (+44 (0)1803 839425) serves Michelin‑starred Modern Brit fare.

Rumour (+44 (0)1803 864682) is a young and buzzy little wine bar in Totnes, which also does a palatable line in pizza. In the pretty village of South Pool, The Millbrook Inn (+44 (0)1548 531581) continues the tradition of cider-soused West Country pubs, but throws a militantly local menu into the mix. Over in East Prawle, The Pig's Nose (+44 (0)1548 511209) is a great place to catch local live bands.

Sister establishments to the Whitehouse worth a visit are South Milton Beach Café (+44 (0)1548 560844) near Salcombe and Stokely Barton Farm Shop (01548 581010), a food store, café, homeware and garden centre, a 10‑minute walk away through the countryside.

You can pick up a delicious deli-style picnic at Whitehouse and head off to the beach – it's a one-mile walk. Hotel staff will also be happy to arrange spa treatments – either in your room or at the Dart Marina Spa (+44 (0)1803 837182) in Dartmouth – and a host of typically Devonian activities, including boat charters, fishing trips, cycling, and horse riding.