Ael y Bryn, Eglwyswrw, Pembrokeshire

Ael y Bryn stands on two and a half acres of grounds, in a deeply rural spot in inland Pembrokeshire, just outside the national park. To reach the guesthouse, you head down a back lane off the A487, from the hard-to-pronounce and nondescript backwater village of Eglwyswrw. There's nothing much right on the doorstep but Newport is a 15-minute drive away, with its pubs, good restaurants and a fantastic big beach.

By car: the hotel is 2 hours 30 mins from Bristol, 3 hours 45 mins from Birmingham and 4 hours 40 mins from London. Free parking is available on-site.

By train: London Paddington to Clunderwen takes just over 4 hours. Ael y Bryn is a 25-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Clunderwen.

Ael y Bryn is a large modern bungalow, furnished for comfort rather than cutting-edge style. Guest public areas include a lovely big wood-beamed and vaulted lounge with a grand piano and coal-effect stove. Eye-catching glass ornaments, clocks galore and photos taken by the owners of Pembrokeshire give the place a homely and much-loved feel.

Owners Robert Smith and Arwel Hughes provide faultlessly welcoming and thoughtful hospitality at every turn. You are given complimentary tea, scones and cakes on arrival. For a guesthouse, the facilities are impressive and include a library (lots of stuff on Wales) and a boules pitch in the garden.

• Lounge
• Dining room
• Conservatory
• Library
• Garden
• Terrace
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The four bedrooms are decorated in understated pastel colour schemes and are furnished very much with comfort as the chief consideration - picture carpets, armchairs, window seats, and modern limed furniture. The good-sized, cream-tiled bathrooms function well and have walk-in showers and, in all but one, also a separate bath.

Room types: Pengelli Room, Carn Ingli Room, Preseli Room, Carn Menyn Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, bathrobes, TV, DAB radio, mini-fridge, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

Meals are eaten with other guests at one grand table in the vaulted dining room. Breakfast is a vast and beautifully presented help-yourself spread, plus cooked-to-order platters (if you can manage it). Dinners - a set main course, then a choice of two puddings; bring your own wine - need fixing ahead: do so, as they are also superb.

Dinner: Two or three-course set meal with tea and coffee. Arrange in advance. Bring your own alcohol, no corkage. Two courses £26 per person, three courses £30 per person.