We?ve been coming to Stock Hill for years and I suppose it is sheer selfishness that has prevented us from reporting on just how good this Country House Hotel actually is. It?s probably due to the secret need to protect such a haven when you finally discover one. Arriving at Stock Hill House is more like coming home than ?checking in?. The welcome from owner, Nita Hauser, is effusive and the staff are remarkably attentive (don?t even think of trying to carry your own bag!). We often arrive in the afternoon following a snack lunch at nearby Stourhead Gardens, a National Trust House and Garden, which tends to be picturesque and worth a visit all year round. An afternoon arrival is to be recommended owing to the superb cup of tea served in the comfortable lounge, along with one of Peter Hauser?s delicious cakes. It really gets you in the mood for the rest of the stay.The rooms are very clean and well appointed, all having en-suite facilities, very comfortable beds and a stylish but eclectic mix of antiques and imaginative decoration. Stock Hill is set in eleven-acres of cleverly landscaped grounds, ensuring that peace and tranquillity are the orders of the day. Wandering the grounds is both relaxing and interesting ? the hotel even provides pairs of suitably green Wellington boots for your use. The small lake in the grounds attracts a great deal of wildlife. Many different varieties of birds can be seen in and around the gardens.Walking in the fresh Dorset air certainly gives you an appetite, which is just as well, as Peter Hauser?s food is simply spectacular. Dinner is an event which must be savoured. Arrive in the lounge at around 7:30pm and you will be invited to take a seat and order a pre-dinner drink if you wish, while you contemplate the menu (this is changed daily) and ponder your choice from the comprehensive wine list ? the knowledgeable staff will help you choose if required. The selection available on the menu caters for every taste. While musing through the choices be sure to taste the delicious canap?s that arrive with the . The food at Stock Hill House is brilliantly balanced and exceedingly tasty ? Mr Hauser?s complimentary ?little appetiser? comprises a wonderfully full flavoured soup that makes you wish for more. Starters are inventive and feature a lot of local produce as well as fish and shellfish from Brixham and the surrounding area, all supplemented with organically grown herbs and vegetables from Peter?s own walled kitchen garden. (keen gardeners will delight in learning a few secrets here!). Main courses feature local lamb, game, fish and a variety of interesting dishes inspired by the best of French and English cuisine, but neatly interspersed with elements of Peter Hauser?s native Austria. The dessert menu will inevitably expand your waistline. Everything is overtly delicious with more Austrian influence here than in the other courses. Once you have triumphed over your creative dessert you can revel in a freshly brewed coffee (considerately decaffeinated and none the worse for it) and some home made petits fours. (you always say no then eat the entire plateful). At this point you inevitably yawn and look longingly at the clock and the staircase to the rooms, but some lively conversation with like-minded people will probably keep you around for a while. You sleep in absolute silence and wake to bird song. A cup of tea in bed is a luxury, but Stock Hill is very happy to oblige. The final lap is, of course, the inevitable full English breakfast. Yes, you simply must have it, no matter how full you feel from last night. It is magnificent. Freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice, fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals, croissants, toast, eggs any way you like, fresh local bacon, spicy sausages, black pudding, mushrooms, tomatoes, bramley apple, fried bread, more toast, home made marmalade and jam, many varieties of tea and freshly brewed coffee will start your day as you mean to go on. And believe me it will last you the day until you get back for a cup of tea which is where we started.Please don?t all arrive at once as we thoroughly enjoy Stock Hill and want to continue coming here to escape the rat race.John & Jennie Wilkinson, Banstead, Surrey