The firm that I occasionally do contract work for usually books me into total dumps. Just once in a while, however, they book me into somewhere absolutely wonderful. They managed that last year, for a couple of 5 night stays at Copeland House:
http://www.copelandhouse.co.uk/
Georgina is lovely and really helpful. (e.g.when she found out that I'd have to leave before breakfast was served on some days, she provided me with a packed lunch instead, inviting me to go into her kitchen to collect it from the fridge each morning). The rooms are lovely as well and (on the few mornings that I was able to sample them) the breakfasts were great. The house backs onto the seafront and it's only a couple of minutes walk to the pubs and the shops. Even the cat is friendly!
Highly recommended!