Little Sark is a peninsula joined to the main island by a dramatic narrow isthmus called La Coupee. A horse and cart will take you up the single dirt road that leads to La Sablonnerie, flanked by fields of wild flowers and surrounded by granite cliffs rising up from the sea. This is a little piece of rural paradise. Take a dip in the natural pools of Venus and Adonis, sunbathe on the sandy beach at La Grande Greve or explore the disused silver mines.

This 400-year-old farmhouse oozes character. Tables are set for lunch in the shade of the garden as though you were in Provence and served by black-tie waiters. Candles are lit in the atmospheric dining room, their glow reflected off giant brass servers in the fireplace. The bar is snug, with its wood panels and dark beams. The building itself is postcard pretty, whitewashed with heavy-headed roses climbing its walls.

The service is attentive, if slightly comedic, with a team of obsequious seasonal staff. The place is well staffed and there is always someone on hand to field a question. Facilities are limited so that guests make the most of the tranquility. There are no televisions, and no Wi-Fi or swimming pool - just fabulous floral gardens, a croquet lawn and plenty of exhilarating walks.

The rooms are old-fashioned, which suits the character of the building, and the unashamed chintz is part of the charm. Expect oak furniture, floral bedspreads, gold-fringed fabric lampshades and neutral colours or dark blues. Rooms are individual in shape and size, which reflect the higgledy-piggledy style of the building. Families are accommodated in surrounding cottages.

There is a flare and flourish to the food here and much of the enjoyment is in the presentation. Whether you opt for a lobster lunch in the garden, a Sark cream tea in the neighbouring tea rooms or a five-course gourmet dinner in the oak-beamed dining room. Vegetables are grown on site and the butter is handmade. The menu is packed with creative dishes such as risotto of soft herbs with parmesan cheese crackling or rosette of beef fillet with gratin of wild mushrooms. Prices are a bit of a mystery as no prices are listed on the menus. High tea is served in the garden at 5pm.

Double rooms from £98 low season; and from £200 in high. Breakfast included. No Wi-Fi.

Some of the cottages and suites have ground floor access. 

Yes, families are often given cottages to be separate from other guests.