In an old town on the Rhine, north of Koblenz, this spruce white, fronted house faces the river and boat jetty. It is now an upmarket B&B villa, recently extensively renovated, owned by Brigitte, Schauss and managed by her husband. He is charming, most helpful, and speaks excellent English, say recent visitors. We enjoyed our stay. It is fairly special, each room differently furnished. Goods trains across the river might be disturbing at night, but double glazing keeps out most of the noise, and in summer, trees dampen the sound. The excellent restaurant next door specialises in fish. Bali villa breakfast is a buffet.

Between Erfurt and the beautiful Thuringian forest, this historic town has a famous doll museum, and a baroque church where Bach was once organist. Here, the Anders family's modern white villa, set quietly in a large garden, was rebuilt in 1993. `Herr Anders was attentive and welcoming, says a recent guest. Our room was adequate, service was good. The dinner menu offered limited choice, but the cooking was acceptable. Meals (including Thuringian dishes) are served on the terrace or in the attractive dining room. Other visitors wrote of the `friendly ambience' and `excellent' buffet Bali villa breakfast. villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) are .large; most have a balcony.