When it comes to a countryside escape, you can't get much better than the rolling hills and chocolate-box villages of the Cotswolds. Take a look at some of our best homes in the area – you can't really get much better than these either. 

Escape to the Country: Some Favourites From the Cotswolds

Pasties, cake, ice cream and pirates. If you stick Cornish in front of it, it becomes a tradition. So, here’s a very Cornish Cornwall 7 day itinerary. 


Cornwall Itinerary for 7 Days: How to Spend Them

Looking for some fabulous birthday ideas in London? From where to shop to where to dine, here's how to celebrate the occasion in style.

The Best Adult Birthday Ideas London Has to Offer

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Entertainment

Hair Dryer

Toiletries

Bathtub

Bathroom

Dishwasher

Microwave

Freezer

Oven

Stove

Kitchen Utensils

Toaster

Fridge

Cooking Essentials

Kettle

Kitchen

Kitchen & Dining

Iron

Washing Machine

Ironing Board

Hangers

Cleaning Products

Drying Rack

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Bedroom & Laundry

Wi-fi

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Internet & Office

Central Heating

Fireplace

Heating & Cooling

Free Parking On Street

Self Check-in / Check-out

Private Entrance

Parking & Access

Garden

Barbeque

Patio / Terrace

Outdoor Seating

Sun Loungers / Beach Chairs

Outdoor

Pets Allowed

Pets

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Smoke Detector

Other

This professionally-managed home is located in the desirable SouthChurch area, near Southend and great transportation links. The open-plan lounge and dining area is spacious and stylishly furnished, with comfortable sofas and a large dining table. Guests can relax in the large garden during warmer weather. The two main bedrooms are also spacious and comfortable, with a bunk bed and sofa bed available for larger groups. Guests have access to the entire property, including fast Wi-Fi and free on-street parking. The booking is protected by a Deposit Guarantee, Guest Guarantee, and public liability provided by SUPERHOG.

The Lighthousekeeper's Daughter

Sound System

Dryer

Parking Available

Free Parking On Premises

Balcony

Access to Beach

Fire Extinguisher

First Aid Kit

Fancy a romantic getaway with a twist? This upside-down home places a firelit living area above the bedroom, where the en-suite bathtub enjoys a framed view of the creek. Upstairs, we think the waterside terrace might inspire a paddle to Salcombe – made easy by the three-seater kayak your host provides. It's worth noting that there is a bit of a hike to the front door here (thirty-six steps, to be precise), so this home won't be the best option for everyone. 

The Great Outward

DVD Player

As you'd expect from a lighthouse cottage (built in 1680), this home has sea views from the private garden and the living space. We love that the bedroom has been formed from the circular base of the lighthouse tower (though the bathroom is back up the stairs off the living room). And the good news is this lighthouse doesn't have a fog signal, so you won't be woken in the middle of the night. When you feel like exploring, a ten-minute stroll along the coastal path will take you to the North Norfolk town of Cromer, with its sandy beach and an array of shops and restaurants. Or for golf lovers, adjacent to the lighthouse is a golf course.

Sea Salt Harmony

Board Games

Games Room

Ping Pong Table

High Chair

Cot / Crib

Underfloor Heating

EV Charger

Welcome Hamper

Nice to haves

Child Friendly

Stair Gates

Escape to this idyllic Herefordshire retreat, perched on top of a hill beside an iron-age fort and offering breathtaking countryside vistas. Perfect for a multi-generational family stay (with two dogs in tow), alongside the main barn, there's a smaller stone barn (connected on the first floor) offering a snug, two further bedrooms and a well-equipped playroom. If you can lure yourselves from the enclosed private garden, you're just a five-minute drive from the historic market town of Bromyard with delicatessens, butchers and pubs for a taste of county life. 

The Vintage Farmhouse

This charming Tudor castle, built in 1560, has been fully restored to create the perfect romantic retreat for two. Set in the picturesque Teesdale landscape, this historic property is located near the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Park, as well as the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guests can admire the ornate roof beams carved from oak trees felled over 400 years ago in the dining hall, and relax in the cosy living room with a wood-burning stove set within a Tudor fireplace. The bedroom features a double bed on an oak floor adorned with Persian rugs and offers stunning views of the walled garden and the high moors beyond. The property also boasts an enclosed courtyard garden and two designated parking spaces. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome for a small additional charge.

The Daffodil Garden

Satellite / Cable TV

This old dairy, set on the Burghley Estate, is a peaceful getaway for large groups and makes a pretty picture for small celebrations. Throughout the restoration of the dairy and its conversion into cottages, an emphasis remained on the history of this building, and plenty of the original features remain to make this a charming and comfortable stay. With two wings, it also grants everyone plenty of space, though the mezzanine bedrooms can only be accessed through several ground-floor rooms, which might not feel the most private. Still, it's a beautiful space, and the estate is within the Capability Brown Parkland, first landscaped in the early 1700s and still as lush and inviting, perfect for walks with the dogs.

The Cottage Soul

Heated Towel Rail

This cosy cottage is tucked down a quiet street within the historic walls of Conwy. Perfectly sized for two guests, there’s an open-plan living room with a wood-burning fire, a snug bedroom and a small courtyard (shared with the neighbours). Two dogs are welcome to join you here, plus there’s a sweet welcome pack with Prosecco provided for your arrival. Outside, you’ll find everything you could need on the doorstep. From here, it’s a short walk to the castle, beaches and amenities. It’s also a great base for guests looking to adventure further afield and explore Snowdonia National Park.

Sea on the Horizon

Library of Books

Cafetiere

Coffee Maker

Espresso Machine

Pod Coffee Machine

Black-Out Blinds

Luxury Bedding

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Bike Shed

Garden Games

Throws

Safe

This blissful getaway in the Derbyshire countryside boasts spectacularly scenic views and an unrivalled level of tranquillity, the perfect place to unplug, unwind and rejuvenate amidst the abundance of local wildlife and nature. Set within 55 acres of private farmland, you'll find surrounding natural beauty in every direction that you look. Explore the gardens and fruit orchards on the grounds, where you'll find plenty of peaceful spots to meditate or do some yoga. The host even leaves yoga equipment inside for guests to use at their leisure. While you'll have plenty of privacy here, this place provides ample opportunity to socialise with the farm's flock of sheep, lambs, hens, and peacocks if you please. 

Inside, enjoy taking in the sweeping country views from the open-plan living area in style. Contemporary furnishings with a gorgeous green colour palette that nods to the surrounding flora and fauna present a calming space to feel at home in. Serve up homemade meals at the dining table after delightful days of discovering the local area. Relax in the private gardens, perfect for summer lunches and lawn games in the sunshine. Come evening time, there's no better spot than the fairy-light lit alcove to watch the sun set over the horizon. 

Nestled within ten minute's walking distance from the village of Rowsley, take afternoon strolls along the River Wye, or lace up your boots and hike to Nine Ladies Stone Circle on Stanton Moor. Further afield, you're just a ten-minute drive from the picturesque and historic market town of Bakewell, and five minutes from one of the country’s finest estates, Chatsworth House, home to an impressive art collection, beautiful gardens, water features and acres of park and woodland.

Peak Views

Hot Tub

Accessible Parking

There's something undeniably idyllic about this cottage's location. Sitting alone within acres of Bedfordshire countryside, the River Great Ouse runs alongside the property. You can sit and listen to the peaceful sounds or spot the wildlife that calls the stretch of water home from the outdoor deck, which even has a jetty. If you want to add a touch of decadence, it's also possible to hire a private hot tub and enjoy the scenery surrounded by bubbles.

Heading inside the front door, you'll see that there's a distinctly rustic feel to the interior, particularly the brick flooring and inglenook fireplace holding a log burner. However, you'll also be happy to hear that the home was fully refurbished in 2021, which you can certainly see in the modern blue kitchen and cosy white bedrooms.

When the weather's on your side, there are plenty of walks to embark upon within Turvey Estate and the village itself — along with its pair of pubs, a butchers shop and a park — can be reached in just over a quarter of an hour on foot.



The Water of Life

Sonos

Rain Shower

Umbrellas

After many years unoccupied, this former barn was treated to a complete revamp in the late 2010s. Today, a remarkable home awaits guests visiting rural Oxfordshire. Huge glass walls and stark white walls mean that the space feels immediately bright and inviting, while there's a superb mix of modern touches and more homely furnishings — bold pieces of artwork and the sleek grey kitchen sit quite happily alongside deep red rugs and picnic baskets repurposed as coffee tables.

Out through the glass doors, there's a charming walled garden complete with a lawn, patio and neat plant beds. Bat boxes and an owl loft have also been incorporated into the property to help the local wildlife. If you fancy a little more nature-spotting, there are plenty of walking routes throughout the surrounding Blenheim Estate. The city of Oxford takes around twenty-five minutes to reach in the car, too.

Morse Code

Netflix

Smart TV

Streaming Services

Blender

Outdoor Fireplace / Firepit

Get far away from the madding crowd in Thomas Hardy’s Dorset with this beautiful home – it’s the perfect romantic retreat. Surrounded by woodland, relax in the hot tub with a glass of fizz (or whip up a smoothie with the blender in the kitchen), and when the sun sets, cosy up by the fire pit. There’s a hammock to unwind in as well. 

The sylvan setting can be admired through the French doors in the living room, too – keep your eyes peeled for visiting wildlife. At the end of an idyllic day, head up to bed in the treehouse-like bedroom with its honeycomb-shaped, whitewashed wood ceiling before exploring the area the following morning. 

Out and about, the market town of Blandford Forum, with its array of eateries, is a six-minute drive. Alternatively, the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy, a country house and estate near Wimborne Minster, is eight minutes in the car, while Thomas Hardy's Cottage is twenty-three minutes. Further afield, Sandbanks, with its award-winning beach and chic boutiques, is just over a thirty-five-minute ride, so there’s plenty to keep you busy here.

Honey Bee Cottage

Free Parking

Rejuvenate with panoramic coastal views and sea air at this contemporary home perched along the mighty beach cliffs of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. With the Victorian spa town's golden sands and bustling town centre all just a five-minute jaunt away, it's hard to imagine a better location. 

Spend days sandcastle making, kite flying, and surfing, if you time the tide right. And when tummies start to rumble, hop on the cliff lift (the oldest of its kind in the UK, no less) just eight minutes from your door. You'll be down on the promenade backed by its colourful beach huts in no time for fish and chips and lashings of ice creams. 

Back at home, this place is a masterstroke in the art of modern living, with zesty pops of colour creating a welcoming retreat. But it's those views of the distant horizon taking all the glory here. In winter months, sink into the sumptuous, velvet sofas positioned just so to take in the seascapes with a cuppa. And when the sun shines, pad out onto the sea-facing terrace with a glass of something chilled – the outdoor lighting will help keep the night flowing. 

Upstairs, you'll discover bedrooms all adorned with crisp white linens, and kids will love the bunk beds in the third bedroom. And the pièce de résistance? The vast main suite with those sea views again. Best seen from the king-size bed with tea and toast, we think

Marine Parade

Bicycles

Private Parking

Herb Garden

We can see why this cottage was in The Sunday Times' Coolest 100 Cottages' list – it's a Jacobean dream, full of original character and quirky features. Once home to the miller of Plomesgate Mill, it now houses wonderful antiques, such as a fantastic 1700s Breton bed built straight into the wall, a gorgeous oak four-poster and a working 1800s kitchen range. 

Enjoy a tasty full English breakfast (courtesy of the welcome hamper provided by your lovely hosts Beverley and Martin) in the farmhouse style kitchen. Or when the Suffolk sun is shining, dine in the pretty, wisteria clad courtyard. If you’re lucky enough to be here in August and September, there's a mulberry bush in the grounds that guests are welcome to pick fruit from – perfect for making some jam or muffins.

Something else we adore here is the owner’s beautiful private nature reserve behind this home. Take the dogs for a walk through the meandering footpaths that wind through meadows and ancient woodland. In spring, you’ll see captivating carpets of cheerful daffodils, bluebells and primroses. Whatever time of year you come, though, you’ll be treated to an array of wildlife, from nuthatches to woodpeckers.
 
There are maps to find the footpaths going onwards to Snape Maltings, an arts complex on the banks of the River Alde, just over two miles away. Or head to Aldeburgh (seven minutes in the car) – you can borrow some bikes and cycle there in around thirty minutes too.



Jacobean Gem

Piano

This pretty 16th Century cottage is full of character and light. Relax on the large enclosed courtyard with its beautiful blossom tree and flower baskets – it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of rosé wine. At night the tree is lit up with twinkling lights giving the space a magical feel.

If it gets a bit chilly, head inside and sit next to the large inglenook fireplace with its cosy wood-burning stove. We love this room with its historic beams and antiques. If you don’t fancy eating out, rustle up a dinner using some local fresh seafood from the fisherman’s huts at Aldeburgh, a twenty-minute drive away.

Closer to home, the centre of Wickham Market is 50 yards away, where you’ll find a range of shops including a butchers, antique store and beauty salon, as well as an arts centre. There are a couple of restaurants here as well as a fish n’ chips shop, while there are many pubs nearby, including one in the village of Ufford, a one to two-hour walk from the cottage (or a four-minute drive). Your lovely hosts provide bikes for free, too, if you want to explore the area on two wheels.


Chaffinch Cottage

Changing Table

Swimming Pool

Indoor Pool

Sauna

Single-Level Home

Hammock

Outdoor Kitchen

Escape the ordinary at this riverside hideaway for two, nestled in over an acre of secluded woodlands and yet just a twenty-minute stroll from the historic centre of Cambridge. 

With a wood-burning stove to nestle up beside and riverside views from the luxurious four-poster bed, the charms of this cottage cabin are hard to resist. 

On sunny mornings, open the French doors wide and savour morning coffees from the deck’s swing chairs as swans and rowers glide on by. Then up the ante and take to the river with one of the home's boats or kayaks – you've direct access to the river from the garden. 

When thoughts turn to food, closeby you'll find a coffee shop for lazy brunches (ten minutes on foot) and a riverside gastropub (three minutes on foot). Or head into Cambridge's centre along the river towpath (twenty-minute stroll or ten on bike) to dive into one of its ancient pubs before a mooch about the shops. 

Just be sure to make it home for nightfall to get toasty beside the chiminea (which handily doubles as your barbecue). As the stars twinkle overhead, there's no finer place to be.


Float Your Boat

Luxury Toiletries

Desk

Early / Late Check-Out Available

Gated Community

Helipad

Pet Bowls

A historic gatehouse on the grounds of the Shaftesbury Estate in rural Dorset, this petite one-bed lodge has recently undergone a loving refurb by one of the estate owners, Lady Shaftesbury. She obviously has a great eye for design, as her palette of delicious apricot and duck egg blue stylishly updates this vintage cottage into not just a twenty-first-century home, but a home with charm and character. There are plenty of thoughtful touches we found exquisite, from soft dressing gowns to the complementary breakfast hamper – and everything, from Egyptian cotton bedding to the plush sofas, is of boutique hotel quality. The hosts are attentive, meticulously committed to making sure your every whim is met. All in all, this cosy country hideaway is perfect for city escapes, with nearby the great beaches of the Jurassic coast, the New Forest, the National Trust property of Kingston Lacey, cities like Salisbury or Portsmouth and traditional seaside in Bournemouth. And while it feels like one of a kind, a twin lodge and two maisonettes in a neighbouring cottage are also available, so you can bring your friends too (although you might want to keep this little secret to yourself). 

A Little Peach

Green is the theme at this beautifully restored historic farmhouse; rolling pastures all around and exquisite emerald, olive and moss hues inside. Recently featured in Elle Décor, the owner is an interior designer and a lovely host to boot. Welcoming your whole brood and then some, there’s plenty of space for everyone to spread out in the three gorgeous sitting rooms, seven individually styled bedrooms, large bespoke, country kitchen and expansive garden. Those travelling with young children will love the playroom, chock-full of games and toys to keep them quiet for hours on end. There is billiards and table tennis in the outhouse if the big kids want to get involved, too. A boot room makes a no-stress entrance for muddy wellies after yomps through the surrounding countryside and the endless lawns call for picnics and croquet in the sunshine. Your nearest village is Piercebridge, situated three miles away, with its own farm shop and proper pub. Further afield, the Yorkshire Dales, Saltburn-by-the-Sea and Barnard Castle are all within a forty-five-minute drive – perfect for family days out in the fresh air.

Enchanted Forest

We may have found the most adorable home for two. This former milking parlour is one of a small group of cottages in the heart of the Anglesey countryside. Rural, secluded and perfectly in tune with nature, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down. Wander down secret paths in the extensive grounds then take a seat on the deck to watch the dragonflies hovering above the water. The fishing lake is well stocked and there can surely be few more idyllic places for casting a line. Inside the single-storey stone cottage, you’ll find pine furniture, pretty coordinating fabrics and a log burner to warm your toes by. With Anglesey’s dramatic coastline just a short drive away, big surf and blustery coastal walks are in plentiful supply. Stock up for supper in the bustling market town of Llangefni, before hunkering down for the night together. 

The Milk Room

DVD Library

Record Player

Wheelchair Access

Balcony / Patio

If you’re looking for a bohemian escape in Cornwall, then look no further. This rustic hideaway is perfect for a solo traveller or a couple looking to get in touch with the raw beauty of the Cornish countryside and who care most about the luxuries of the soul – great music, fantastic light, the roar of the waves. This snazzy barn conversion has bucketloads of character and soulful perks, including a piano, a record player with a vast collection of vinyl, and its own mini sauna. Throw in the super-king sized bed, a brand new bathroom (with bathtub) and kitchen, its location (snuggled away in ancient woodland), the fact that it’s just a five-minute drive to the nearest pub and beach at Crackington Haven, and you’ve got a rural retreat you’ll want to keep quiet about, so you can keep it for yourself. 

Musician's Escape

Amazon Prime

Bathrobes

Electricity Adaptors

Multiple Sets of Keys

Shhh. Can you hear that sound? Us neither. Quietness and tranquility await in this truly extraordinary country cottage in the North Yorkshire dales. The home's glorious traditional features - original stone floors, warm wooden beams, a roaring fireplace - are full of character, but it's the styling of this home that will make you feel at ease from the moment you arrive. In the welcoming living room, the exquisitely-soft turquoise sofa is the perfect place to while away the hours with a book from the well-stocked bookshelf, and Eastern-inspired touches (including Buddha statues) add to the sense of calm. The kitchen, with its white marble countertops and exposed stone walls, is the ideal spot to cook up a rib-sticking meal. The bedrooms are elegant but simply furnished, with mustard yellow blankets and a dried flower wreath creating little moments of joy. But perhaps the real peace here comes from the scenery – this home is in the Yorkshire Dales’ Arkengarthdale, a beautifully remote location where you can hike for miles without seeing another soul. Bliss.

The Riverside Cottage

Playground

Wine Cooler

Vacuum Cleaner

Step-Free Access

Courtyard

Fenced Garden

Sun Umbrellas

Security Cameras

Security System

Private farmland surrounds this stunning converted barn, a traditional slice of countryside tranquillity. There's a delicate balance of modern grandeur and tasteful tradition here. The fresh decor complements vaulted ceilings, flagstone floors, barn doors and oak beams, while the snug sitting room hosts a log burner and the general feel of bucolic cosiness. Reached via the stunning glass-paned walkway, each bedroom has its own stylish design, complete with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. One en-suite has a delight of a free-standing bathtub, another almost feels like a woodland sauna. Socialise in the large country-style, open-plan kitchen and dining area, with top-of-the-range appliances to make life that little bit easier. Outside, the courtyard’s comfortable seating and peaceful surroundings invite you to fire up the gas barbecue and while away the evening. Or enjoy your morning coffee in the lush gardens before a day of exploring – it's just a short drive to dozens of Cotswolds villages. Drive to the achingly quaint market town of Chipping Norton in just thirty-seven minutes with nearby Hook Norton offering great local beers from one of the area's most popular breweries – it's always worth a visit. This is a home where life on the farm is a thrill, and staying in a barn feels the height of luxury. 

Dovesong

Rice Maker

Laundry Supplies

Workplace

Safety Gates

From the moment you see the grand stone exterior and cobbled courtyard, you’ll know that this ever-so-charming home is steeped in history. It's a former malthouse that’s over 300 years old and filled with traditional features. When you step into the entrance hall, you’re entering through the large oak door onto the original cart-way, and as you start trying to choose which bedroom you want to lay claim to, you’ll be winding your way up a turret stairway with rope bannisters, surrounded by wooden beams and original fireplaces. The interior has been fully renovated, with a modern handmade kitchen, squishy sofas, and cute-as-a-button bedrooms. Sip your afternoon tea perched on the sunny window seat with a good book in hand (there's an extensive collection to choose from), while gazing at the expansive green views of the playing fields and village church in the backdrop. Elsewhere, the large 14-seater pine dining table will be the perfect spot to savour a slow dinner with the entire group. Although in the garden you'll notice a patio, complete with outdoor furniture, that’s ideal for wine and cheese nights – there's a large lawn and a range of outdoor games available too (including table tennis) for hours of early evening fun. You don’t have to go far to continue the historical theme, as the pub next door is one of the oldest in the country and has been the resting place for many a monarch visiting the area since the 15th century. The surrounding county town, Frome, just a fifteen-minute drive away, was voted one of the best places to live in the UK - explore the rich history, shop at independent boutiques, buy fresh produce at the local market or dine at one of the many eateries dotted around nearby.

Malter’s Rest

Staying in this home is like stepping into a scene from an Austen novel – we can just picture Emma Woodhouse wandering the grounds. Corniced ceilings, antique furniture, country views – there's so much character in this Grade II historic building. The home is part of a grand country estate in Wiltshire, but you'll feel as if you have the whole place to yourself in this private south wing. With the living room’s ample seating in front of the fire and the charming wooden breakfast table, you will be equally comfortable drinking tea or wine in elegance. Make sure to stop by a farm shop on the way to cook up a delicious meal in the kitchen or pre-order fresh or frozen meals to make your stay even easier. Take walks in the gorgeous landscaped gardens, stroll over the bridge on the water, and as night falls gather round the fire pit with drinks. You could spend all day at this country estate, but there's plenty to see in the local area too. You're just a six-minute drive from Stonehenge, and it's worth travelling to Salisbury to visit the historic cathedral and wander the cobbled streets. After a busy day, return home to decadent bedrooms and doze off on a beautifully handmade mattress – the very same furnish the Royal Family's residences.

Hartfield

Secret doors and treasures galore, this Grade II listed home in a quiet part of Long Bennington village is steeped in history and culture. A visual feast – you’ll find carved furniture from Africa, a Rajasthani chest, a coffee table from China, and red and gold chairs from Spain. It’s no wonder your hosts are both artists who love to travel. We could spend hours here just admiring the precious antiques around the home – including an intricately carved screen brought back by explorer Sir Francis Younghusband after he led the British Army into Tibet. More is more here with curiosities in every corner, but there’s plenty of space to relax too. Unwind in the foliage-filled conservatory, lie on the sofa in the living room where a traditional Persian rug pops against a terracotta floor, or take a walk amidst the daffodils in the garden outside. If you can ever peel yourself away from this magical gem, Newark historic market town – known for its indie shops, antiques and old buildings – is only a fifteen-minute drive from your door. One thing’s for sure, this spot will satisfy the soul. 

A Moving Feast

Hidden away next to ancient woodland in rural Essex, this cabin is a British getaway that overflows with quirk and charm.

Inside, classically styled furnishings, such as the tufted Chesterfield, oak dining table and the four-poster bed that's come straight out of a fairytale, rub shoulders with the eclectic animal portraits that dot the wall, the antler chandelier and antique-style gramophone — which actually works in case you're in the mood for a boogie. The copper rolltop bathtub that lies just next to the bed is another decadent touch that we can't help but salute.

The home's exterior is full of pleasant surprises, too. When the weather's warm enough — and even when it's not — you can sit out in the home's hot tub, before drying off on one of the egg chairs next to the roaring fire pit. It's possible to hear the sounds of wildlife from the neighbouring forest, as well as the occasional roar from Colchester Zoo, which is less than ten minutes' drive from the home.

Elsewhere in the local area, the huge Abberton Reservoir takes five minutes to reach in the car and offers spectacular birdwatching opportunities. The local village of Layer de la Haye, with its pair of pubs and farm shop, is a ten-minute walk away, too.

Kooky Cabin

This fantastic Victorian villa in the English Riviera is the perfect home for family holidays. Located in Paignton, this home is only a short walk from many great activities including Paignton Beach – a nineteen-minute walk away – where you will find the pier, the Geopark, a fairy cove, pirates bay adventure golf, and even a multiplex cinema perfect for those typical rainy British days. What’s more, Splashdown water park is a short nine-minute walk away and Torbay Leisure Centre – with its pool, gym and squash courts – is reachable in twelve minutes on foot.

Your little ones will love letting off steam in the home’s large, enclosed garden too, with the kid's swing, trampoline, treehouse, football goal and pirate boat. Meanwhile, you can relax on the garden bench with a good book or enjoy an afternoon Devonshire cream tea alfresco at the outdoor dining area. 

When it’s time to come indoors, head from the decked veranda through the French doors into the living space. Curl up on the sofa to watch a family film and even make it cosier with the wood-burning stove, which can be lit for additional warmth or roasting marshmallows. Your little ones hopefully won’t object to bedtime with the twin rooms one of which is Star Wars-themed and the other which features a dollhouse mounted on the wall and a whimsical fairy wall hanging to decorate. We can’t promise they’ll want to stop playing and go to sleep though. 

The Peacock's Feathered Plume

Live in ‘Gentleman Jack’ luxury style in this five-storey Georgian townhouse located in the heart of Whitby that will truly make for a memorable stay on the North Yorkshire coast. With a stunning balcony terrace and bar area on the top floor of this home, you are afforded incredible views over Whitby, stretching all the way to the Abbey, which can be enjoyed as you sip your morning Yorkshire tea or as the sun sets over cocktails at happy hour. 

On the other side of Whitby, you will find narrow medieval streets with boutiques and pubs. Plus, roughly a twelve-minute walk from your door, you can also discover the ruins of Whitby Abbey, which was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel, ‘Dracula’. What’s more, you can even go on a ‘Dracula’ experience, reachable in just six minutes on foot from this home. 

To make the most of your seaside escape, the Blue Flag West Cliff beach, and promenade are just a five-minute walk away. While nestled on the West Cliff, lining Pier Road – which can be reached in eight minutes on foot – you’ll find arcades for hours of fun on rainy days and Whitby’s famous fish restaurants serving the catch of the day because it simply wouldn’t be a beach holiday without fish and chips. 

On sunny evenings, take advantage of the courtyard on the ground floor of this home, and dine alfresco before ending the evening with drinks on the balcony to admire the views one last time. Then curl up on the comfy sofas to relax after an exhausting day of exploring and climbing the famous 199 steps up to the Church of Saint Mary. Finally, slip into the plush bedding and luxury linens to ensure you have a great night's sleep, ready for another day of adventures. 

Lister & Walker

Dating back to the 19th century, this barn in the White Peak area of the Peak District has ben given a new lease of life in recent years. No longer used for farmyard storage, it's now a country getaway full of luxurious touches.

Save for the sections of exposed stonework, you wouldn't be able to guess this home's true age. The design is contemporary but definitely rustic in flavour, with bare floorboards, artfully weathered wooden furnishings and a Scandinavian-style wood-burning stove that's the ideal companion to return to after a long bout in the great outdoors. The svelte rolltop bathtub upstairs is another way to get toasty and warm, too.

As you can probably guess from looking out through the glass doors to bucolic views of rolling countryside, you're not short of walking routes and picturesque scenic points in the immediate locale. The historic market town of Longnor only takes five minutes to reach in the car as well and offers a one pub, coffee shop & village shop. 

The Farmer's Husband

Foosball / Table Football

Tucked away in a valley at the heart of the Black Mountains, this sprawling home is a dreamy countryside escape. The home is split between an old farmhouse, a cottage, and a studio-style barn, making it a marvellous choice for group getaways. It’s in a stunning location and offers absolute peace and quiet, as well as privacy. If you’re looking to go off-grid and surround yourself with nature, you’ll love this home. 

The farmhouse is as traditional as they come, with wood beams and a roaring fireplace. In the mornings, cook hearty breakfasts on the AGA while enjoying the outstanding views of the valley from the kitchen window. From almost every angle here, the views captivate. 

Perhaps you’ll lace up your boots and head out on a nature walk. There’s an acre of woodland on the 40-acre farm, as well as a stretch of river for you to paddle in. There’s direct access to the Brecon Beacons National Park from the back of the farmhouse, so you won’t run out of hiking or cycling routes. 

When you return after a day exploring the Great Outdoors, you’ll be glad of the mountain spring water hot tub. Fire it up and soak your aching muscles, then spend the rest of the evening playing board games in front of the fire. 

The nearest pub is a fifteen-minute drive, and the cafes and bookshops of Hay-on-Wye are twenty-three minutes away. It may feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but you can grab a pint or a slice of cake easily enough. Perfection. 


Serenity in the Black Mountains

Make yourself a cup of tea and take it outside to your private riverside terrace, where the sound of the water cascading along the rocky riverbed and the many birds that visit it is all you need to feel content. Part of a small complex of cottages, around a central courtyard, it's set in an estate boasting more than a hundred acres of land – including hillside meadows, woodland and streams. 

The building you'll be calling home was once part of the home farm for the impressive Plas Cilybebyll Estate and was most likely stables and grooms' quarters – although some of its stone features hark back to the estate's noble history. Dive into its fascinating past and you'll spot links to the descendants of the ancient Welsh kings, the Norman invasion, Iolo Morgannwg and more. You'll even find an arrow slit in the lounge and another in the ground floor wet room wall.

Cleverly converted and architect designed, this home uses green energy and is insulated with sheep's wool. It's a surprisingly modern and comfortable home for a small family or a couple of friends here to make the most of its idyllic rural setting. By day, explore the farm thanks to a trail that starts at your door, visiting cattle and spotting wildlife as you go. If you're a keen cyclist, you're within striking distance of the Afan Forest and Bike Park Wales, with safe storage for your equipment.

Just an eight-minute drive from the town of Pontardawe and less than half an hour from Swansea, you'll feel as though this fairytale setting is tucked well away from the rest of the world.

Riverside Keep

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