Tucked away in the peaceful Cotswold village of Cowley, this cottage fits the definition of country luxe. While the façade has been preserved to look the part of an old countryside retreat, the insides are draped in soft textures and pastel colours. It's no surprise that this home has been featured in design magazines, especially since so much emphasis has been placed on harmonising the old with the new. The host has invested a lot of effort in making a home that won't require you to leave unless it's to immerse yourself in nature or nip out to the spa at Cowley Manor for some pampering – a five-minute walk away. The sleek, country-style kitchen is more than just a place to cook in – two cushioned window seats make an ideal spot for socialising before you sit down for a meal. After which you can retreat to the sitting room and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa by the wood-burning stove. Take turns stoking the crackling fire while soaking up the cosy, bucolic charm throughout the home and planning tomorrow's walk. Outside, there's plenty to explore with a surplus of quaint villages and market towns right on your doorstep. You're also a twenty-minute drive from Cheltenham and Cleeve Hill – which has the beacon for the highest point in the Cotswolds. Return home after a long day, and gather your ensemble for an alfresco meal on the terrace, while watching the sun set over the rolling hills. Or take the fifteen-minute stroll down to the local inn for good-old pub grub and a freshly-poured pint.

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