One glance at this thatched arts and crafts style cottage and you'll feel like you've stumbled into a fairytale. But instead of a faraway kingdom, you'll find this cosy homestead nestled in a quiet corner at the edge of Dartmoor National Park. It's the perfect place to escape to the country – one glance at those striking views over the Teign Valley from the private garden and you'll never want to return to the bustle of city life (we sure didn't). Inside, the magic continues, with an inviting sitting room perfect for family time and a country-style kitchen that has everything you'll need to rustle up a meal. We loved the welcome hamper – host Charles leaves bread, jam, local milk and even fresh flowers to make you feel right at home – and the delightful touches like board games and DVDs provide plenty of entertainment. Enjoy a family game night in front of the fire, curl up with a book in the cushy armchair or spend a chilled evening snuggled up with your favourite films. During the day, don your walking shoes and hit the nearby trails, then, following an afternoon of rambling, reward yourself with a well-earned pint at one of the local pubs. Or, if you'd prefer a bit more liveliness, Exeter is only a twenty-minute drive away.

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