Dating back more than 275 years, this countryside cottage full of nooks and crannies feels both exotic and familiar at the same time thanks to the host's design touches. Alongside colourful mementoes from her travels in Africa — including Masai necklaces and woven baskets — there are plenty of quintessentially English antiques and furnishings. You're unlikely to be cold at any point, as there's a wood-burning stove in the living room and an Aga in the rustic-style kitchen. The south-facing mature garden is as pretty as can be and gives those sitting out here a view of the quaint thatched roof, as well as the various plants and rose bushes that flower throughout the year. The surrounding village of Norleywood is unique in that it's home to wild horses and donkeys, who sometimes even sleep on the driveway. There are plenty of woodland walks and cycling trails to embark upon in the New Forest, while the wild Tanners Lane Beach takes just over half an hour to reach on foot.