The Hayloft, Ashburton

This 17th-century hayloft has been renovated with attention to detail and filled with locally-made ceramics and original art. Joe and Sarah live in the large house next door with their dog and will greet you then leave you in complete privacy.

The kitchen has all the things you don’t want to buy for a short visit – herbs, spices, tea, coffee, jam – plus a welcome basket with local eggs, milk and bread. The snug is on the mezzanine level: feel warm with a book in front of the log-burner, play a board game and help yourself to some local gin out of the honesty bar hidden in an antique cabinet.

There’s a small terrace with a table and chairs for sitting out, but there’s plenty to do in the area – walking, pony trekking, canoeing, fishing; stroll into Ashburton or drive to Buckfast Abbey in seven minutes.