Top Cottage

Inside is all very fresh and spacious but cosy too. The open-plan living room has a dormer-style window looking over the lake, a big TV, books and comfy chairs and a sofa for rainy days. It’s all open-plan and the kitchen runs along one wall – everything you need and more including a slimline dishwasher. You’ll find cooking basics plus milk, bread and eggs for your first breakfast.

You’re left walking maps and you can amble over fields into the village in about 20 minutes for a well-stocked village shop which opens every day. Determined hikers will be out all day in such spectacular countryside – the wonderful Hambledon Hill (National Trust) is just down the road. This space is ideal for overflow from the other holiday properties on the smallholding – either grandparents or a couple with a baby.

Spend days exploring then return to a bath or shower and a well-dressed bed with crisp cotton sheets – the peace is restorative.