Meris's

Step in to find a homely, cosy, light-filled space: logs in the burner, a shining dining table, a boot room for togs, and, from each window, dappled woodlands and vistas of trees.

Here you are, tucked into the woods, a ten-minute drive from Great Malvern. Take your coffee to the terrace and the bank of wild flowers. Climb to the ancient fort where Elgar wrote ‘Dream of Girontius’; gaze to Hay Bluff and the Black Mountains. A footpath runs right past your door, guiding you into the hills.

Follow the path to the lovely Chase Inn, for a pie, a pint and a glorious view. Trek across the Malverns, spotting buzzards on the wing. For Tudor houses and twee-free shops, set off for Ledbury, six miles: a delight. Or trot down the hill to the village (15 minutes), for shops, cafés and all you might need, including a train to Paddington. Then home for dinner, cards, and soft feathery duvets…and owls to hoot you to sleep.