This place takes open plan to a whole new level – kitchen, dining, sitting and sleeping are all rolled together in one nifty ensemble. It’s artfully put together and there is rustic charm in the unpainted bare plaster walls, an exposed wooden-beamed open roof and some well-chosen furniture and art.
Cook together in the kitchen area with its Everhot stove, Le Creuset pans and an eclectic set of pottery mugs and recycled wine tumblers – you’ll find plenty of dry and tinned goods in the cupboards and Mary leaves you bacon, bread, muesli and eggs as well as the basics.
The big bed has a lovely antique bedspread, fresh linen, romantic lighting and a screen if you want to close yourselves in. From here there are French windows to the front gravel area with a table and chairs, which gets the sun most of the day. There’s a tennis court just next door, a field for exercising dogs and John and Mary can bring round a barbecue if you want a summer supper.
I was immediately transported to a rural French setting in the mid-19th century. Romance and rustic charm ooze from every corner in this beautifully put together, totally open-plan space. No TV to kill the vibe here, a place to read, converse and simply be. There are terrific walks in the area and much to see if you ever leave but why would you? The ideal place to come and decompress. A treasure.