The Iron Gate

The sitting room is spacious, elegant and softly-coloured. If you can’t be outdoors you’ll be comfortable in here with pretty fabrics, an open fire and lots of books on one wall. Board games and a TV mean rainy days can be relaxing. When the sun shines you can sit outdoors and look at the fields beyond – there’s a little table and chairs and a barbecue out here too.

The kitchen has a high ceiling, a lovely wooden table and all the kit cooks might need. If you stay a week you’ll find fruit and vegetables, eggs from their chickens and a bottle of wine – Jo can order food for you with a bit of notice. You can also use the pool and hot tub, which have glorious views, so do ask ahead. Walks and cycles start from the door.

Return to pretty bedrooms (one double, one twin) with antique furniture, sumptuous curtains and views over the garden; bathrooms are newly refurbished with imaginative colours. It’s very quiet.