Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

You approach through a flower-tumbled porch gate: sheer pleasure to arrive at this former stable block in a downland village. Heated towel rails, supreme beds, cut-glass tumblers for grown-up drinks... Carole who does B&B in the farmhouse gives guests the best. Inside, a generous open-plan space and a neutral colour scheme; outside, your own Mediterranean patio garden. Beyond, 900 acres and walks from the door into the downs, or a stroll to the pub. It's perfect for all ages and is all on one floor. The high-raftered living and kitchen area is surprisingly cosy – central heating and wood-burner generate a winter glow – while a floor-to-ceiling window overlooks the neat farmyard. All is pristine : the kitchen stunningly equipped, the lofty bedrooms superb. Latched doors open to clean-cut bathrooms with top towels. There are books and board games, in summer you have the shared use of a heated pool (six days a week, ten till four), and there's badminton on the lawn. A home from home – only better.