Middle & East Cottages, Southlands Farm

You’ll fall in love with this rugged county, for its beauty and its space; no crowds, no traffic jams, no rush. Stay in a 19th-century byre and a granary (the original feeding troughs stand outside, spilling flowers in summer), immaculately converted, alongside two others, in an eco-friendly way. Solar panels heat the water, the logs are on the house, electricity comes from renewable sources. Step into East Cottage to find a light modern space with soaring ceilings, tiles warm underfoot, bright rugs and cushions and a wood-burning stove. The kitchen glows at the other end: hand-built Shaker-style units, granite tops, an old pine dresser with plenty of china, a table for lazy breakfasts; owner Dee delivers a sizzling full English if you want, all local and seasonal. Up the spiral stairs are super bedrooms with buttermilk walls, wooden floors, pastel-striped blankets and exquisite beds; bathrooms are dazzling white, the twin has a wet room, the towels are thick and white. You can walk to a superb pub; or take a sundowner to the patio, and choose a home-cooked supper from the honesty freezer.