Run with the River

If the gentle trickle of water helps you relax and you're a lover of the great outdoors, this fabulous home is sure to delight you. Right next to a narrow part of the River Harbourne, which leads to the Dart, it's a converted fruit barn with bags of character and more than its fair share of chic styling.

Built around 1825 and once a rubble ruin, the home has been completely modernised, with plenty of contemporary luxuries blending with the building's original structures. We love the extended kitchen and dining space, where beams and exposed stone walls give way to gunmetal grey patio doors and a glass ceiling.

Designed to be cosy for four but with the option of adding two children in the spacious master suite, it's a beautiful home with several standout features. As well as the modern log burner in the sitting room, there's the private garden beside the river, the high-spec kitchen, glamorous bathrooms and comfy beds. Plus a friendly local host who'll be on hand with tips and recommendations about the area.

On the outskirts of a village near Totnes, you'll be ideally positioned to access all of the South Hams easily by car. And keen walkers can head off to Totnes, Tuckenhay, Cornworthy and more. There are two good pubs within walking distance and the nearby Sharpham Estate has a great farm shop.

Home truths:
*While there are only two double bedrooms, up to two children could also sleep on sofa beds in the master bedroom
*One bedroom and a bathroom are on the ground floor
*You'll have parking space for up to two cars on the drive
*There's laptop-friendly workspace at the table and fast wifi
*A cot is available if you're bringing a little one
*The garden is fully fenced
*The host asks for outdoor shoes to be removed inside, so bring some slippers