Longhorn

For splendid seclusion set out in the Somerset countryside, this beautiful barn conversion is the perfect escape for couples and families looking to slow down and enjoy each others company. Viewed from the outside, the building wears its humble origins with pride, but sleek skylights and floor-to-ceiling panes of glass looking out over the landscaped garden allude to what lies in store. The open-plan kitchen/dining/living area is the heart of the home, with plenty of natural light and comfy seating beneath its vaulted ceilings. A fab wood burner that serves to heat the entire space and makes for a welcome spot to huddle around after wintry walks. Blue kitchen units, an electric range cooker and a rustic dining table only enhance the contemporary farmhouse style. Elsewhere on the ground floor, you'll find a couple of cosy and inviting bedrooms (one with an en-suite bathroom), both with direct garden access. Clamber up the oak staircase, and there's one final bedroom that makes for a tranquil retreat at the end of the day. Outside, the garden offers a lovely spot to relax and reflect, with views overlooking the surrounding countryside. There's plenty of seating that makes for fantastic alfresco feasts, while the firepit ensures you can enjoy gazing up at the stars well after the heat of the day has ebbed away. After a day walking through the fields, we can think of nothing better than returning home for a soothing soak in the covered hot tub. The locale is quintessentially Somerset – with the seaside town of Weston Super Mare, stunning Cheddar Gorge, the festival town of Glastonbury and the city of Wells, between ten and forty minutes' drive away.

Home truths:
* Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and highchair are available upon request
* We'd recommend a car to explore the area – there's on-site parking for up to four vehicles
* Access to the home is via a private entrance
* The dining table and breakfast bar double as laptop-friendly workspaces if needed