The King's Man

This beautiful, eco-friendly home can trace its history all the way back to the year 976, when King Edward gifted the estate to a loyal member of his court. Since then, it has evolved into the country's second-best party and wedding venue (according to The Times), but in our opinion, it really comes into its own when booked as a relaxing rural retreat. Sitting on the edge of Dartmoor, it packs in plenty of rustic charm, making it the perfect place to enjoy a well-deserved break with family and friends. The interior pits modern art, bright throws and eye-catching rugs against original details like oak beams and more farmhouse features, including the Everhot range cooker and wood-burning stove, to create a stylish and welcoming home. Step into the immaculate garden, and the first thing that will catch your eye is the inviting pool with breathtaking views over the surrounding national park – it's seasonally heated to a balmy 28°C, so you can enjoy a dip whatever the weather. In addition to the pool, there's also a tennis court where you can unleash your competitive side. Your host Alistair, who co-owns the farm with his brother, will be there to cater to all your needs. As a former superyacht captain, he's an expert in delivering five-star luxury service.

Home truths:
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot, highchair, fireguard, books and toys are available upon request
*We'd recommend a car to fully explore the area – there's plenty of parking on the premises, plus an electric vehicle charger
*Charcoal and utensils for the barbecue are included
*The heated pool is open seasonally from April to September – there's a safety cover to keep the heat in and the children out
*There's no noise curfew as there are no neighbours, but fireworks are out due to nearby livestock
*A friendly dog lives on the property, though they won't be here during your stay, it may not be suitable for those with allergies
*The kitchen could be better equipped with more crockery and utensils