Description Stroke of Inspiration: Henley-on-Thames

This might not be one of the prettiest homes in the riverside town of Henley-on-Thames, but it's a base that's solidly reliable for those who will be spending most of their time out in surrounding Oxfordshire.

The interior itself is bright and airy, thanks to the large windows and the open-concept layout in the main living area that allows natural light to flow about the space. When it comes to design, you won't be wowed, but equally, there's nothing offensive about the neutral colour palette and simple furnishings. We do reserve praise, however, for the kitchen, which is both large and well-equipped enough for whipping up hearty suppers.

When you want to see a little more of the locale, the banks of the River Thames take ten minutes to reach on foot and the Thames Path continues in both directions. The Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be reached in three minutes' drive and offers a wealth of walking routes and stately homes to explore.

Home truths:
*There's allocated off-road parking available
*The single-level apartment sits on the ground floor
*Your host can provide a travel cot for free upon request
*Breakfast is provided by the host