Description Watercress Soup: Longcombe

This is a barn conversion in which the standard of the renovation has been of such quality that it's nigh-on impossible to picture its functional past. Set in twenty-six acres of Devon countryside, the building has been given some hi-tech features, including a ground-source heating system and an intelligent lighting system, as well as a lot of large glass windows that make the space a lot brighter than could be expected of an old barn. Our favourite space has to be the mezzanine lounge, reached via a glass spiral staircase and with a skylight on one side that's perfect for stargazing. The large kitchen looks the picture of modernity, but there's an Aga in place for a touch of rusticness. Stepping outside, there's a large patio area complete with an alfresco dining table, barbecue and fire pit, so you can sit out here on summer evenings and bask in the spectacular view of Longcombe Valley. The medieval town of Totnes can be reached in seven minutes in the car and offers plenty of quaint shops and restaurants to explore. Paignton Beach is a seventeen-minute drive away, too.

Home truths:
*A sofa bed in one of the reception rooms can sleep an additional two guests on request
*Two of the bedrooms can be configured as twin singles or a king-size bed
*There's free parking on the premises
*A cot, high chair, fireplace guards, window guards and safety gates can be provided upon request
*The outside area is enclosed
*There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms on the ground floor