Gamekeeper's Cottage

Awarded five stars and a gold accolade by Visit England, this pretty cottage nestled in the North Devon countryside ticks all the right boxes for a retreat for two. From the luxurious feeling bed and the Smeg fridge full of complimentary goodies to the modern wood burner and the Scandi-style hot tub, every detail has been thought of to make it the most romantic break possible. The location is a nature lover's dream with gorgeous surroundings (including the owners' 14-acre woodland, which you're welcome to explore) and hundreds of easily accessible walks – Dartmoor National Park is just forty-five minutes away by car, too. The hosts are among the most hospitable we've met and are happy to drop you off at a local pub if you fancy a glass of wine with your evening meal. If you decide to stay put, however, a magical night awaits. Fire up the Ooni for the kind of pizza a Neapolitan would be proud of (your host provides two balls of homemade pizza dough) and follow it with a soak in the hot tub under the stars. If you'd like to visit the coast, Bude and Westward Ho! are a little over half an hour away, so book yourself a surf lesson or get to grips with all kinds of kite sports.

Home truths:
*The outdoor light is on a timer so may turn off if you're in the hot tub a while
*The owners live in the neighbouring property, but the home and its garden are private and for your personal use
*The washing machine, dryer and microwave are located in a separate garage
*For homeworking, the owner has an office next door with access to a printer/wi-fi which can be used free of charge
* If arranged in advance, your hosts can drop you off at a local pub(and pick you up afterwards), so you can enjoy a drink with your meal
*You'll need a car to make the most of this location
*Despite being all on one level, this home is not wheelchair-friendly
* All fuel for the barbecue, fire pits, pizza oven and hot tub is supplied