There aren’t many places in the UK where you can swim in an outdoor pool year-round, but this is one of them. This idyllic farmhouse has a 34-foot heated swimming pool in the garden, in addition to every other dreamy amenity you could wish for.

Wake up in a sumptuously comfortable bed, having enjoyed the kind of peaceful night’s sleep you can only achieve in the countryside. Collect freshly laid eggs for breakfast – the kitchen is a treat to cook in – and dine together at the long farmhouse table. This is the perfect home for get-togethers as there’s plenty of room for everyone to spend time together – but there are also cosy corners for you to curl up in, undisturbed.

Perhaps you’ll spend your day at home, swimming in the pool, wandering through the mature orchard, and watching the kids play in the garden. If you fancy seeing a bit more of the area, you might lace up your hiking boots and set off on the 6-mile circular walk that runs right past the front door. This delightful home can be found between the thriving villages of Clyst Hydon, Talaton and Plymtree, all surrounded by scenic countryside, and all with their own village pub to discover. Exeter is a thirty-minute drive away, and is a great choice for a day trip.

In the evenings, we’d set up camp on the terrace. Order in food to enjoy alfresco, then toast marshmallows over the fire pit as you watch the stars emerge. This is a wonderful spot for stargazing as there’s no light pollution.


Home truths:
*Cows, geese and chickens live on this property but are kept separate from the house
*The super-king beds can be set up as singles on request
*While up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome to accompany you during your stay, puppies under the age of 1 are not accepted here
*This home is spread over two floors with no internal lift – it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*Your host kindly asks that you do not enter the barns as this is a working farm
*The house and pool are heated with renewable energy
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for little ones on request
*Bookings for stag and hen parties are not accepted here
*There’s plenty of free parking here, and you can charge electric vehicles