A historic gatehouse on the grounds of the Shaftesbury Estate in rural Dorset, this petite one-bed lodge has recently undergone a loving refurb by one of the estate owners, Lady Shaftesbury. She obviously has a great eye for design, as her palette of delicious apricot and duck egg blue stylishly updates this vintage cottage into not just a twenty-first-century home, but a home with charm and character. There are plenty of thoughtful touches we found exquisite, from soft dressing gowns to the complementary breakfast hamper – and everything, from Egyptian cotton bedding to the plush sofas, is of boutique hotel quality. The hosts are attentive, meticulously committed to making sure your every whim is met. All in all, this cosy country hideaway is perfect for city escapes, with nearby the great beaches of the Jurassic coast, the New Forest, the National Trust property of Kingston Lacey, cities like Salisbury or Portsmouth and traditional seaside in Bournemouth. And while it feels like one of a kind, a twin lodge and two maisonettes in a neighbouring cottage are also available, so you can bring your friends too (although you might want to keep this little secret to yourself).

Home truths:
*This is a rural setting so bugs and spiders can occasionally find their way inside – if you have a phobia, maybe this isn’t the place for you.
*A late check-out can be arranged at a cost of £25 per hour per lodge but this must be arranged at the time of booking or an extra night will be charged
*Doorways are tight and compact – this home unfortunately is not wheelchair-friendly
*Other homes on the grounds are rented out, so you may not be completely isolated. There are sometimes weddings on the grounds too
*This home is remote, so you will need a car for exploring the local area – there is gravel parking space for two vehicles
*Unfortunately, this home is not pet friendly
*Check-ins are available Monday-Saturday only, year-round