Situated within the idyllic Gotha Gardens at Pembroke Farm, this cottage stays true to its farmhouse heritage without giving up on any modern luxuries. Whitewashed beams adorn the ceilings in the living room, vibrant flatwoven rugs lay on oak floors and an ornamental fireplace takes centre stage. It's the perfect spot to kick back and relax after a long walk through the gardens and the open layout makes it easy to socialise while others rustle up a meal in the French farmhouse-style kitchen. During the summer, head out to the terrace overlooking the courtyard for a cup of tea or evening tipple, surrounded by lush potted plants and pretty flowers. But the best part of this home is the access to the Gotha Gardens. Stroll among the greenery, stopping to smell the roses and nibble on a slice of cake in the courtyard cafe. When you can pull yourself away from this verdant hideaway, it's only a quick drive to Ashwell – home to beautiful architecture and three county pubs – and stately homes like Wimpole Hall and Knebworth House are easily reachable. If you crave a little hustle and bustle, Cambridge is less than forty minutes by car.

Home truths:
*This home is in a rural spot so we recommend having a car to get around – there's on-site parking available
*Between April and September, there's a courtyard cafe that is open from 12pm to 5pm – this is right next door, so expect a little noise
*The kitchen is lacking some basic crockery and cooking utensils, so it might not be the best choice if you're planning family meals in
*You won't find a welcome hamper or basic essentials here, so we'd recommend packing some bits and bobs to get you started
*Unfortunately, the fireplace is purely ornamental
*The hosts have two dogs, a cat and a horse
*A cot is provided for little ones