Picture a quiet village in the Chiltern Hills, with a gorgeous redbrick house, clematis scaling its exterior and a bloom of white hydrangea to greet you upon entry. Fortunately, it’s not too good to be true, you’ll find this idyllic escape on the cusp of Sonning Common. Inside, it’s a sophisticated blend of modern touches and traditional country style, with carefully restored original timber beams for added charm. A light, bright kitchen gives way to the acre of gardens—the real star of the show. While the little ones are enthralled by the play area and the big kids are practicing their swings at the golf net, start up the wood-fired pizza oven or go apple picking in the fruit orchard. On balmy Thursday evenings during the summer, there’s a tractor trailer pub crawl but if you fancy staying closer to home, you’ll find a cosy inn just across the road.

Home truths:
*There’s an unfenced pond in the home’s grounds to keep an eye on little ones
*Pets are considered on a case by case basis
*An extra cot is available if you need it—just ask your host