Holiday cottage, Bideford (3 mls), Devon - Sleeps 4 (FCH89336)

This idyllic getaway is set in beautiful countryside close to Devon’s Heritage Coast. Its ‘upside-down’ design means that the first-floor windows take advantage of the beautiful rural scenery all around. A wonderful base for couples or families, it offers not only gorgeous views but also a peaceful welcome from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Enter the open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner of this outstanding barn conversion and you’ll fall in love with the light and airy space. Bright and cheery, this has a welcoming lounge area at one end, with a modern wood burner and Smart TV, a spacious dining table and a fabulous, shaker-style fitted kitchen equipped with everything you’ll need to prepare stress-free meals.

The two king-size bedrooms are downstairs: one with an en-suite shower room and the other (which can be a twin on request) having use of the bathroom across the hall. Both have Smart TVs. Via the utility room on this floor, you can access the rear courtyard garden, where there’s a swing seat and a bench.

The lawned front garden boasts furniture for al fresco meals, and there’s even a third garden area, through the delightful orangery, with a large lawn for ball games or dogs to roam. There is also a charcoal BBQ available for those warmer months. Walkers and cyclists will adore this area, which is crisscrossed with trails to follow at a variety of levels and, of course, you are only 6 miles or so from the South West Coast Path.

For an easy day wandering shops, tearooms and restaurants, the historic port town of Bideford is just 3 miles, known for its picturesque quay, local produce and popular markets, while the charming small town of Instow, with its golden beach, is 6 miles, as is the historic fishing village of Appledore, where you’ll find winding narrow streets and colourful houses.