Cake Down Cottage

This studio-style sanctuary for two is pet-friendly and sits within a working sheep farm near South Molton, the gateway to Exmoor. With a private hot tub and 70 acres of countryside to explore, holidays here are a complete escape from the everyday.

Located on a private lane and amid green pastures close to the River Mole, this farm building makes a perfect couples' bolthole. A studio-style, open-plan layout prioritises together-time as you cook, dine and stretch out on the sofa before the Smart TV; the space is uncluttered, contemporary and well-lit by fully glazed dual-aspect doors that give lovely views over the surrounding landscape.

A shower room completes the comfort and is conveniently close to the double bed in one corner, with storage space for your belongings alongside. Enclosed garden areas on each side of the property extend your living space further.

At the front, the raised terrace has a hot tub where you can lie back in the bubbles beneath unspoilt starscapes, and at the back, there's both a terrace and a lawn, plus bistro-style furniture, a BBQ and fire pit for the ultimate al fresco dining experience. Private parking for two cars means you can explore the surrounding countryside at your leisure.

Just a mile away, South Molton's twice-weekly Pannier Market is the place to shop for fresh local produce; just beyond, Quince Honey Farm offers engaging tours and has gardens that are full of wildlife. North of the town, Exmoor National Park presents a wealth of walking options and links with the South West Coast Path as it wends through spectacular scenery, including the dramatic Valley of the Rocks (23 miles).

For water sports and beach walks, the sands at Saunton are 20 miles from your doorstep.