THE BOTHY, DARTMOOR

This decadently romantic bijoux bolthole has been really thought out by its interior designer owner. The main living space has a sofa, woodburner and king size bed – just the place for breakfast with dreamy moorland views. For a close-up, search for wild Dartmoor ponies on any number of exhilarating walks. The holiday let has a private garden with fire pit and access to the owner’s tennis court – handy if you have a Devonshire cream tea to work off.

* The Bothy can be booked through Boutique Retreats, who try to bridge the gap between boutique hotels and traditional holiday cottages. They have properties all over the UK and can organise catering and food deliveries.

As a nation, we are blessed with such a wealth and variety of scenery, history and culture that a home turf holiday is always a delight… and it’s kinder to the environment too. The sun may not always shine, it’s true, but if you have one of these dashingly good-looking holiday homes to hole up in, we reckon you will feel like you’re in the sweetest place on earth!