Editor’s letter

I’m counting down the days until our stay at the uber-exclusive, five-star-rated, boutique retreat, Casa Young. The joy of a staycation (and I mean in the most literal sense as our new house is our holiday destination in August 2021) is there’s no packing stress, and none of those endless ‘don’t forget’ lists. Instead, I’ll spend the time I would take packing on readying the house for its guests (us). This means making sure it’s spick and span, stocking the fridge and cupboards with drinks and treats, and compiling a welcome pack full of local activities and eateries to enjoy. It may not quite have the wow factor of the stunning dream homes in this issue, but we’re making the best of what we have. The Mcnabney stevens family has a swimming pool (page 22), but we’ve hired a hot tub for a few days. There’s no beach on our doorstep (see page 78), but we can daytrip to a local lake with a cafe and watersports. The one thing I can’t control is the Great British weather (please be kind!). I wish I’d thought ahead and sorted a garden shelter (page 130), but the games cupboard is prepped and ready to go if rain stops play.

Happy holidays!