The Old Shippon

With its 54-acre farmland and Dunsdon National Nature Reserve providing the backdrop, The Old Shippon at Dunsdon Farm is a pretty stone cottage made for indulgent Devon family (and pet-friendly) getaways. After a restoration project in 2011, everything here is pretty high spec: from the downstairs area complete with contemporary rugs, comfy sofas and woodburning fireplaces to snuggle up beside, to the impressive solid oak staircase that feels warm and reassuring underfoot (as does the snug underfloor heating throughout the cottage). Upstairs there are three bedrooms, sleeping up to six people, where you can recoup in the cast iron bedstead surrounded pretty decorative wallpaper and a slick, modern bathroom. Let the children run riot in the mezzanine area where squashy beanbags will keep them occupied while you take to the patio area and lap up the divine country views. Don't leave your pets at home: bring your four-legged friends and head out on some great local walks and roam around the farm's 23 acres of private woodland.