A Study in Green

Featured on Grand Designs, this striking single-storey house sits on a hillside above the West Berkshire countryside, with floor-to-ceiling windows pulling in long views across rolling fields. The landscaped grounds and mature trees make the setting feel secluded – a quality that's hard to find this close to Newbury. Inside, the design is minimal and considered, with a statement four-poster bed in one room and a lofty double-height sleeping space in another. Highclere Castle is a thirty-seven-minute drive, and the North Wessex Downs AONB is within easy reach for those who want open skies and chalk hills.

Home truths:
* The main bedroom on the first floor has no door separating it from the open-plan living area.
* The driveway entrance is shared with a working farm, so you may occasionally pass farm workers and their vehicles as they access the barn off the drive.
* The fireplace is ornamental and cannot be lit, so on cooler evenings you'll be relying on the central heating to keep things warm.
* Self-check-in is available here. You'll either pick up the keys at a nearby property or use a lockbox on the premises. Your host will confirm instructions before your arrival.
* Starter toiletries are provided. However, you will need to stock up on other essentials such as coffee and tea, as these are not included.
* Your host uses a third-party platform called Truvi for ID verification and to manage damage deposits independently from Plum Guide. They'll send you a link to fill out when you book.