The Modern Ploughman

Tucked behind its own garden gate on a working farm in Buckinghamshire, this barn annexe offers an easy kind of rural escape – field views from the living room, a securely enclosed garden, and a patio where you can eat outside with goats for company. An outdoor fireplace and barbecue mean evenings don't have to move indoors, and a welcome hamper with fresh eggs, bread, and wine sets the right tone from the start. The Swan pub in Great Horwood is within walking distance, while Stowe Gardens and Bletchley Park are each a fifteen-minute drive away.

Home truths:
* Well-behaved pets are welcome to accompany you during your stay, as long as they're kept off the furniture and remain on the ground floor.
* The two single beds in the second bedroom can be zipped together to make a super-king – let your host know in advance if you'd prefer that setup.
* Your host and her family live on the farm in the main house, and her parents are in the brick house opposite – you may see or hear them outside during your stay.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can arrange stair gates, a high chair, and toddler-proofing of the annexe in advance.
* The kids' den sits in the ceiling above the landing and is roughly 1.3 metres high at its centre, tapering lower at the edges – it's a brilliant hideaway for children but not a space grown-ups can stand in. The ladder up is quite tall, though it has foot grips and handles.
* Due to this home's location, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay.