Cider by the Fire

Ancient timber beams, exposed stone walls, and a walled courtyard garden set the scene at this house in the heart of Painswick village – but what surprises is the range of what's on offer once you're inside. A private wellness suite with an infrared sauna and zero-gravity massage chairs sits alongside a dedicated cinema room, while the hydrotherapy hot tub in the courtyard is hard to leave on a clear night. Independent cafes and pubs are on the doorstep, and Slad Valley – the landscape that inspired Laurie Lee's Cider with Rosie – is a thirty-four-minute walk away.

Home truths:
* At full occupancy, two guests will sleep on two sofa beds across two bedrooms – we think they're best suited to children.
* While the third and fourth bathrooms aren't photographed, expect the style and quality to be consistent with the rest of the home.
* The hot tub is available between 10am and 9pm only – a house rule in place out of respect for neighbours, so late-night soaks aren't on the cards.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair – request these in advance to make sure they're ready on arrival.
* Painswick is a village best explored on foot once you arrive, but Cheltenham, Stroud, and Gloucester are all a short drive away – you'll want a car to make the most of the wider area.