Awake Sweet England

Situated in the picturesque North Wessex Downs and just a five-minute from Marlborough's bustling High Street, this Grade II-listed cottage is an absolute charmer. Your hosts have recently refreshed the interior, going beyond the usual lick of paint and new carpets, going as far as to kit it out with a brand new bespoke kitchen complete with a stunning range – perfect for the home cooks out there.

That said, Marlborough is blessed with plenty of options when it comes to dining out. Top picks include Rick Stein, which serves up modern British fare – Dan's at the Crown offers elevated versions of the classics, plus the Michelin Guide recommended The Bell at West Overton, where you'll tuck into Mediterranean-inspired dishes just a four-mile drive out of town.

Continue a few minutes further along the road, and it won't be long before you end up in Avebury, home to Europe's largest neolithic stone circle. If that whets your appetite, then it's a forty-minute drive south to Stonehenge, the world's most famous and sophisticated stone circle.

For a day trip to a historic location with a less mysterious past, the charming city of Bath is an hour away. With beautiful Georgian architecture, contemporary culture and astonishingly well-preserved Roman baths, there's a reason it's regarded as an obligatory stop on so many itineraries.

Home truths:
*Check yourself in on arrival with the lockbox.
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and highchair are available on request.
*The closest supermarket is a four-minute walk away.
*Access to the home is via a private entrance.