The house itself is surrounded by its own pretty gardens, naturally blending into the woodlands behind, take a moment to explore. In the Artist Hut there are painting easels, watercolour sets, pens and paper – please help yourself.

Within the Lookout Hut, there are three telescopes, deck chairs and star charts. After dark, with a mug of Horlicks, or a night cap, head up and admire the stars, courtesy of the European ‘dark sky’ reserve.

Opposite, further gardens include our newly planted apple orchard and a croquet lawn, used by the village team and badminton courts, where you can work up an appetite. 

Grab a mallet, for a spot of healthy competition and afterwards, unwind with a gin and tonic on the terrace. When the weather’s fine, the terrace is a suntrap for long lunches and afternoons that drift into evening.