Hooting Owl

Hooting Owl: Worcestershire

If you ever feel the need to just get away from it all and clear your head for a couple of days, this converted barn at the foothills of the Malvern Hills could be just the ticket. Neighbours are few and far between in these parts, which means that sitting out on the home's outside deck is a perfectly peaceful experience. And given that there's a wood-fired hot tub and a separate wood-burner, this can be done even if the weather gets a little chilly. If it gets too bad, there's another wood-burner inside which you can curl up next to with a good book. As you might imagine, there's no shortage of walking routes to take in the surrounding Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with possible stops along the way including an iron age hill fort, an old quarry and a country pub or two.

Home truths:
*The sleeping quarters can be arranged as a super-king-size bed or twin singles
*One well-behaved dog is allowed with an additional fee of £25, but puppies aren't allowed — the host requests that animals aren't left alone inside the property
*The host can provide you with a jug of ice if you ask
*Smoking is strictly prohibited in and around the home
*Mobile reception is patchy and although Wi-Fi is provided, it's not the quickest
*Wood for the hot tub and log burner is provided
*We recommend a car when staying here, there are no bus stops nearby, and Great Malvern station is a twenty minute drive
*There's a small step before the front door