Boughs of Holly

Reached at the end of a lane and with only one neighbour, this cottage looks positively rural from the outside — an impression only furthered by the sight of ceiling beams, exposed brickwork and wooden floorboards once you step inside. However, the home is actually in southeast London, with Greenwich only fifteen minutes' drive away and Soho reached in forty minutes by car. The sprawling Winn's Common sits just three minutes' walk up the road too and has plenty of entertainment options for little ones. Once you've experienced the hustle and bustle of the UK's capital, you can return to your retreat and relax. In the summer months, guests can frolic about in the swimming pool, while the covered hot tub is open all year round. After that, the only thing for it is to mix up a cocktail in the bar area and sip with your feet up next to the fireplace.

Home truths:
*The swimming pool is only open in July and August
*There's a separate annex with a leisure room, kitchen and bathroom
*A cot and high chair are available upon request
*There's free parking available on the premises
*Although the home is split across two levels, there are two bedrooms and a shower room on the ground floor
*The home has a washing machine and dryer, but the host can arrange laundry services if required