By The Meres

This home was once a hayloft in a former life — the original circular window on the front is so shaped for pitching hay through — but today it's a perfectly cosy space for a rural getaway. Despite this functional heritage, you can safely banish any thoughts of cramped living quarters. Illuminated by a series of skylights, guests get access to a recently refitted kitchen that is plenty big enough for cooking up hearty dinners, as well as a lounge with comfy furnishings for sprawling out upon after long country walks. There is no shortage of outdoor pursuits to undertake in North Shropshire and just across the Welsh border, including wandering along the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, only twenty-four minutes away in the car. The Boat House gastropub on the outskirts of Ellesmere is only six minutes' walk away, too.

Home truths:
*There's plenty of room to park on the driveway
*The home isn't suitable for children or infants
*There's a washing machine and dryer, although guests will have to pay extra to use these facilities
*There are other self-contained apartments on the same site