Rural Yet Refined

Rural Yet Refined: Oxfordshire

If you're in thrall to the English countryside but not so keen on the quintessentially rustic cottages that tend to be found there, this contemporarily styled home in a small Oxfordshire village may well appeal to you.

Rather than flagstone tiles and dusty ceiling beams, this home's design is dominated by stark white walls, smart wooden floors and large windows bringing in bountiful amounts of natural light. The kitchen and its sleek surfaces are a thing of beauty, as are the chic bathrooms complete with a few svelte tubs in which to luxuriate after a day out in the great outdoors.

Speaking of which, the address benefits from a large garden with a view of local farmland, as well as a terrace with seating from which to appreciate the tranquillity. If the weather's particularly good, you can fire up the barbecue for an alfresco banquet, but if the forecast isn't playing ball, you can make the minute's walk over to the local pub for a roast dinner.

The home actually sits within the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so guests can be assured that a wealth of scenic walking routes can be discovered nearby. The riverside town of Henley-on-Thames is only ten minutes' drive away too if you fancy a change of scenery.

Home truths:
*There's parking space for up to four cars
*Although the home is spread across two floors, there's a bedroom and ensuite on the ground level
*A continental breakfast is provided by the host
*Mid-stay cleaning, including linen and towel changes, is included in the price, while the host can also book taxis and restaurants
*Your host can provide a travel cot for free upon request
*Early check-in from 9am onwards and late check-out by 4pm can be arranged