Sweet Briars Cottage

Sweet Briars Cottage: Hampshire

Just an hour outside London (by road or train), this charming cottage is perhaps the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the big city. It's situated in Woolmer Forest within the South Downs National Park. Here, you can enjoy direct access to over 3,300km of bike trails, bridle paths and walking routes – perfect for getting out into nature.

Inside, the cottage gives off cosy vibes, with a wood burner that's perfect for warming up after blustery walks, beautiful exposed oak beams, and a gorgeous kitchen that sits beneath a soaring vaulted ceiling. From here, you can throw open the French doors and let that lovely fresh air come flooding in, or head outside and sink into the comfy outdoor sofas with a glass of red as you wait for that joint to roast in the range cooker. Elsewhere, the two bedrooms both guarantee a restful night's sleep, with a pocket-sprung mattress in one and memory foam in the other, plus high-end bedding and en-suite bathrooms.

With the vast expanse of countryside at your disposal, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the cottage was in the middle of nowhere. However, you'll find not one but two spas and golf clubs within walking distance, and perhaps most importantly, a pub at the end of the track serving fantastic food.

Home truths:
*Check yourself in on arrival with the lockbox
*Access to the home is via a private entrance
*There's a laptop-friendly workspace here
*We'd recommend a car to explore the area – there's ample on-site parking, plus an electric vehicle charger
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot, highchair, books and toys are available on request
*The main bedroom and en-suite shower room are on the ground floor, so the cottage may be suitable for those with limited mobility
*There are two neighbouring houses, each about 100m away
*A starter supply of logs is provided for the wood burner
*The garden is not dog-proofed for smaller dogs
*The road leading up to the home has some potholes