The Granaries

The Granaries: Isle of Wight

In a secluded spot down a single-track lane, this contemporary barn is a welcome surprise. Renovated in the style of Caruso St John (the famed architects behind the Tate Modern), it's a striking tribute to modern, eco-friendly design – solar panels and a heat source pump power the heating and hot water. The inside is just as dramatic, with copper light fittings, high-design furniture and large picture windows that make the most of the garden views. All the mod-cons are accounted for, including rain showers, a home-cinema projector and underfloor heating to keep chilly toes at bay. Throw a log on the wood-burner for extra cosiness and snuggle up in the window seat with a good book. Outside there's even more to love, including a private pool, leafy garden and a calisthenic gym space that works as a yoga or kickboxing studio. After a morning workout and a dip in the pool, enjoy a walk around Manor Bottom, or if you want to stretch your legs even more, the seaside town of Ventnor is a forty-minute walk away. But our favourite part were the hosts. The amount of love Steven and Agnieszka put into making their guests' stay extra special is quite something. No detail has been overlooked, be it organic toiletries, a welcome hamper filled with local jams and chutneys or arranging on-site massages. They even go the extra mile to carefully curate books and music for each individual guest – safe to say, you'll be in excellent hands.

Home truths:
*The two single beds in the second room can be arranged as a super king bed on request – just let your host know in advance
*There's no TV here but there is an amazing cinema-style projector, which the hosts can help you set up
*There's parking for one car on-site
*The swimming pool is not heated and is not fenced off, so families with younger children will have to keep a watchful eye
*Guests are welcome to wander the full grounds of Manor Bottom
*The hosts can arrange child-friendly items like a cot, high chair, fireplace guards, plug socket covers, books and games and kid's tableware
*Hypoallergenic pillows and duvets are available by request
*The hosts can arrange bike rental during your stay