Toasted Ambrosia

Toasted Ambrosia: Gloucestershire

One glance at this charming Cotswolds cottage and you'll fall in love at first sight. Built with the area's famous honey-coloured stone, it's as cosy inside as it looks. The open-plan living area is warm and homey, with plush leather sofas and a rustic dining table where everyone can gather over home-cooked dinners and delicious Sunday roasts. Upstairs, both bedrooms are comfortable and promise a restful nights sleep, while the kitchen, though small, has everything you'll need. Our favourite bit has to be the enclosed garden, with a grassy patch ideal for kicking around a football and a patio where you can sip morning coffees and enjoy evening barbecues during the summer. Location-wise, this home is pretty much perfect. Situated in the middle of Bourton-on-the-Water, there's a wonderful selection of pubs, eateries, tearooms, bakeries and local shops all within walking distance. Whether you want to go for a stroll along the River Windrush, visit the miniature replica of the town at The Model Village or wander through The Dragonfly Maze with the kids, there's plenty of family-friendly fun to be had in this area. And with Stow-on-the-Wold and Burton both a short drive away, exploring the other postcard-worthy Cotswolds villages is a breeze.

Home truths:
*All the fireplaces are ornamental only
*Bed linen and towels are provided – the bedding is hypoallergenic
*You'll want a car to explore further afield – there's off-street parking here for up to two cars
*Maximum capacity is four guests and one infant – a travel cot, high chair and stairgate are available on request, but you'll need to bring your own cot linens
*You'll also need to provide your own charcoal for the barbecue grill
*Mobile phone reception here is pretty good
*The smoke and CO detectors operate on a sound-only basis
*Please note that there's no washing machine here – there is a laundromat in town as well as a self-service Revolution laundry in Stow-on-the-Wold