Foxearth

*Brand new*
Once a dilapidated old brick and flint cottage (c.1870) on a farm in deepest Dorset, this now-contemporary space buzzes with colour and vitality. It took its owners 3 years to restore, living amongst the chaos with rooks and squirrels for neighbours, and having to climb a ladder to bed each evening. Once finished, they filled it with a riot of vibrant colour, gorgeous fabrics and pretty wallpapers by Barneby Gates, Jane Churchill and Colefax & Fowler, plus a wealth of interesting art – she’s an art historian. Finally, they imaginatively used 5 pigs to clear the overgrown garden (!), before replanting it with large drifts of bee-friendly plants, in a wave of soft mauves, pale lilacs, silver, deep purple and blues. Throwing open the back bedroom window to a bank of blooms each morning was utterly joyful, as were the spectacular views from the front bedroom, across rolling golden and green hills.

Though you’re close to historic cob-and-thatched villages and a renowned English vineyard, this is way off the beaten track in a peaceful, private valley. Which means you’ll hear tawny owls at night — and not a lot else. The footpaths of the Blackmore Vale wind out from the front door, promising pretty walks and gastro-pub lunches, but the real treat is just being here. The little ‘Potting Shed’ area is especially magical, a place to loll about reading, chatting and snoozing on the daybed, and stargazing every evening (this is a Dark Skies area). With 2 bedrooms it’s ideal for an escape with another couple, but how lovely to come here on your own (even solo) and just be…

Getting here: you’ll need to drive.