Launde Lodge

*Brand new*

Tucked away down a single-track road, surrounded by nature and serenaded by birdsong, is a rustic-luxe shepherd’s hut where in-the-know modish types come to unwind. It may be a hut but step through the French doors and the sheer style will blow you away: a muslin-draped bed, a rolltop copper bath… it’s all very special. Contemporary-design lovers will admire the carved-stone sink, steel-flume log burner and raw wood panelling, while thoughtful extras include bathrobes, cosy blankets, Norfolk Natural Living toiletries and stylish earthenware crockery. What’s more, the hideaway is made entirely from sustainable materials, inside and out.

The wider setting is a peaceful, rural farm: this is a place of ultimate relaxation, where you can fully disconnect from city stress and spend time walking, biking and relaxing. Easy day trips include the Tilton Cutting (beloved by David Attenborough), medieval castles and Rutland Water, or just trundle to pubs for lazy lunches. You’ll probably have worked this out for yourself, but the ultimate thing to do here is throw open the double doors, pop a bottle of fizz and climb into a bubble-filled tub — or fire up the hot tub for an alfresco soak. Lose hours simply gazing across the landscape, your only company the odd horse ambling across the farm in the distance.

Getting here: you’ll need to drive