The Hayloft

The sleepy Cheshire countryside south of Manchester and Merseyside is a sort of secret escape between the Peak District and North Wales – not so secret among the well-heeled footballers that buy country mansions here, but an in-the-know destination for anyone seeking a bit of rural peace and quiet while being a short drive from posh little market towns and national park landscapes. If that sounds like you, then the Hayloft is a perfect little base, a charming redbrick conversion that's in the grounds of a country property but also nice and private with fields all around. Knutsford is just five miles away – a typically monied Cheshire town of interior design shops, antique centres and delis – while the classy spa town of Buxton, deep in the Peak District, is close enough for lunch and a mooch around.

Where they used to pack hay is now a cosy space for a couple, done out in an attractive, contemporary country style of exposed brick and floorboards under solid timber beams. There's a mezzanine level above that maintains the height and light, but all the living space is downstairs on one level. A tiled shower-room and double bedroom lies on one side, open-plan kitchen-diner and lounge on the other, and while the bedroom is compact, there's plenty of leisure space beyond. There's a twin sofa and bucket chair in the lounge, a little dining area under the beams, and a decent-sized country kitchen with everything you need for cooking cosy meals.

Patio doors from the lounge lead out on to a private outdoor space with garden furniture and field views. There's bike storage – and some nice, flat rides hereabouts – and because this is Cheshire, not only can you bring your dog (there are outside kennels) but also your horse, if you tell them in advance. The village pub is a mile away, the nearest shop a couple of miles, though if you're not stocking up in local organic farm shops and artisan delis, you're not doing Cheshire right.