Westley Farm

With walled gardens, views of the Golden Valley and a backdrop of trees, the cute stone cottages of Westley Farm have a fairytale appeal. But this isn’t Narnia: it’s The Cotswolds, and jolly nice it is too! Halfway between Cirencester and Stroud, Westley Farm is two hours’ drive from central London and less if you come by train. It’s close enough for a weekend away and far enough for a week – which will give you just enough time to get a taste of the good life on offer here. There are cross-country walks to beamed Cotswolds inns, farmer’s markets groaning with seasonal produce, and then there’s life right here on the farm.

Westley Farm is sensitively managed and it shows. It’s part of what makes the place so special. Cows and sheep graze the fields, kestrels hover overhead and rare butterflies occasionally flit by. For your chance to see them, book a stay in one of the three dog-friendly cottages or in the glamping accommodation that’s tucked away in the farm’s ancient woods in the summer – six beautiful yurts and cabins offered every year between spring and autumn. Each option has its own charm, but it’s the cottages we’re interested in here. While farm properties are often clustered together, these are flung far and wide.

Each has amazing views, but Hornstone perhaps has the best of the lot from the outdoor seating on its southwest-facing deck, where you'll also notice steps down to a private wood-fired hot tub. On warm days, use the barbecue and large table to dine al fresco, or relax in the hammock with a book. Nestled on the edge of woodland, there's a walled garden at the front, while inside, take in the spacious, fully-equipped kitchen with a range cooker and dishwasher, and the cosy lounge with a log fire for wintery evenings. When bedtime rolls around, there's a trio of options for up to seven guests. Upstairs, discover a romantic en-suite double with exceptional rolling countryside outlooks and a super-king (convertible into two singles if you prefer) with a separate bathroom. On the ground floor, you'll find a super-king (or twin), with space for another person on a single, plus a third bathroom.

 Jackdaw is the most romantic and secluded, with a warm feel from Mexican, Moroccan and Native American arts and crafts, a wood-burner in the lounge, and a hot tub outside. Sleeping four, there's a king bedroom and another with two singles to choose from. Meanwhile, Cockshutt, also housing four across two bedrooms – a king and two singles – has a more typically English country cottage appeal thanks to flagstone floors and an open fire.

The abundance of great quality local food and drink is likely to be a highlight of your stay, and you can book hampers of goodies for your arrival (available between April and October). Otherwise, stock up at the farm shop down the road or take a trip to the market in Stroud. The 20-minute cross-country walk to The Crown Inn at Frampton Mansell is a must, and if you want a longer adventure, carry on along the canal to The Daneway pub. Roman Cirencester, its open-air swimming pool and the castles at Berkeley and Sudeley are all worth a visit, and none are too far from here. You may not have time to see them all – but don’t fret, if you’re anything like previous guests, you’ll probably be back next year.