Gorstage Meadows

Gorstage Meadows stands on a working smallholding in rural Cheshire, where rare breed sheep graze the fields around you. The lodge itself is single-storey, with an open-plan living space that flows from the kitchen through to a dining area and comfortable lounge. There's a double bedroom with ensuite shower and a second bedroom with twin singles, plus a family bathroom. Everything is on one level, and the essentials—heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and wifi—are covered.

The real draw is the private hot tub on the decking, positioned to take in the countryside. Parking for two cars is on site. Public footpaths cross the smallholding itself if you want to explore on foot, and the owners, who live there, can arrange farm experiences for guests interested in getting closer to the animals.

The location opens up a wide range of days out. Delamere Forest, 15 minutes away, has walking routes, Go Ape, Segway tours and an aqua park. Oulton Park racing circuit is similarly close. Within half an hour you can reach several National Trust properties: Arley Hall, Tatton Park, Dunham Massey, Quarry Bank Mill and Speke Hall. Chester is 30 minutes' drive, Manchester and its surrounding area an hour or so. Cuddington station runs trains to both cities, and the North Wales coast is roughly an hour away. The lodge does not permit smoking.