Parlour

Marhamchurch sits two miles inland from the North Cornwall coast, in countryside that gives way to beaches within easy reach. Parlour is part of Court Farm Holidays, a family-run enterprise spread across four acres. The property itself is a ground-floor cottage sleeping four: one bedroom with a king bed, another with two singles, and a bathroom with a jacuzzi bath and shower. The open-plan living and dining space has a television and DVD player, and the kitchen is equipped for proper cooking with an electric cooker, dishwasher and washing machine.

What sets the location apart is the breadth of shared facilities. Guests can use the heated indoor swimming pool (9m by 4m, open 8am to 8pm), a games room with table tennis, a tennis court, and a children's play area. The grounds include gardens with seating and barbecue space to explore. The farm still keeps animals, and children can help collect eggs in the mornings. Wi-Fi, electricity and bed linen are included; there is parking for one car. The property does not permit smoking. An unfenced pond sits 110 yards away in the grounds, which matters if you are visiting with young children.