Lea Hill, Wren

The Blackdown Hills National Landscape rolls around Axminster, and Lea Hill, Wren sits in quiet countryside within it. From the cottage you can walk straight into the landscape—the Jurassic Coast is within reach for a day trip, as are the market towns and independent shops scattered through East Devon. The hamlet of Greendown keeps things peaceful without cutting you off entirely.

Inside, the cottage has two bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. One contains a double and single bed; the other a super-king that can be split into twins. The main rooms face across the valley. A sitting room gives you somewhere to settle, while the dining room opens directly onto an enclosed garden—useful for outdoor meals or, if you're bringing a dog, a secure space to let them move about. The kitchen is properly equipped for cooking, there's a ground-floor cloakroom, and wi-fi and electricity are included. Bed linen and towels are provided. The garden itself is enclosed and sheltered, making it a genuine asset rather than an afterthought.

It suits families or groups of friends after rural quiet for a week or two, whether you want to use it as a base for exploring the coast and surrounding hills, or simply to slow down. No smoking inside the property. One dog is welcome.