Stone Fowl

Stone Fowl works well for small families or couples wanting a rural base with real amenities. This converted barn sits on a multi-unit site at the foot of the Malvern Hills, in Herefordshire countryside, and you get the whole place to yourself. Two bedrooms sleep four, with one bathroom, wifi throughout, and the essentials—electricity, bed linen and towels—all covered.

The interior mixes Scandinavian minimalism with comfort: clean lines, pale tones and soft furnishings that feel considered rather than fussy. What really sets it apart is access to the heated indoor swimming pool housed in a separate barn on the grounds. Kept at 35 degrees year-round, it opens onto views across the Malvern escarpment, so you can swim through winter without leaving the county. The property is non-smoking, and one dog is welcome.