Kinverley

Hay-on-Wye and Kington both lie within striking distance—the former famous for its literary festival each May, the latter a working market town with cafés, shops and restaurants. The Offa's Dyke walking trail runs nearby, and Presteigne's Judge's Lodging Museum makes for an afternoon's diversion. A golf course with views toward the Brecon Beacons sits close by. Kinverley itself is a detached bungalow on ground level, which means no stairs to navigate with luggage or small children.

Inside you get a living room with a woodburner, a kitchen equipped to cook proper meals, and two bedrooms—one with a double bed, the other with a three-quarter double and a single. The bathroom has a bath with shower. Wi-Fi, electricity, bed linen and towels are covered; logs for the fire are provided initially, then charged per basket. A washing machine and tumble dryer mean you can travel light. One pet stays free, and there's a welcome pack and dog extras to make them comfortable.

The real draw is the garden: large, fully enclosed, with a summerhouse, seating areas and a gas barbecue for outdoor meals. Room to park three cars on the property. The owner lives next door and is on hand if you need anything.