TheCatOnTheRoof

Swindon's old town quarter puts you within reach of independent shops, restaurants and galleries, while the STEAM Museum and Railway Village are close by. Further afield, Lydiard Park offers countryside walks and gardens; Avebury's ancient stone circle and the Cotswolds villages are day-trip possibilities. The townhouse itself is built around a bright dining area under a glass ceiling, with a kitchen equipped for proper cooking and a sitting room with an open fire for quieter evenings. Upstairs are four bedrooms: two with zip-and-link super-king beds (convertible to singles) and two with single beds, served by two bathrooms.

The essentials—heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and WiFi—are covered, along with initial fuel for the woodburner. An enclosed back garden with a summerhouse and gas barbecue offers outdoor space; there's parking for two cars and a bike store. A cot and highchair are available if needed. No smoking inside.