Dairy Farm

Dairy Farm is a thatched cottage from the 16th century, built with original oak beams and an inglenook fireplace. It sits on three acres within Sherfield English, surrounded by the Test Valley's rolling countryside. The property is private and entire, with its own parking for two cars and a large garden that includes a pond—unfenced, so worth knowing about if you're travelling with young children or a dog. One dog stays free, and there's an enclosed field next door for walking.

Downstairs, a living and dining room opens onto the kitchen, which has an electric Aga, dishwasher, hob and microwave. A woodburner provides warmth in winter. Upstairs, a winding staircase with height restrictions at the bottom leads to a double bedroom (4ft 6in bed) and a single bedroom; the master has a sloping floor. The bathroom has a roll-top bath, shower cubicle and heated towel rail. Bed linen, towels, electricity and wi-fi are all included. The cottage takes three people comfortably.

The Test Valley is known for fishing and walking; The Test Way runs through it, as does The Clarendon Way. Nearby Romsey is a market town with shops, restaurants and a leisure centre with a swimming pool. Hilliers Arboretum, Mottisfont and Broadlands are all within reach. A pub sits within a mile of the property.