This stylish, three-bed, barn conversion in Sedgehill may have dairy in its name, but you won’t be signed up to any early morning milking duties when you stay here –  its sole purpose is your total relaxation. Located in a hamlet on the Wilts-Dorset border, the6-sleeper cottage is light, spacious and airy, with vaulted beamed ceilings and a contemporary country palette of pale grey and natural wood tones, plus just enough ditsy prints to denote you’re not in the city now. An open-plan layout, the kitchen area includes an electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher plus a central island and stools for sociable dining. There’s also a washing machine, sink, and electric drying rack in a handy utility.

But as you’re here to chill out, you’re probably far more interested in the relax-to-the max potential, which, Muddy is happy to report, is sublime. Recover from your morning walk in the laid-back lounge area in front of the Smart TV (taking advantage of the wood burner in hygge-holiday season). And when it comes to bedtime, make your way down the hallway to a choice of three rooms; a king-size bedroom, a king-size with en-suite shower room, dressing area, and WC, and a twin bedroom. There’s an additional contemporary bathroom with bath, separate shower, and WC too. 

Although you approach Church Farm using a shared driveway and the cottage is next to the owner’s home, you’ll have plenty of privacy thanks to a partitioned front yard and private doorway. There’s also an enclosed garden through the patio doors off the living space, where you’ll find tables, chairs and a hot tub for (100% innocent) adult entertainment, plus a lawned area where kids and/or adults can let off steam with a game of badminton/football/Twister. 

There’s ample off-road parking too, so when you fancy a day trip hop in the motor to nearby Shaftesbury (10 minute drive or 1 hour 20 by foot – you decide). There you can snap Gold Hill for your Insta and soak up reel-worthy rural views across pastureland, or roam romantic streets with period-drama-pretty cottages. There is a good range of shops too, including the must-see Botanical Candle Company and cafe-florist, plus pubs, and cafes, ideal for a pit stop following a day’s walking or cycling. History buffs will appreciate exploring the town’s Saxon roots at the abbey ruins and volunteer-led museum and abbey.

Fancy heading further afield? Within 25 miles are many popular attractions including Stonehenge, Longleat House and Safari Park, Stourhead House and gardens, Haynes Motor Museum, the cathedral cities of Salisbury and Bath, and the Kennet and Avon canal. When can we visit?