1 bedroom Cottage near Hereford, Herefordshire, England

This timber hideaway near Hay-on-Wye is a retreat with a difference – a Western theme gives it a unique atmosphere, while at the same it’s welcoming and comfortable. With a dog-friendly garden and donkeys as your neighbours, it’s a special rural getaway for solo adventures or romantic escapes.

This quirky bolthole is located on a 17-acre farm with horses, donkeys and chickens, and the entrance is via the garden, up two steps and across the wooden porch. Inside, the style is American frontier-meets-Welsh borders, with timber-clad walls, cute rugs and intriguing furnishings. The open-plan space includes a kitchen that’s enough to allow you to prepare quick meals and snacks (you’ll need to heat water on the hob for washing up), a dining area, and a sofa and TV/DVD – just right for a chilly evening, when you can throw a log on the wood burner and snuggle up with a movie. At bedtime stroll across to the cosy double bedroom and, in the morning, there’s a shower room for a refreshing rinse. Your raised porch includes the choice of a rocking chair or rattan bench from which you can admire the gorgeous views, or you can head into the lawned garden and dine on the patio. On the farm, separated by range-style fencing, there’s a water hole for wild swimming, or you could meet the resident horse-listener or book a donkey experience.

Located in the village of Craswall, just north of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, the cabin is 7 miles from Hay-on-Wye, famous for its bookshops but also packed with interesting boutiques and places to eat and drink. Explore the spectacular countryside all around via local walking paths or head to Arthur’s Stone, 12 miles, for fabulous views. For a day trip, the Big Pit National Coal Museum is 25 miles.