Arlington Mill

Those looking for a memorable place to stay in The Cotswolds will find it hard to beat this former corn mill in historic Bibury, Gloucestershire, whose five bedrooms are brimming with history and charm. Beautifully converted, it's full of old beams and big brick fireplaces, and even retains some of the old mill equipment, yet it's also tastefully furnished in a contemporary style, with light, bright rooms and all the amenities you need. Not surprisingly it's very popular, so you need to book well in advance.

It's a large property, with two large sitting rooms with flatscreen wall-mounted TVs, DVDs and a soundbar, the preserved wheels and mill machinery accompanied by rustic wooden beams and woodburning stoves, plus an impressive dining space and a well-presented and very spacious kitchen –  home to a range cooker, two ovens and grill, a dishwasher, large fridge/freezer and even a Nespresso machine. The property's five bedrooms spread across the second and third floors, a mixture of beamed rooms and more contemporary affairs that all have their own en-suite bathrooms.

Finally Arlington Mill is not only an extraordinary holiday property, it's also extremely well placed for seeing some of the best sights of the southern Cotswolds, most obviously the National Trust-owned village of Bibury, where you can view its renowned terrace of 17th-century weaver’s cottages and stroll along the scenic River Coln. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, including  a plethora of walking and cycling routes on your doorstep, as well as the nearby attractions of Bourton-on-Water, Cirencester and Cheltenham.