Pheasants Retreat

This generously sized, boutique cottage for couples sits on the edge of private woodland in the grounds of a 15th-century manor house, close to the rolling hills of North Wales. Pheasants Retreat could just as well be named after the local deer and badgers, but you get the idea – this a country hideaway that's all about relaxing amid the undersold rural charms of Denbighshire.

It's a longhouse-style, stone-and-slate cottage, with an open-plan flow through the building. It's lovely and light where it needs to be, with pale ceilings and dormer windows, while the decor tends towards the genteel, country-house end of the spectrum – leather sofas, attractive rugs, fabric cushions and a really handsome wooden bed with crisp linen and rich throws. The bedroom looks out onto the garden through French windows, while a smart, earth-toned bathroom has both walk-in shower and bath. The reading room is a nice touch, a cosy library space with a great chair and overhead reading light. The lounge, meanwhile, is a 'wow' sort of space, under oak beams, with very comfortable leather sofas, a huge wall-mounted TV screen, and log-burner. There's also plenty of room to work in a fully equipped country-style kitchen – cottage for couples it might be, but there's no tight squeeze anywhere in the house.

The same generosity applies outside where a paved and grass garden has loungers and huge hot tub on one side, and a covered outdoor lounge beyond – think cushioned rattan seating, candle chandelier, and a great wood-burner for cosy nights under the stars. We're pretty sure you could stay put for the week, and just enjoy the peace and quiet, but the location is fabulous for anyone wanting to explore this part of North Wales. There's a thatched pub just over a mile's walk away for a start, and it's only a ten-minute walk to the local river, which warms up enough in summer for wild swims and riverbank picnics. The seaside is half an hour's drive away – Llandudno is a good target – or it's the same distance a nip across the border to the ancient city of Chester, for some great restaurants and shopping, and one of the best zoos in Europe. Probably give the pheasants a miss, though – you've got plenty to spot back at base over a sundowner drink in the garden.