White Lady

A few miles north of the Devon market town of Tavistock, just outside the village of Lydford, White Lady is a large country house that makes an ideal base for exploring Dartmoor. With space for up to 12 people and its own hot tub as well, it's the perfect property for a country house party or a family reunion. But what makes it particularly special is its location, right next door to the National Trust site of Lydford Gorge – the deepest in the Southwest – and the spectacular White Lady waterfall.  If there is a much better self-catering property in this part of Devon, then we have yet to find it.

The house dates back originally to the 17th century but has been sensitively updated, with oak beams and staircases that blend well with the contemporary decor and furnishings.  Downstairs, there's a spacious kitchen with an Aga, electric oven, hob, 2 fridge/freezers, microwave and dishwasher, and a slate-floored dining room that can easily accommodate 12 people. Beyond there's a drawing room with big comfy sofas and a wood-burning stove, along with another sitting room, also with a wood-burner and a TV, DVD and a docking station for iPods. There's one bedroom with en-suite on the ground floor and 5 bedrooms upstairs, 2 of them with en-suite bathrooms.

Outside, the house has a lovely garden, and we wouldn't blame you for hanging around the property, seeing the waterfall and gorge, having a barbecue on the south-facing patio, hanging about in the hot tub or indulging in a spot of croquet on their dedicated lawn. But you're officially in Dartmoor and it  would be a shame to come here and not explore the national park, with plenty of walks  across the moor from your doorstep. Failing that, Lydford itself repays exploration, with an ancient church and Norman castle, and two pubs to whet your whistle in. The White Lady too lays on specialist activities from riding holidays in Dartmoor to cookery courses in their enormous kitchen.