Cool stay of the week: a sprawling retreat in the Devon countryside

Designed by award-winning architect, Roderick James, this week’s Cool Stay of the Week is a gorgeous country escape.

Part of the Gitcombe Estate, Gitcombe Retreat boasts stunning interiors, underfloor heating and a private hot tub. Here, you’ll also find two swimming pools, tennis courts and a hand-carved adventure playground, making it the ideal family getaway.

Inside, you’ll discover a vast open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. The dreamy décor includes floor to ceiling windows, impressive oak beams and beautiful Fired Earth limestone flooring throughout. The space is wonderfully light and airy in summer and luxuriously cosy in winter.

The cosy lounge area has plush sofas, a flat screen TV with Sonos sound system and a handsome Morso log burner. With vast windows and bi-fold doors, it offers the most spectacular views which can be enjoyed from the wrap around oak balcony.

There are three double ensuite bedrooms and one double room that has easy access to the luxuriously large family bathroom. All the bedrooms are effortlessly elegant with soft Farrow & Ball colour palettes, crisp white linen and beautiful textiles. The stylish ensuites have large walk-in showers and top-of-the range fittings, while the family bathroom boasts a designer Ashton and Bentley bath.

Onsite discover the indoor-heated pool with sauna and steam room or the sheltered outdoor pool, set among the 14 acres of grounds, for cooling off in the warmer months.

Locally, there are plenty of walks and beaches to discover, as well as the pretty towns of Totnes and Dartmouth are just a short drive away. For foodies, the Gitcombe Retreat is just 10 miles from the award-winning organic restaurant, Riverford Field Kitchen.

Where: Cornworthy, Devon.

Sleeps: 8 plus 2 kids.

Price: £1,579 per week.

To book: coolstays.com/gitcombe-retreat