The Horticulturalist

Each season brings a new vista to the sprawling, 2000-acre estate this home is set on. Spring brings carpets of bluebells to the forest walks, winter sees snowdrops poking their heads through the undergrowth and in the summer, rhododendrons burst onto the scene in magenta and crimson. Back in the day, this grand stone cottage was set aside for the estate’s gardener and the decor leans into the horticultural theme with a stunning mural of ferns, forest and foxes in the living room. Floral patterned rugs sit on the hardwood floor, and faux fur blankets on tufted leather sofas keep the living room feeling cosy on cold nights. Get a fire crackling in the grate when the temperature drops. The kitchen is designed for farmhouse-style cooking with a big range cooker in the centre. It’s the decor that really grabs your attention though, with a handful of plates and vintage posters adorning the duck-egg-blue walls. Outside you’ll find a huge private garden where outdoor dining is on the cards at the barbecue and fire pit lawn. Views from here stretch across the hills and fields, where curious cows graze nearby. Exploring the estate you’ll find walking trails leading to waterfalls and lochs, and there’s a hedge maze right on your doorstep. The surrounding forest is filled with wildlife and you might spot deer, foxes and pheasants on daily walks. Home truths: *One pet is allowed per stay for an additional cleaning fee of £60 *A starter pack of fresh local goodies like eggs, homemade baking, oat milk, artisanal cheese, bread and the estate's own toiletries await you on arrival *There is a starter bag of logs for the fireplace and top-ups can be bought locally *Ready-made meals or cook-it-yourself packs can be ordered from the estate's 3AA-rosette chef *The laptop-friendly desk for remote working is in the master bedroom *There is free parking on premises with this home and having a car is recommended to explore the area