If you’ve watched The Holiday more times than you care to admit, you’re either heading for the gorgeous house in LA or hankering after the perfect romantic getaway in a picture postcard English village.

If your search for “country cottage” on Google has brought up numerous properties that Laura Ashley has thrown up the décor or were interior designed by Helen Keller in the 1950’s you may have given up on the idea.

But look no further than Unique Homestays, who have the market cornered in properties that are truly exceptional. In fact, you won’t even make it on to their website without a thorough inspection and a nod to the finest finishes, décor, and interior design.

If you’re bombing around Europe, this is the perfect way to stop and breathe for a 3-night weekend and just smell the flowers, your log fire crackling away, or the great red you’re about to take a sip of from the local wine merchant in the village.

Some of my favourites are as follows:

Little Scarlet which is located in Burford in the Cotswolds is where most of west London decamp to at the weekends. It’s cobbled streets and antique shops, and the Cotswolds Arms for a pint.

If you’re driving, you are not far for a little jaunt to Stratford Upon Avon. With his and her baths side by side, this is romantic heaven but book early because Scarlet does give a damn if you don’t let her know in advance.

Lymington is a yachties paradise and an easy ride out of central London on the train. The entire main street is taken over by a market on Saturdays as you stroll under the shriek of seagulls.

It’s perfect for picking up supplies to take back to your pad otherwise known as The Sanctuary. With a hot tub and fire pit, you will find it hard to drag yourself away from the languid luxury of your temporary home.

Near the Victorian spa town of Malvern, there lives in the woods a grade II, 16^thcentury barn conversion that is a glorious designer hobbit.

You will feel like you’ve tumbled into Tess or Robin Hood only it’s all been designed to provide you with supreme comfort in your little fantasy.

Wishbone will have you wishing you had more time to luxuriate and explore.  Glamping on smack methinks.

If there is more than two of you on this trip, then have a voyeuristic stroll through the Unique Home Stays website for larger properties that are equally magical.