The Secret Roundhouse, East Thorne

A one-bedroom timber roundhouse for two at East Thorne, a small rural retreat 5 miles north of Bude on the Cornwall-Devon border. The circular design puts a handmade king-size bed under a stargazing porthole carved into the curved roof.

The roundhouse pairs an outdoor kitchen cabin with a wood-fired hot tub set in a private garden, screened from neighbours. Inside, a wood burner and open fire handle cooler evenings, and underfloor heating runs through the polished concrete floor. Wifi, parking and a BBQ are included. Dogs are welcome. Sleeps two only - this is a couples' build, not a family one.

East Thorne sits in farmland near Kilkhampton, a 10-minute drive to Bude town centre and the four beaches within walking distance of it. Sandymouth is the closest at 3.6 miles - a National Trust beach with rockpools and the cliff path back. Summerleaze and its tidal sea pool, Crooklets for surf, and the 19th-century Bude Canal for flat-water kayaking are 15 minutes away. Northcott Mouth, where the rusted ribs of the SS Belem appear at low tide, is 3.8 miles.

Best for couples wanting a hot-tub-and-firepit countryside week with the coast in easy reach. Less good for guests who want to walk to a pub, beach or shop - this is a get-in-the-car location.