Elkstones

Totally decadent house-party pad with sleek contemporary design, set on the outskirts of charming Chipping Campden (sleeps 10)

This place is extremely flash, which isn't that surprising, given that owner Simon Nixon (the man behind moneysupermarket.com) lavished a cool million on the interiors and landscaping alone. A 5-bedroomed Cotswold mansion, complete with a pool and sauna, cinema room and lashings of designer pieces – even a Halle & Voigt baby grand piano – it’s a very impressive set-up altogether.

Super-indulgent for a group of friends or family, Elkstones comes with a concierge service that can organise just about anything: the best seats at Stratford to watch the RSC and luxury chauffeur transfers to and fro; polo lessons or clay pigeon shooting; a first-class chef and sommelier to cater for a special occasion, perhaps with an after-dinner piano recital on the aforementioned baby grand. They’ve got it all covered.

There are 5 acres of garden to let loose in (worried that half an acre wouldn’t be enough, Simon snapped up the field next door and expanded) and the location is great: private and picturesque, but within walking distance of Chipping Campden, one of the Cotswold's prettiest and best-preserved wool towns.

Highs

• The location - a 10-minute stroll from popular Chipping Campden with its tea shops, pubs and restaurants
• Uninterrupted countryside views from the house
• The spa area and home cinema; super-cool regardless but heaven sent if the weather turns
• Bedrooms are all gorgeous so no squabbling needed - and all have ensuite bathrooms
• Gadget lovers will be in heaven thanks to clever lighting, a multi-room sound system and exceptionally cool ‘touch’ blinds

Lows

• If you're planning to cook, you'll need to bring everything with you - herbs and spices, flour, oils etc. There are no basic ingredients
• A hefty up-front deposit, which you could potentially lose if you cancel
• Elkstones is a new build (in Cotswold style) with contemporary furnishings, so if you're after period charm, look elsewhere
• Despite all the high-tech touches, there's no WiFi