The Old Surgery

A chic, urban townhouse in the heart of Tetbury - ideal for groups or families to self cater in style (sleeps 4-8)

The historic frontage of this Elizabethan terraced townhouse threatens a predictable interior of chintz, swags and scatter cushions. But to my delight, what you actually get is bright, white designer living, quirky artwork and a refreshing lack of clutter. Ideal for family reunions or a group of friends, this super-stylish 3-storey house - once a 1940s doctor's surgery - has 4 bedrooms and lashings of space for everyone.

The front door opens into a lovely dining room with oak floors, panelled walls, logs piled high and a vast open fireplace. Comfy fireside chairs in the double-height living room invite you to sit back and read, or settle in for a catch up over bottles of wine. And out back there's a pretty terrace, complete with a dining table, fire pit and BBQ, that's perfect for long summer evenings. Should you want to cook, there's a fancy kitchen. Should you want to be cooked for, there's Cordon Bleu chef living next door.

Tetbury itself is gorgeous: an unspoilt market town with one of the last truly independent high streets in the UK, plus many bistros, specialist delis and antique shops to investigate. Lovely country walks are just around the corner and Westonbirt Arboretum and Dyrham Park are close for day trips.

Highs

• It would also suit families or smaller groups (you don’t need to fill the house to make it cheaper than some B&Bs)
• We loved the lofty ceilings (lots of natural light) and funky décor (graffiti'd violins, Union Jack pouffes, gilded typewriters)
• Beautiful courtyard garden - private and peaceful
• Easy-to-get-to location, and Tetbury's charms quite literally on your doorstep
• The Wii and well-stocked DVD library will keep everyone occupied on a wet afternoon

Lows

• There’s a 3-night minimum, but at these rates you could pay this and just stay 2 – and (handily) get use of the house all day on departure day
• Bedrooms face onto the main road so traffic noise may be an issue, although most windows are double glazed
• No on-site parking, but there are free spaces nearby
• No showers, and 3 bedrooms share the toilet on the 2nd floor
• Beds are only 6ft long, and due to bedsteads feel even shorter; low ceilings in a couple of rooms, but still enough room to stand tall