SHIRES - Devon

Shires used to be the wagon shed and milking parlour on a busy dairy farm but now it's been thoughtfully transformed into a contemporary large group holiday house that sleeps 12, with room for 2 more at an extra charge per person. The house stands in glorious countryside overlooking the Yarty Valley and has plenty to keep everyone entertained; there's a spa hall with a pool, sauna and hot tub, a movie room, games room, BBQ lodge and play area - so something for all ages. Come for family holidays and celebrations, and for corporate away days.

Much thought has gone into making Shires access friendly; the open plan aspect and level flooring on the ground floor allow for wheelchair use, there are two bedrooms downstairs, one with a fully equipped ensuite wet room. Hoists can be installed in the spa room and there's a lift to the first floor sun terrace.

Shires is only a mile off the A30 and 2 miles from the A303 so getting out and about is easy; it's less than half an hour's drive to the coast where you can spend the day by the sea at Lyme Regis; take the kids to the Marine Aquarium or Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, have a Rib Ride around the bay. Charmouth is good for fossil hunting, the fishing villages of Beer and Branscombe have a timeless charm and good beach cafes. If you need provisions pop over to Axminster and have lunch at the River Cottage Kitchen; a few miles further you'll find local delights galore at Millers Farm Shop. Honiton is nice for a browse around, especially if you go on market day when the main street is lined with stalls, and it's not far to Taunton where you can visit The Museum of Somerset or play on the high ropes at Vivary Golf and Adventure Centre.

Take a family trip to Ferne Animal Sanctuary, to Wildwood Escot to look out for red squirrels and ride the zip wire, or to Axe Valley Wildlife Park, which is great for younger children. Crealy Theme Park & Resort makes for a great day out, or you could head to Exeter where there's heaps to do; see the glorious cathedral, take a tour of the medieval Underground Passages, and head down to the Quay for fun and adventures at Clip n Climb or kayaking on the Exe estuary. Have a race round the track at Mansell Raceway then go up to Dunkeswell Airfield to watch the light aircraft come and go. If you like historic houses and gardens, Killerton is good, or over on the borders of Somerset and Dorset, there's Forde Abbey - a delight in springtime with its crocus displays.

If you want to eat out there are some very good pubs and restaurants close by; we'd recommend The Kings Arms just up the road in Stockland, the Cotley Inn at Wambrook and the Candlelight Inn at Bishopswood. But if you don't feel the need to go anywhere at all, we understand; you'll be perfectly happy at Shires enjoying your luxury togetherness. While away the hours by the pool, lazing on the terrace, having leisurely barbecues; climb over the stile across the road and follow the footpath through the fields, get up in the morning, put on your boots and amble up the lane to set you up for the day. One big fat life of country life awaits you at Shires.

Book today!