Shephard’s Retreat

Shephard's Retreat is an architect-designed apartment on the first floor, in the grounds of the owner's 17th-century thatched cottage in Charlton Mackrell, a village near Somerton. It sits in a conservation area and looks over the owner's gardens and a village lane. Sloping eaves ceilings give it character, with enough headroom for taller guests.

Access is by an internal staircase. The open-plan area has a kitchen with a breakfast bar, a dining area and a sitting area, and the bedroom has a king-size double bed next to a shower room. Cooking is electric, with a ceramic hob, oven, microwave and fridge and freezer. The washer/dryer sits in the ground-floor utility area within the garage, and there is a slimline dishwasher. Electric wall panels provide the heat.

Outside are a private patio with furniture, shared use of the owner's lawned garden and lockable bike storage. Two cars can park off the road. One well-behaved dog is welcome and must be on a lead outside; the owner has two dogs and a cat. Smoking is not allowed. A travel cot is available on request. The owner has a storage area under the property, which is accessed infrequently. The shop and pub are each 3 miles away.

It suits a couple, perhaps with one dog, who are comfortable with a staircase.