Perched on a peaceful lakeside, the backing track to a stay at this lodge is one of birdsong and rustling reeds. Show off your culinary skills in the full kitchen, which has everything you need to cook up breakfast, lunch and dinner. Perhaps serve at the outdoor table on the veranda and enjoy while spotting birds and dragonflies hovering above the calm lake waters. There are a couple of lounge chairs too for sunny afternoons. Inside, the open-plan living area has a luxurious L-shaped sofa in front of a wood-burning stove for chilly evenings. Or, opt to keep warm in the bubbling waters of your very own hot tub. Although you’re in the heart of the idyllic English countryside here, it’s just a fifteen-minute drive into the centre of Exeter with its huge array of restaurants, cafés and shops, and there are plenty of things to do in the woodland grounds – walking and cycling trails, golf, angling and horse-riding. Home truths: *One medium/large dog is permitted, or two small dogs, just check with your host beforehand *Part of a collection of similar lodges set around the lake, you have neighbours here *There are four steps up to the entrance of the home so this place may not be suitable for those with very limited mobility *There is a constant supply of logs for the wood-burner, just ask if you need a top-up *There is ample parking on-site