Few would ever believe that London could be less than an hour away from these stunning barn conversions, surrounded by rolling Hertfordshire countryside. The three barns are set in 600 acres of countryside, with cows grazing in green pastures, swathes of vivid yellow rapeseed, fields of swaying crops and even a working English vineyard. Individually, each barn makes a stunning bolthole to escape to the country and when all three are booked together they are perfect for special occasions and get-togethers of up to 14 family and friends.   

Completed in 2014, the lapboard barns have been transformed with contemporary style and sophistication, without abandoning their original character but rather enhancing their assets. High raftered ceilings make the barns spacious and airy, whilst under-floor heating and wood burning stoves keep toes nice and cosy. Hand-crafted kitchens are equipped with German appliances and Nespresso machines, the super comfy beds are made up with crisp cotton linen and there are White Company toiletries in the gleaming, tiled bathrooms. Two of the barns also boast a wall of sliding glass doors in the main living area, which open onto a central quadrangle of perfect striped lawn.  The barns also each have their own private patio area, with a barbecue for meals outdoors and maybe even under a few stars.

Lordship’s Barns are the perfect country retreat from the Capital, being as little as an hour’s drive and even less by the fast intercity trains from King’s Cross to Stevenage, 9 miles away. The picturesque village of Dane End is walking distance, less than a mile away, where there is a village shop, pub and children’s playground. 

The nearby village of Watton-at-Stone (5 miles) has a gem of a country coaching inn, The Bull, which dates back to the 15th century and serves a delicious mix of gastro British classics and tapas-style deli dishes. Also 5 miles away, Pearce’s Farm Shop sells a tantalizing array of goodies including locally sourced meats and fresh fish delivered daily, fruit and veg, pies and pastries, cheeses, chutneys and deli delectables. There’s also an excellent cafe as well as PYO strawberries and raspberries when they’re in season. 

The historic market town of Hertford is 10 minutes drive (7-8 miles), with all the shops, amenities, pubs and restaurants families could need. 

The beautiful university city of Cambridge is 30 minutes drive, with its ornate colleges and chapels, excellent museums and galleries, punts gliding down the river, a historic market place and quaint passageways crammed with interesting shops, cafes and bistros. 

Such lovely countryside, so close to the Capital, means there are numerous fabulous country estates to visit, with magnificently landscaped gardens and period interiors.  Not to mention The Making of Harry Potter at Warner Brothers Studios and the Roman splendour of St Albans.