One of my most favourite places to escape to is The White House in the little village of Chillington in the South Hams. You might call it a ‘boutique hotel’ but I love the fact it’s not too smart or fussy. The whole place just has a really nice relaxed and friendly country vibe and is perfect for a chilled out weekend away with someone special.

The rooms are beautifully decorated with whopping handcrafted beds – you just sink into them and have the best night’s sleep ever! The lovely garden has lots of tucked away seats, great for nestling into, reading the papers and enjoying a cheeky glass of afternoon fizz. And the little restaurant serves up delicious, unfussy locally sourced grub, after which you can play scrabble in front of the fire before just stumbling up one flight of stairs and into that inviting bed.

Tearing yourself away from the White House, there is plenty of glorious countryside and coastline to explore. We always take the hotel bikes and pootle along the country lanes and then along the long, flat path across Slapton Sands. For a little bit of buzz then Salcombe and Dartmouth are both great for a mooch around. And on a warm day I recommend a picnic at the picture perfect Blackpool Sands. The award-winning Venus Beach Café there serves up a fab takeaway greek salad and a nice glass of wine from nearby Sharpham Estate – served in a plastic glass that you can take on the beach. Perfect!