What better finishing touch to some of the most beautiful houses in the country than an outdoor pool. Time and again these pools stand out as the crowning features to any house. Combine sunshine with warmth and the perfect group of family and friends and you’ll want for nothing – except maybe a refill and more hours in the day!

With sleek designs turning heads year in, year out, these pools have seen more laughter and smiles than most; they are the sign of summer, the core of daily fun to be savoured by guests of every age range. Driven to perfect distraction in your costume of choice, with a chilled glass to the side, you could be anywhere in the world as the hours drift by. But look again to the backdrop of Cornwall or Devon or the Cotswolds and take still more pleasure as it all sinks in…

Marsden Manor | Sleeps 20 | Cotswolds

Marsden Manor sits majestic and magnificent beneath the song of the Cotswolds skylarks. Behind the heavy door and mullioned windows, Marsden is a full English from the Aga. It’s a dip in the pool. It’s a barbie on the lawns and it’s the gleeful sprint of free-range kids who’ve found the games room, wendy house or tennis court.

 

Polpier | Sleeps 16 | Cornwall

As soon as you arrive at Polpier you’ll throw open the terrace doors and drink in the stupendous views of palm trees, aquamarine seas and boats bobbing in the harbour. The heated pool, tennis court and disco will stay on site, but the view will stay in your memory forever.

 

The Moult | Sleeps 12-14 | Devon

Salcombe’s bobbing craft, wheeling gulls and majestic estuary inspire poetry, pleasure and peace. There’s no better place to view the most breathtaking stretch of Devon coast than this headland rising between two beaches (with a secret path down to the sand). And you’ll be blown away by the house, pool and garden. Simply sublime.