Mr & Mrs Smith

Two Wallpaper* directors escaping a frenetic London life stumbled across this 17th-century cottage in pristine woodland in Dorset/Wiltshire border, off an unnamed leafy Roman road. Far from being a house worthy of a place in the style magazine’s pages, this crumbling former gamekeeper’s cottage required a complete rebuild; thanks to an idyllic, quiet location with wonderful views of English countryside, it soon proved worth it.

Following a complete reconstruction and extension of the original two-storey cottage, as well as the creation of a sleek wooden garden house in its beautifully designed flower-filled grounds, Rose Cottage is now a haven of tranquility providing a dose of real country life but with every modern amenity.

Solid, natural materials and a palate of oak, elm, slate and plaster create an attractive envelope for original furnishings that blend Elizabethan and Victorian antiques with mid-century pieces. The lighting is atmospheric thanks to dimmers, while underfloor heating and two fireplaces provide plenty of warmth and comfort. So far, so Wallpaper*. But don't fear any style over substance weaknesses: earning the respect of any design aficionado, this is a rental house where form is matched by function.

Designed to maximise communal living, the open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining room are at the heart of this charming self-catering holiday home. There’s access from this living space to a terrace and garden with barbecue, as well as a lounging deck off the garden house, which makes for perfect indoor and outdoor entertaining.

Let little ones or in-laws retreat to the garden house to watch DVDs or play on the Wii, while couples are left to enjoy pure privacy in stylish surroundings. And there's no cramping the style of budding footballers; an upper lawn allows enough space for a ball to be kicked about without fear of messing with the landscaped flowerbeds. For those with wanderlust, the surrounding woods and footpaths offer hours of exploring.

Furnishings trainspotter? Get ready to make room for Rose Cottage in your diary. If you still need some designer-label name-dropping to clinch your decision to stay, get your notepads at the ready: the dining-table lamp is by Moooi, the solid oak table itself is by e15, the sofas are classic Danish design by Soren Lund, the rug by Kasthall. Representing the old is an antique Dutch blanket chest and daybed gracing the old sitting room, while a Biedermeier chest sits elegantly in the master bedroom. And forget the usual eyesore threat of an AV unit – here an Elizabeth wardrobe has been adapted as a stylish audio-visual cabinet. As for the antique sculpture of an Indonesian Loro Blonyo couple that sits atop, it's the perfect good-luck charm on a Mr & Mrs Smith escape. Given to the owners when they tied the knot, this traditional wedding gift is intended as an omen for happy and romantic times.

Occupying your time beyond this hip Wiltshire house and its gardens is a dream. Visit the Pythouse Walled Garden and pick fresh strawberries, then treat yourself to an award-winning pub lunch at the Forester or the Museum Inn. If you’re feeling more energetic tennis, cycling and golf are all also on your doorstep should you desire. But the most likely effect of a spell in Rose Cottage? You’ll be happy to do very little at all.