From the moment we met Michael, in the bar of the hotel my Mum was staying at, he was the most welcoming, hilarious, interesting and interested, brilliant host we could have hoped for. The cottage also far surpassed our expectations. Michael assured us that we 'should treat it as if it was our own home', and generously provided various sundries to allow us to settle in, as well as sharing wine, monkey nuts and conversation by the fireside with us on our first night. These wonderful hours were actually spent in the huge, beautiful hand-painted Mongolian yurt Michael has built in the garden behind the house - a stunning addition to an already beautiful homestead, which encompasses a huge vaulted-ceiling living room with wood-burning fireplace, a spacious kitchen with everything you'd need, a cosy bathroom, an incredibly luxurious master bedroom (ask Michael about the map's frame!), and perhaps my favourite- chicken coops from which you can pick your own eggs for breakfast. After Michael left early to go on a trip of his own, we were thoroughly-well looked after by Michael's equally kind and funny father, Michael Sr. Like Michael, he endeavoured to give us a lift into town whenever my girlfriend and I needed it, and did everything he could to make us feel welcome, comfortable, and like one of the family. As you can maybe tell, myself, my girlfriend and my whole family were massive fans of the Downing family - not least their beautiful Bernese mountain dog, Biggie, who will make an appearance or even stay the night if you're lucky - an incredibly sweet natured dog who looks like a big cuddly lion. Altogether, our experience at Michael's place was genuinely the best we could have hoped to have with airbnb, and honestly made the holiday. Would heartily recommend to couples and groups (we hope to be going back soon with a whole group of friends) seeking cosy seclusion, authentic farm holiday, or even just a new friend.