Rural retreats are much in demand as first and second homes and renting is an attractive alternative to buying, as it offers more flexibility.

Number 20 Milton Lane is a five-bedroom, contemporary family home overlooking the green in Steventon.

It includes five double bedrooms, three bath/shower rooms, an open-plan kitchen/dining room and three reception rooms.

There is also a garden, garage and off-road parking and it is available to rent, unfurnished, from next month at £2,700 pcm.

For more information, contact Finders Keepers’ Abingdon branch on 01235 535454 or visit finders.co.uk Beauly in Waltham St Lawrence near Henley is a detached house with six bedrooms, five bathrooms, stables, two tack rooms, paddocks, four garages and tennis courts.

It is available to rent, unfurnished, for £6,500 per month. For more information, contact Chancellors on 01491 571157 or visit chancellors.co.uk Exposed beams and an open-beamed wall in the kitchen/breakfast room is one of the unusual features of number 3 High Street in Drayton.

The five-bedroom house is on the market for £2,000 per month.

Townsend House in Waterperry is a four-bedroom Georgian house with large windows, high ceilings and other original features, available at £3,500 per month.

Finally, for £9,750 per month, tenants of seven-bedroom manor house Broadstone Manor in Heythrop near Chipping Norton have access to its 550 acres of parkland, woodland and lakes.

The house itself includes an indoor pool, five reception rooms and bathrooms. The master bedroom is ensuite and there is also a self-contained flat.

For more details of 3 High Street, Townsend House and Broadstone Manor, contact agents Carter Jonas on 01865 5111444 or visit carterjonas.co.uk.