It’s summer and everyone seems to be jetting off somewhere. However, if you’re like me and enjoy the British countryside and are looking for a peaceful retreat this summer, then I have ten beautiful, relaxing holiday homes just for you.
10. The Birdhouse Treehouse – Crewkerne, Somerset
Set in the glorious Somerset landscape at the foot of a medieval castle site, this unique tree house is the perfect place for a peaceful retreat. With a private garden area and barbeque, you won’t be disturbed here during your break. This Scandinavian style log cabin, clad in locally sourced cedar, is also decked out for comfort; a leather sofa in the living area, a large handmade bed and a rainfall shower in the modern bathroom. This open-plan cabin with its picture windows lets you enjoy the views and atmosphere of the forest in the warmth of a cosy holiday home.
And if you do wish to stay in contact with the outside world, don’t worry because the Birdhouse Tree House is equipped with Wi-Fi, a TV, a radio and a DVD player. Nearby are the quaint market towns of Crewkerne and Yeovil, plus it’s only a 30-minute drive to Lyme Regis and the Jurassic coast. What more could you want from a peaceful retreat?
If this holiday home tickles your fancy, click here to find out more.
9. The Boat House – Belford, Northumberland
If quietly magnificent views are what you’re after, look no further than the Boat House. Set in the Northumberland countryside and only a short drive from the coast and the National Park, this will be a retreat like no other. With a spacious outdoor seating and barbeque area which overlooks the lake, a rowing boat moored up if you fancy a picnic on the water and a luxurious living space with grand views of your surroundings, you won’t regret a week away at the Boat House.
You’ll be sleeping in an elegant 5ft double bed, bathing in a free-standing roll top bath and there’s even a service that’ll bring home-cooked meals, food and even wine straight to your door if you wish. This is a holiday where you won’t have to lift a finger. Which will leave you free to sit back, relax and enjoy all of what Northumberland has to offer. The house is quipped with Wi-Fi and a flat-screen television if you don’t wish to be cut off completely. The Boat House is situated just a four-minute drive away from Belford where there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, a farm shop and a coffee shop. And just half an hour away, the Northumberland National Park. So if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in the North East, the Boat House is the place to go!
To find out more about the Boat House, click here.
8. Gurnard Cottage – Niton, Ventor, Isle of Wight
Not only would staying in Gurnard cottage be a peaceful experience but a unique one. Gurnard cottage is one of three lighthouse keeper cottages situated at the base of this magnificent white structure. Jam packed with history, stunning seaside views and beaches galore, this will be the relaxing retreat you’re looking for. The cosy cottage itself has a modern kitchen, an electric wood burner for those cool summer evenings; there is Wi-Fi throughout if you want to keep in touch with reality, plus an enclosed private courtyard for sunny summer breakfasts. This quaint cottage on the most southernly part of the Isle of Wight will be an absolute treat to stay at this summer.
And there are plenty of things to do too. With nine dog-friendly beaches all year round, you don’t have to leave your precious pups at home and can spend a wonderful day at the beach. You’ll be only ten minutes away from a highly rated real ale pub, plus there are guided tours of the lighthouse. And if lounging around on the beach isn’t your style, there is plenty of historical landmarks to explore including the Brading Roman Villa, Carisbrooke Castle and Arreton Old Village. Not forgetting the Sandown pier, Rosemary Vineyard and the Isle of Wight Zoo. All these attractions are right on your doorstep. But if all you want to do is sit and admire the views with a good book, the Gurnard Cottage is perfect for that too.
With cosy beds, stunning views and a real retreat from the hustle and bustle of day to day life, this may be just what you’ve been looking for, so click here to find out more about the Gurnard Cottage.
7. Peasecroft – Coniston, Cumbria
Now, if you’re looking for a hideaway this summer to hole up in, this is the place. Peasecroft is a cosy converted coach house at the end of a private driveway, situated amongst the rugged landscape of Cumbria. While from the outside it may look bare and minimal, the interior is luxurious, modern and snug. With a wood burner and no television, you can snuggle up to your loved one in this hidey home and watch the sunset over the beautiful valley. Set on 8 acres of private land, you won’t be disturbed here.
The unique, cosy layout of the coach house makes for an even more unique experience. Hidden high in the rafters on the mezzanine level is a large double bed with a deluxe mattress. Double comfort. In the open living area are big comfortable sofas and armchairs near the fire to spark your romance. The kitchen is chic and modern too. So basically, you’d never have to leave this peaceful retreat if you didn’t want to. But if you fancy taking in the glorious landscape, Coniston Water is only a short walk away and is the third largest lake in the area. Coniston village is also only a mile away and has lots of traditional pubs and little shops for you to explore. If people are what you want to avoid, there are plenty of luscious meadows for you to have picnics in. Plus at night, with no one around, just you and nature, you can stargaze to your heart’s content.
Surrounded by lush rolling hills, this is the way to see Cumbria. Click here to find out more about the Peasecroft.
6. Downsteps Beach House – Torcross, Devon
This 200-year-old fisherman’s cottage is the perfect relaxing retreat for you. With steps that lead from the cottage down to the beach below, you can wake up to the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore and even enjoy your breakfast on the patio that also overlooks the beach. Lovely, right? There are oceans views from almost every window that look out over Start Bay, and there’s a coastal path that runs alongside the property if taking long walks along the cliffs and through Devonshire countryside is your thing.
And don’t worry, this old property has been renovated to a modern yet modest standard with a comfortable double bed, a fully equipped kitchen and a barbeque outside for those warm summer evenings. The cottage boasts low beamed ceilings, stripped original floorboards and eclectic furniture for a rustic modern twist. A perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.
And if sitting around admiring the gorgeous views isn’t enough for you, don’t worry because you’ll be staying in the South Hams where there isn’t a shortage of things to do. The rich history and wildlife; there are miles upon miles of walks, bird-watching spots, sailing and exploring opportunities all for you to enjoy. Downsteps Cottage isn’t far from Torcross village where there is a small shop and a pub. If you’re looking for more, the nearest towns are Knightsbridge and Dartmouth, both historic market towns. Sample the delicious produce, meander the idyllic shops and if you get bored of that, the private beach at Blackpool sands is not far away. You will need to spend at least two weeks here to soak up everything. And why not? It’s beautiful.
To find out more about this wonderful, seaside retreat, click here.
5. Skye Napier House – Loch na Dal, Isle of Skye
Set right on the sea front, this charming abode offers spectacular views in a tranquil setting allowing you to put your feet up and relax this summer. Full of rustic country character, comfortable furniture to sink into and a room especially for enjoying the breathtaking landscape, you can’t go wrong with this holiday home on the Isle of Skye.
Just look at that log burner and this cosy living room! Can you imagine a cosier retreat? There is also a large modern kitchen, a lounge with a television and lots of seating area if you decide to bring your family and/or friends along for the vacation. Don’t forget the three luxurious en suite bedrooms with warm bedding for those cold Scottish nights and a twin room for the kids!
There is plenty to do here too; from just sitting in the garden gazing at your surroundings, to enjoying a book in the sun room. Or if you don’t fancy sitting around, the Isle of Skye has plenty to offer. This magnificent island is famous for its outstanding natural beauty so soak it up on the many walks in the area. Climb the cliffs, stroll along the beaches and enjoy the wildlife native to Scotland. Though there isn’t much nightlife, which if you’re looking for a peaceful holiday you won’t care too much about, there is plenty of restaurants and pubs to spend your evenings in. Apparently, Kinlock Lodge is the best in the area and can even be seen from the house it’s that close.
At the Skye Napier House, you will have plenty to do and all the facilities to relax. To find out more about this Scottish escape, click here.
4. The Whitebreakers – Sennen, Cornwall
If the cold winds of Scotland are not what you’re after, how about the warm breeze of Cornwall. The Whitebreakers, set in the dunes of Sennen Cove, has glorious sea views and is so peaceful, it’s only accessible by foot down a sandy beach path. No cars. No noise. Only the sky, sea and sand. This will be a real Cornish retreat for you and your family. There’s plenty of beaches nearby, including Sennen Cove, for swimming, sunbathing and surfing, and not far away is the fishing harbour and the local inn if you fancy an evening at the pub for a drink or two. Can you picture yourself there? I know I can…
This traditional fisherman’s cottage boasts a Victorian wood burning stove, original rustic features, a large granite inglenook, exposed beams and a fully equipped kitchen. Not to mention that cosy living area, that also comes with sea views – as do most of the windows in the house. Cosy bedrooms and modern bathrooms, this cottage is only 200 metres from the beach. With an enclosed garden, spend your evenings sipping wine and watching the sun set beyond the horizon in your peaceful retreat. Asides from relaxing at the beach, there is plenty of climbing areas and miles of coastal paths; all perfect for walkers, artists or anyone wanting to get away from the oppression of day to day life. And if you get bored of your spectacular surroundings, Penzance and St Ives are only a short drive away. Here you have the best of both worlds; a peaceful quiet haven and quaint towns right on your doorstep.
Escape, relax and enjoy the beauty of Cornwall. Click here to find out more!
3. Dovecot Cottage – Edinburgh, Midlothian
Straight away you have to say wow. This place is like no other. This quirky 17th-century tower was once home to doves, now it has been turned into a rustic, cosy holiday home for you to retreat to this summer. Surrounded by a mature garden and wall to give you some privacy, you can relax among the flowers and bask in the sun; plus, you’re only a 15-minute walk from the centre of Edinburgh! So if you fancy a holiday somewhere quiet but don’t want to be too far away from civilisation, this old dovecot is the place for you.
From the bespoke cedar-wood kitchen to the cosy sitting room made for two, this romantic hideaway is perfect for couples seeking some peace and quiet this summer. Up in the tower, there is a cosy bed snuggled between smooth cedar wood and the original exposed wall for a unique night’s sleep. This place has oodles of charm; light and airy and finished to the highest standard. Equipped with modern kitchen and bathroom appliances, you will have the historic atmosphere of the building mixed with the gorgeous fittings of the 21st century. And once you’ve had enough of reading a book in the beautiful garden, you can head into town.
Edinburgh is an old, magnificent city with lots of things to do and see. From Edinburgh Castle to shopping on Prince’s Street; from strolling along the Royal Mile to picnicking in the gardens. Not forgetting the Dovecot is a short walk to The Meadows parks and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Experience the historic heart of this great city. And don’t forget to check out Edinburgh Zoo and its pandas, and the Mercat Ghost Tours on the Royal Mile. And asides from all the great pubs and restaurants in Edinburgh, I highly recommend taking a trip down to Haymarket and indulging yourself in the best steak and burgers in the country at McKirdy’s Steakhouse.
The Dovecot has so much to offer; from its perfect positioning in Edinburgh for a peaceful retreat with all the amenities of a city on your doorstep to the unique, one in a million tower you’ll be staying in. To find out more, click here.
2. Starbed Hideaways – Yelverton, Devon
At first glance, it looks like an old fashioned caravan and not much else, but if you’re looking for a rural, completely cut-off-from-the-world retreat, Starbed is the place. Situated on the fringes of Dartmoor, this stylish, bespoke shepherd hut is decked out with a comfortable king-size French Oak bed, a giant roll top bath and a glass ceiling above the bed for you to stargaze in the warmth. There is no Wi-Fi, no television and no children allowed. Utterly romantic and outstandingly beautiful.
There is a firepit outside for a quiet night sipping wine and stargazing, and a wood burner in the hut if you’d rather snuggle up inside. There is a fully stocked larder with all the essentials for you to create yummy home-cooked meals. And if you don’t fancy that, don’t worry, because there are two pubs and several restaurants within walking distance. Go and explore Dartmoor, enjoy a day at the spa nearby, take a hot air balloon ride and go riding on real Dartmoor ponies. There is plenty to do and if you love walking, why not take a ramble along the famous Dartmoor Artisan trail which will take you through plenty of idyllic villages and towns. Immerse yourself in Devon.
If you fancy staying at the Starbed shepherd hut, click here to find out more.
1. The Gypsy Palace – Scottish Borders
This quietly beautiful cottage set in the heart of the Scottish borders is a tranquil retreat for you. With phenomenal views from most of the rooms, the Gypsy Palace is packed full of character and full of period features and charm. An interesting fact about this cottage is that it was once the Royal residence of both Queen Esther and her son, King Charles Faa Blythe. Located in a valley in the Cheviot Hills, this cottage is the ultimate peaceful retreat. A postcard scene out of every window and surrounded by some of the most outstanding landscape in the country. What more do you want?
This petite, quaint cottage is furnished to a high comfortable standard; the lounge boasts a fireplace and a cosy window seat, perfect for reading. Upstairs there are two bedrooms and a bathroom, decorated in soft, relaxing colours. Outside, there is a stone patio area for those lazy days and evenings where you just want to admire your surroundings and sip your wine. There are bikes provided if walking isn’t your thing and dozens of walks and things to do in the area.
Situated perfectly for people interested in exploring Northumberland National Park and Edinburgh is only an hour’s drive away. However, if you’re looking for quieter, quainter towns and villages, Alnwick and Berwick-upon-Tweed are only a short country drive away. Don’t forget to visit Lindisfarne whilst in the area, but remember to check the tidal times! There are restaurants, pubs, oodles of historical sites and markets to visit. For bird watchers, horse riders, ramblers, fishers and even golfers, the Gypsy Palace is the ideal relaxing retreat for you, with all these facilities in the area. The cottage has Wi-Fi throughout for those who can’t cut off from the world completely, a television with Freeview and finally, it’s pet-friendly so bring the dogs along for a holiday like no other. You won’t regret it.
If you’re as excited about this cottage as I am, click here to find out more!
Wow, after looking at all those wonderful places I’ve decided I really need a holiday. HAH! In my dreams. But there’s nothing to stop you from taking advantage of these magnificent holiday homes. City breaks are overrated. Beach holidays in busy destinations such as Ibiza are outdated. Stay in the UK this summer and appreciate the beauty of this stunning country and all it has to offer. Oh, and take photos! And enjoy yourselves. Have a lovely summer! And know that I’m very jealous…