- Truro, EnglandA real gem! The perfect holiday retreat for those seeking to get away from it all, these stunning architect designed holiday cottages (refs 27073 to 27080) boast stylish interiors that cleverly unite the contemporary with the classic. Architect designed and furnished by interior designers, these unique and exclusive cottages have been finished to exacting standards. All feature a selection of local stone, slate and cedar and each has a carefully positioned patio and balcony. (The Haven cottages are all semi-detached, while Villa Gallery cottages are either semi-detached or detached).
Exquisite taste and exacting quality complement the use of local materials to produce a homely feel. The more energetic will enjoy the shared indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and squash courts and gym, or you can simply relax, unwind and sample some of the delectable cuisine on offer in the sophisticated Café Azur (all on-site facilities are open from Easter until the end of October). Alternatively, just sit back on your patio or balcony and observe the visiting wildlife.
A famously mild climate, gorgeous beaches, picturesque villages and top attractions are what visitors can look forward to when they stay at one of these holiday properties in South Cornwall. Ranging from the wide sweep of Falmouth Bay to tiny hidden coves reached by winding tracks, the beaches of South Cornwall are as perfect for lazy summer days as for invigorating winter walking. And there is also a great range of water sports on offer, many close by at Looe Beach.
Venture inland and you will find an array of enticing attractions within easy reach. The Eden Project, where giant transparent domes recreate different climate conditions, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan promise fascinating days out.
Enjoy sea angling trips and boat rides from charming fishing villages such as St Mawes, Mevagissey, Looe and Polperro, and Fowey is a firm favourite with the sailing community. The cathedral city of Truro and historic Penzance are both well worth a visit. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile. Accommodation allocated on arrival.
- North Walsham, EnglandWithin 2 miles of the beach, peacefully tucked away along the North Norfolk coast, surrounded by open countryside, these traditional Norfolk brick and flint barns (refs 30395, 30396, 30397, 30398, UKC660 and UK36552) have been converted, boasting character features, oak flooring, wood burners and equipped to provide the warmest welcome and a very relaxing holiday. With the owners living on-site, each barn has been carefully designed to retain its own privacy, and boasts a fenced courtyard garden with seating furniture and a barbecue. The seaside village of Walcott is within walking distance, and just a short drive away are the traditional seaside towns of Cromer, Sheringham, Mundesley and Sea Palling. Guests are welcome to enjoy the 1-acre of shared meadow grassland for play, relaxing or exploring. The site is abundant in nature and wildlife, with its own resident barn owl. Quiet lanes and footpaths surround the barns to offer excellent walking and cycling direct from the doorstep. The City of Norwich is approximately a 30-minute drive away, and has many attractions including excellent shopping, cathedral, castle museum, theatre, art galleries, cafés and restaurants. Wroxham, 12 miles, capital of the famous Norfolk Broads is great for daily boat hire, river trips and waterside cafés. Fantastic family days out can be enjoyed at Cromer, 12 miles, where there is a promenade, pier, seasonal entertainment, beach, Amazona Zoo and RNLI working lifeboat station. Take a boat trip from Blakeney Quay to visit the basking seal colonies or go crabbing along the quayside. Golf nearby. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.£235Price per night from
- England
Nagden House is a well-known property in the Faversham area, this creekside retreat is situated in an unusual and unique location, in the middle of Graveney marshes, on a tidal creek with private jetty. It is perfect for couples or family groups as well as the ideal venue for a celebration or special occasion. Bird enthusiasts of all ages will adore the views of the active marsh bird life which can be seen from every window.
Finished to a high standard, Nagden House boasts a large kitchen with double range cooker, Nespresso machine, and Le Creuset pans which the chef in your party will adore spending time with, a bespoke handmade oak dining table and French doors opening onto a large patio area overlooking the creek. Those panoramic views can be enjoyed in winter and summer alike, sheltering from the elements inside the comfort of the warm dining room, or basking in the Kentish summer sunshine outside; the only noise the abundant bird life all around.
After a long leisurely lunch, adjourn to the comfortable sitting room with its roaring wood burner, or repair to the charming puzzle and reading corner with vintage record player along with board games, puzzles, books and an unusual selection of vinyls to choose from, if the Sonos sound system is becoming too predictable. Alternatively, hunker down in the cinema and karaoke room next door, which can double as a playroom for parties with tinier guests, with a large 65 inch Smart TV and a wide selection of films and extensive songbook to belt out en-masse.
Later in the evening head upstairs to the five elegantly-styled double bedrooms, all with stunning creek views to wake up to. The family bathroom boasts a roll top freestanding bath, while the dual-aspect master bedroom is the perfect place to watch the sun disappear over the marshes from the Juliet balcony, usually with a great colourful fanfare.
Newly added in summer 2020, Nagden House has a huge exterior dining and seating area, including an electric-heated, 7ft Canadian cedar wood hot tub and outdoor shower. Enjoy a sunset dip in the creek, warm up with sundowners afterwards in the hot tub, then adjourn to the day beds, clustered around the fire pit, and watch the sunset sky turn to dusk. There is also a large outdoor pergola and dining table, with accompanying barbecue station and bar area.
The extensive gardens of Nagden House are wonderful in every season, but particularly in summer when the orchard really comes into its own, offering up an abundance of cherries, apples, pears, apricots, damsons and figs. The rare World War II pillbox, now converted into an exciting kids’ fort, will fire up their imaginations, or if that doesn’t tear them away from their screens long enough, successful crabbing at high tide off the jetty should do it. Sunsets from the jetty are easy to photograph well, making absent friends jealous and are always memorable. Even more so if a local seal happens to be passing by.
Cyclists will love the varied local loops straight from the house without even going near a paved road, unless by choice, and there are some bikes available for guests use. Nagden House is situated on the Saxon Shore Way so walkers and foragers can head straight out from the front door, no dog leads required here for four legged guests, and enjoy trailing along the creek across the fields to the sea shore or through the local woods and fields. Intrepid wild swimmers or canoeists can strike off down the creek from the private jetty or walk 20 minutes across the fields to The Swale and foodies can head straight to the famous Sportsman Pub which is 5 minutes down the road, or to the favourite local farm shop Macknades. Nagden House is a beautiful holiday home without parallel, and this quiet creek side haven a place to truly unwind. Beach ½ mile. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£354Price per night from
- Battle, EnglandCasa Nostra provides the perfect secluded space for a relaxing break with a thoughtfully designed layout and beautifully furnished home filled with interesting antique pieces of furniture. A sun-trap garden filled with pathways, landscaped patio, various seating areas and a firepit gives you a tour of the established plants providing an experience reminiscent of a secret garden. There is also a garden games shed. Internally the ground floor offers a large, luxurious living room overlooking the garden with underfloor heating, sky lights and and leading to a spacious modern fitted kitchen with seating and every appliance you could need. The kitchen is an ideal space for special occasions, private chefs or christmas gatherings. A separate utility room provides the perfect place to wash your clothes after your country walks or a day at the seaside. One large bedroom with a twin bed that can be split into two singles and a family bathroom with large bath are on the ground floor, whilst a second bedroom with a kingsize bed and bathroom with a large walk-in shower occupy the first floor. The property is furnished with a large range of antiques and collectables from TV’s Clive Attrell’s antique store in Hastings, which are all available to purchase and take home, or arrange delivery.
Located in a picturesque English village there is an abundance of walks perfect for ramblers and dog walkers with a country pub and a corner shop only a few minutes’ walk away. Sedlescombe has its own organic vineyard whilst the Carr Taylor vineyard is in the next village offering wine tasting tours and is only a short taxi ride away. If you are looking for fun for all of the family then only a short drive away is Hastings with its town centre, old town and beach along with an abundance of seaside attractions including arcades, crazy golf, funicular railways and ice cream parlours. Travelling away from the coast and only a short drive away is the historic town of Battle boasting Battle Abbey, the home of The Battle of Hastings 1066, now owned by English Heritage. Battle also offers a range of independent shops, cafés, bars and restaurants perfect for a day out with afternoon tea or an evening meal. If you wish to venture further afield then you can explore Battle Great Woods, visit Bodiam Castle, go shopping in Tunbridge Wells, wander around Scotney Castle or visit Batemans, the home of Rudyard Kipling, to name just a few of the great attractions nearby. Beach 7 miles. Pub and restaurant 176 yards.£144Price per night from
- Happisburgh, EnglandThis stunning location is perfect for exploring the best of Norfolk with its amazing coastline and famous Norfolk Broads. A favourite choice for summer and winter escapes. Nestled in the countryside with a lovely garden and extended views across open countryside, and just a 5-minutes’ drive to the excellent sandy beach at Sea Palling, and 10 minutes’ drive from the amazing Norfolk Broads National Park. Boasting contemporary open plan living accommodation with wood burner for cosy nights in, sympathetically and beautifully refurbished to offer modern conveniences, yet still retaining plenty of charm. Situated in a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which is rich in bird and wildlife. The area offers great walking and cycling from doorstep, the Coastal Route is popular with enthusiasts.
A great place to return to is the lovely lawn garden with seating furniture and delightful uninterrupted countryside views, or a short walk away is the award-winning pub serving good food. Nearby are the glorious sandy beaches at Sea Palling, Waxham and Horsey Gap, often visited by seals with their pups during winter months. Visit the famous lighthouse at Happisburgh, Sea Palling with shops, café, restaurants and jet ski hire for the adrenaline seekers! Wroxham, known as capital of the Norfolk Broads, 9 miles, has many waterside cafés, restaurants, shops and daily river trips and daily boat hire available. You can also catch the Bure Valley Steam Railway here for a wonderful trip to the market town of Aylsham, or take the train to Cromer, which is a traditional seaside resort with pier and promenade. The nearest village is Stalham, with its supermarket, shops, cafés and restaurants.
Historical attractions include many National Trust properties including Blickling Hall, Felbrigg Hall and Horsey Windpump. Other places of interest include Sheringham, 22 miles, home to the North Norfolk Steam Railway and the National Trust Sheringham Gardens. Or visit the city of Norwich with its cathedral, castle, museums, galleries, restaurants, cinema, theatre and shopping with two malls and market square. Beach 3 miles. Pub ¼ mile, Shop and restaurant 1 ¾ miles.£83Price per night from
- Cambridge, EnglandSecluded, cosy and charmingly rustic, the Potting Shed is an idyllic backdrop for a romantic getaway. Set against the beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside, this barn conversion is situated within the stunning grounds of Grade II* Listed Island Hall, on the edge of the River Great Ouse. With its own patio, the property also has easy access to the vast local conservation area, consisting of Port Holme (at 260 acres, the largest water meadow in the UK) and two nature reserves with tranquil views over the ancient water system. This stunning accommodation offers a contemporary open plan living space with a wood burner and patio doors opening onto the patio. The relaxing master bedroom boasts French doors that open onto a shared courtyard. There is modern shower room and a galleried working space ideal for remote working.
Although you will feel completely tucked away, the bustling historic city of Cambridge is only a 30-minute drive. The cottage itself is within walking distance of various amenities including Huntingdon railway station, allowing you to reach the city of Peterborough in 20 minutes as well as the phenomenal capital city of London in just under 1 hour.£82Price per night from
- Falmouth, EnglandHaving undergone a complete refurbishment during the winter of 2018/19, Trevarrick House is a spacious five bedroom family home in an elevated position with outstanding views across the harbour from Flushing to Pendennis Castle, with the Roseland Peninsula in the distance. Trevarrick really is a delightful house with enough space for families and groups of friends to spread out, yet within a short stroll of the town centre.
The house is set out in reverse style with the open plan kitchen and living space on the first floor to take advantage of the outstanding and ever-changing views. There is a spectacular balcony on the first floor with even more incredible views. The sitting room has plenty of space to relax and has a lovely Juliet balcony for more of those immense views. The well-equipped kitchen is ideal for preparing leisurely holiday meals, and the open plan design connects this to the dining area and sitting room so everyone can be together without being on top of each other. Perhaps the best bit of the house for adults is the basement snug room, which is just perfect for the younger generation to hide away, play games or watch TV. A quiet suntrap of a rear patio garden is also a perfect place to relax and enjoy a barbecue. With off-street parking for three reasonable sized vehicles, the house is on a completely enclosed site, ideal for dog lovers who wish to bring their canine friends and walk the nearby coastal footpaths.
Falmouth, the sailing capital of Cornwall, is renowned for being the third deepest natural port in the world. It is a haven for both cruisers and racers offering the sailor the last major port before the 12-hour crossing to the Isles of Scilly. Visitors to the Port will find the town teeming with coastal treasures, ranging from fish restaurants and boat trips to The National Maritime Museum, next to Port Pendennis. Pendennis Castle, built in the 16th Century, sits high above the harbour with truly magical panoramic views across the bay. Beach 1¾ miles.£400Price per night from
- Port Gaverne, EnglandBeautiful views along the Cornish coast greet visitors to this single-storey, light and spacious property. The property features a split level, open plan living and dining area, each with bi-fold doors opening out onto patio areas, affording stunning sea views, with gardens front and back. Dog friendly, this is the perfect place from which to explore this unique part of Cornwall.
The house is tastefully furnished and comfortable all year round with a log burner and central heating. Standing on the headland above the picturesque village of Port Gaverne, the house is a few steps from the north Cornwall coastal path. The beach at Port Gaverne is a 6-7 minute walk away and a little further is Port Isaac, with its huddle of slate houses and narrow alleyways.
The state-of-the-art kitchen is great for catering and cooking the fresh local produce. There are two excellent fish shops in Port Isaac that sell their daily catch of fish and shellfish; specialities are crab and lobster.
Local lamb, beef and pork are all available at the nearby farm shop, which has wonderful views overlooking the sea.
Famous now as the setting for the TV series ’Doc Martin’, Port Isaac is a working fishing village with shops, bars and several top-quality restaurants.
This area is now renowned as a ’foodie paradise’, with several celebrity chefs located here and the area is very well served by a whole variety of dining places to fit every pocket.
Close by is a hotel and next door is a bistro, which has indoor and outdoor dining. There are two Michelin starred restaurants in Port Isaac run by Nathan Outlaw. Nearby in Padstow is Paul Ainsworth’s Michelin starred restaurant and he has a great pub too. Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant and Cookery School are in Padstow. Rick Stein also has a number of other restaurants with varying price ranges.
This is an ideal spot for those who enjoy coastal walks, bird watching, golf, fishing, surfing, sailing, kayaking, cycling or just lazing on the beach. Polzeath’s famous surf attracts all comers, and its glorious sandy beach is just a short drive away. The cliffs, caves and rock pools are a children’s paradise.
Within an easy drive are Padstow, Tintagel, Boscastle, Bude and Wadebridge.
Wadebridge hosts one end of the Camel Trail, with a 5-mile dedicated cycle ride to Padstow on the old railway track, alongside the picturesque Camel Estuary. To the north stands Tintagel’s medieval castle and the quaint fishing village of Boscastle, with Crackington Haven and Bude a little further on. Inland lies Jamaica Inn and Bodmin Moor, the setting for the ’Poldark’ stories.
A few minutes’ walk away is a water sports centre, Cornish Rock Tors, based on the beach at Port Gaverne. They offer kayaking, paddle boarding and coasteering for individuals and groups. Polzeath’s famous surf attracts all comers, and its glorious sandy beach is just a short drive away. Water sports can be enjoyed at Rock, from where a passenger ferry crosses the Camel Estuary to the town of Padstow. Daymer Bay has another glorious sandy beach, and the golf course at St Enodoc is open to the public. John Betjeman, the late Poet Laureate, is buried at St Enodoc Church, with its twisted spire.
An ideal location. Dog friendly, this is the perfect setting for families to have fun and explore this unique part of Cornwall. Shop, pub, and restaurant nearby.£173Price per night from
- St Breward, EnglandLocated at the end of a private lane on the edge of Cornwall’s highest village of St Breward, Sandy Barn Cottages comprises three beautifully converted holiday barns (refs B5718, B5719 and W44032) and the owner’s own home, forming a secluded courtyard of 200-year-old granite buildings. The dog-friendly cottages are all tastefully furnished with many character features including slate floors and exposed beams. Cross Cottage (ref B5718) is detached with views over neighbouring fields.
Ideally situated on the edge of Bodmin Moor for exploring the landscape of tors and moorland. Enjoy walking, cycling, riding, fishing or simply relaxing. The nearest beach of Trebarwith Strand is 20 minutes’ away, but may favourites such as Whitehaven, Daymer Bay, Polzeath and Trevone are within 30-40 minutes’. With the beaches of the North Cornwall coast within 12 miles, visitors can enjoy the best of coast and countryside, alternating their days between tranquil landscapes, coastal walks and seaside fun at the beaches.
Places of interest such as Wadebridge, Padstow, Port Isaac, Boscastle and Tintagel. The National Trust property at Lanhydrock, the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are also within easy reach for a day out.
Sandy Barn Cottages are tucked away, surrounded by fields, but still in the heart of the village. Local amenities comprise of a village shop and pub serving food, both within easy walking distance, ¼ mile.£67Price per night from
- Chelmarsh, EnglandBeing at the heart of Shropshire, these beautiful holiday properties are set in the perfect location for a country retreat, and they enjoy wonderful views of Chelmarsh Reservoir. The Rookery (ref RGGQ) is an exceptional property designed specifically for holiday breaks, with its well-planned rooms and beautiful open views. All bedrooms are en-suite, and there is a large dining area and living room, as well as a separate gaming room to entertain. Kingfisher Cottage (ref RNN3) occupies an outstanding position overlooking the Severn Valley. The large family kitchen with glazed dining area overlooks the garden and outside patio area, whilst the spacious comfortable living room offers a wood-burning stove for cosy evenings in. The property has the added benefit of a ground floor en-suite bedroom, as well as five further en-suite bedrooms on the first floor. The gardens and barbecue area provide wonderful waterside views. They are very much geared for family groups and celebratory gatherings. Surrounded by the owners’ farmland, with footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes from the doorstep, these properties are the perfect country retreat. Another popular pastime in the area is fishing, which is available for guests of the cottages on Chelmarsh Reservoir and also on the River Severn (day permits can be purchased from local fishing tackle shops). Ideally located near to the historic town of Bridgnorth and the Severn Valley railway, with RAF Cosford a short drive away, the cottages make an ideal base for touring. The Ironbridge Gorge Museum and the hills of the Long Mynd and Wenlock Edge are about 10 miles away, whilst there are many interesting walks from the door as well as numerous picturesque villages waiting to be explored. Further afield a great place for a day trip is the West Midlands Safari Park. Shops 3 miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£769Price per night from