- Banff, ScotlandConstructed in 1864, this picturesque, renovated church building that has been lovingly restored making it a luxurious place for you and your family or friends to stay. Its exterior form has happily been retained, bearing clear witness to its original function, whilst inside a stained glass window is the central feature to the first floor living room. Other features of note include high ceilings, large windows, plenty of spacious accommodation and large mature gardens. The majority of the living space is to the ground floor. The open plan kitchen and dining area with sliding door opening to the rear garden was formerly the church hall. Five bedrooms have been stylishly designed, along with a contemporary bathroom and two additional shower rooms, whilst a cinema and games room will keep you busy on a rainy day. The extensive gardens of an acre comprise of a woodland driveway to the front. The enclosed rear garden has mature trees and shrubs, including a monkey puzzle tree, lawns and three patio seating areas. The summerhouse and patios are the ideal place for enjoying a morning coffee or evening drink while taking in the surrounding views and starlit sky.
The property is nestled in a very beautiful part of Scotland and offers many activities in short striking distance, including walking, cycling, golfing, fishing and the seaside. The property is just 3 miles from Mintlaw, home to Aden Country Park covering 230 acres. Recognised as one of Scotland’s top green spaces, the park is a popular spot for walkers, cyclists and families thanks to its picturesque surroundings and busy events calendar. Mintlaw hosts a wide variety of amenities including pub, takeaways and local supermarket.
8 miles to the east is Cruden Bay, which has a sweeping expanse of pink sands and dunes approximately 1½ miles in length. This sandy beach is popular with day trippers, water sports enthusiasts and for sea fishing. Here you can also visit the remains of Slains Castle, once a place where celebrities were entertained on numerous occasions in the 19th Century. One of the most notable guests was Bram Stoker and it is believed the castle is the inspiration for the setting of ’Count Dracula’. 14 miles south of Torreagles is Newburgh beach, home to a colony of around 400 seals, adjacent to which are Forvie Nature Reserve and Foveran Links, a site of special scientific interest.
Golfers will appreciate numerous challenging courses less than a half hour’s drive from the property, including three of Scotland’s top twenty championship courses, Cruden Bay Golf Club, Trump International Golf Links and Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. Whatever you decide to do during your stay, this is an ideal base to explore this lovely part of Scotland. Beach 8 miles.£182From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Llandeilo, WalesNestled in a truly magnificent location with imposing views over the iconic Brecon Beacons National Park, this detached, modern farmhouse has been presented to the highest standard incorporating modern design with an added traditional feel throughout, making it the perfect location for a luxury family or group holiday whatever the occasion.
Conveniently positioned with easy access to the historic market town of Llandelio, Maes Y Bryn Farmhouse strikes a sublime mix of luxury furnishings and spacious living areas with all the home comforts of modern day living. The open plan kitchen/dining room allows you to entertain friends and family with ease and the cosy living area has been well put together with lots of thoughtful touches added, such as a Smart TV and cosy wood burner. Each bedroom has also been lovingly presented with an individual design boasting quality pocket sprung mattresses, TV’s and some offering en-suite bathrooms for that added luxury touch. The farmhouse also features an indoor games room, perfect for family fun during inclement weather.
For adventure-filled day’s out, the picturesque Brecon Beacons is considered a natural playground for mountain bikers, ramblers and nature enthusiasts alike. Here you’ll find the glistening Llyn Y Fan Fach dammed lake and learn all about the legend of The Lady of The Lake, as well as the Red Kite Feeding station at Llanddeusant where you can watch the feeding display for Red Kites and buzzards, an unforgettable experience.
The scenic Tywi Valley is just a short drive away and is home to numerous majestic sites dotted along its glistening river, where you’ll find the 12th-century castles of Carreg Cennen and Dryslwyn and the enchanting gardens and nature reserve of Dinefwr Castle and Par. The elegant market town of Llandelio can also found here, providing a wealth of eclectic gifts shops, highly acclaimed restaurants and traditional Welsh pubs, with fine ales and fresh local produce always on the menu! Shop 2 miles, pub ½ mile and restaurant 8 miles.£298From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Church Rd, EnglandJust 500 yards from the glorious sand duned beach at Kessingland, a traditional seaside village on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, is this superb, very spacious, detached holiday home. The house has the added addition of a private hot tub, large garden, its own cinema room with a 2½ metre screen and a games room, and is the ideal base for a family holiday or for friends to get together to relax and unwind. Only 4 miles away is the popular resort of Lowestoft, which offers traditional seaside entertainment, and children will love Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park, which is just a short drive away. Just down the road is Africa Alive, or visit the lovely seaside resort of Southwold, famous for Adnams Brewery, the pier and summer theatre. Dunwich Heath and Beach, RSPB Minsmere, Aldeburgh with its fishing boats and local seafood, and Snape Maltings Concert Hall are also easily accessible. Hire a boat on the glorious Norfolk Broads and watch the weekly speed boat racing on nearby Oulton Broad. The medieval city of Norwich, with its fine shopping, castle, cathedral and museums, is an easy drive. Beach 500 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 100 yards.£254From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Penrith, England
Blending contemporary and traditional accommodation, the dog-friendly Blencowe Hall is a Grade One restoration providing a five star experience in the English Lake District.
£1980From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Hayling Island, EnglandOffering superb sea views, this spacious home is situated in an enviable position along the sea front and boasts a large heated outdoor swimming pool. This holiday cottage, attached to a self-contained annexe which is occupied by the owner, is ideal for couples or family get togethers. Summer evenings can be savoured relaxing on the large patio - perfect for relaxing and enjoying an aperitif! Hayling Island is renowned for its sailing activities and windsurfing with lessons available close by. Every year there is a national windsurfing event and a plethora of sailing and nautical activity can be seen along the coastline. Many activities can be enjoyed locally, including golf, riding and boat trips, and scenic walks along the South Downs National Park. Chichester, with its beautiful cathedral, festival theatre, leisure centre, Roman Villa and Fontwell races, is definitely worthy of a visit. Visit Portsmouth with waterside dining, ferry trips to the Isle of Wight, designer outlets, Natural Museum, leisure facilities, Spinnaker Tower, HMS Victory or the maritime history at Southampton. Winchester and The New Forest are within easy driving distance. Shop 250 yards, pub and restaurant 100 yards.£179From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Goathland, EnglandThis imposing Edwardian country house stands in its own garden overlooking sheep grazing the common at Goathland, whilst the views of moors and forest may be enjoyed from the west-facing terrace. Set in the village of Goathland, perhaps better known as Aidensfield from the TV series Heartbeat, in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, it is in an excellent area for walking – the North Yorks Moors steam railway stops at the village station on its journey from Pickering to Grosmont. Horse riding can also be found nearby.
Whitby being only 9 miles away is a picturesque seaport famous for its Captain Cook connections, where the cobbled streets and yards stand in the shadow of the Abbey, overlooking the harbour. The 3 miles of sandy beaches lead to the pretty coastal village of Sandsend. Robin Hood’s Bay (renowned as a bygone smugglers’ haunt), Runswick Bay and Staithes are all worth a visit. Inland, the moors are scattered with villages, many with excellent inns. Goathland itself offers an excellent choice of inns and restaurants, in addition to local shops, post office and cafés. Scarborough 23 miles. York 38 miles. Beach 9 miles. Pub and restaurant 200 yards away.£248From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Llanon, WalesPerfect for a large family gathering or celebration, Oswald House offers spacious and stylish accommodation for a splendid holiday. The vast kitchen and dining space is the social hub of the home and large bi-fold doors open up onto the outside space with a superb hot tub and barbecue; the ideal spot for relaxing in after a busy day sightseeing. Situated in the village of Llanon with a pub and shops within walking distance, this holiday home is the perfect base for immersing yourself in all that the area has to offer. With a superb mix of coast and countryside, Ceredigion is a large and beautiful place to visit. Award-winning beaches, perfect coves, iconic castles and pretty harbours make days out by car or on foot along the 60 miles of Heritage coastline a must. This region inspired Dylan Thomas to write some of his finest poetry. It is framed by the Cambrian Mountains, known as the backbone of Wales, and is so rich in wildlife, legends and fascinating landscapes. Look out for birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards soaring high above, and dolphins or seals in the waters. Drive along the Plynlimon Mountains, through the Tywi Forest or visit the impressive Abergwesyn Pass, and marvel at the solitude.
For a truly authentic Welsh family holiday experience, this is the area to be. The locals are justifiably proud of this region with its rich local folklore which tells of tricking the devil, mermaids, shipwrecked kings and princesses, and even an explanation of why gulls sound as if they’re crying. The little gems of Georgian Aberaeron, historic Cardigan, salty New Quay, traditional Tregaron and Lampeter are waiting to be explored. To the south, the coves of Mwnt, Cwmtydu, Penbryn, Tresaith – which resemble illustrations from books about pirates, are all within easy reach. To the north, around Aberystwyth and Borth, there are vast stretches of sand. Food plays a big part in the experience of Ceredigion, and a wide choice is to be found in the shops, restaurants and cafés offering regional products and ingredients such as the world beating Teifi Valley cheeses, the ubiquitous Welsh cakes, bara brith and of course, some spectacularly good seafood from the coast.
No visit to the area would be complete without a ride on the steam railway. From the coast at Aberystwyth, watch the scenery change whilst travelling through ancient woodland and rugged mountain scenery, with the line clinging to the hillside to reach Devil’s Bridge, home of the famous Mynach Falls and Devil’s Punchbowl. Come and escape to this magnificent area and let Oswald House be your home for a holiday to remember!
Beach ½ mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 600 yards. This property can be booked together with Ty Fynnon (HW7601) and Oswald Lodge (HW7804) to accommodate larger groups.£220From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Huthwaite, UNITED KINGDOMEnjoying spectacular views across the Meden Valley, this comfortably appointed, semi-detached bungalow makes a great base for a relaxing break. Coarse fishing, shooting, archery, plus knife and axe throwing are available 200 yards away at Woodend farm complex and there are many good cycle routes and walks throughout the area. The immediate surrounding land is classed as a conservation area, and 3 miles away is Hardwick Hall, as is Sutton-in-Ashfield, which is home to a leisure centre with an indoor swimming pool and ice rink. Newstead Abbey and Sherwood Forest are also close by. Explore the nearby Peak District, spend a day at Chatsworth House, follow the Five Pits Trail or simply enjoy the stunning views either from inside the property, or outside on the decking. There is a games room for both children and adults. In the village, there is an 18-hole golf course available an a day rate. Conveniently, there is a boarding kennels and cattery close by, where day boarding is available by arrangement with the owners. The games room is exclusive to this property, also adjacent to the property guests have access to 3 acres of public recreation land. The owner of the property lives in the annex which has its own entrance, should you require any assistance. Shop ¾ mile, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.£123From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Botesdale, EnglandSet in the owners’ 7-acres of grounds and surrounded by farmland, these two detached barn conversions stand adjacent to one another. The Old Stables has its own enclosed garden, and its own private hot tub, with delightful open countryside views and has been well-furnished to provide a perfect holiday home at any time of year. Burfields Barn has en-suite bathrooms to all bedrooms, a wealth of exposed beams and the wood burner in the open-plan living/dining room/kitchen ensures a warm welcome all year round. Burfields Barn also benefits from a private indoor heated pool and games room. Outside, there is a large enclosed courtyard for al fresco dining and shared use of 7-acres of grounds for guests to enjoy. Catering is also available by prior arrangement with the owner.
The properties provide an excellent base for walking, cycling or bird watching, but are conveniently situated to explore the delightful market towns and villages of Suffolk. Stowmarket, 10 miles, is home to the Museum of East Anglian Life, has a wide range of shops and restaurants and direct train links to London Liverpool Street Station. Bury St Edmunds with its cathedral, abbey grounds and Georgian theatre, the market town of Diss and the county towns of Ipswich, Norwich and Colchester are all within easy reach. Slightly further afield are the unspoilt delights of the Suffolk Heritage Coast, including Aldeburgh, Dunwich, Walberswick, Southwold and the ancient burial ground at Sutton Hoo (National Trust). Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles. Burfields Barn (ref 29880) and The Old Stables (ref W44247) can be booked together to accommodate up to 15 guests. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.£370From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Porthpean, EnglandWith panoramic views along the beautiful Cornish coastline and down into St Austell Bay, this detached holiday home is set in an acre of landscaped gardens, approximately 300 yards up from the secluded sandy cove of Porthpean, where visitors can paddle, swim or hire a kayak and explore the coastline from the water. Scuba diving is also available along the coast. This large, spacious house has everything in it or nearby for a perfect, quintessential Cornish holiday, including coastal walks, golden beaches, quaint fishing villages such as Mevagissey, where a ferry can be taken to Fowey and National Trust gardens and houses aplenty. The amazing Eden Project and the fascinating Lost Gardens of Heligan are both close by. The area is full of natural and man made attractions that make this a choice destination for all the family or groups of friends, with many farm shops selling local produce for that special meal. A golf course that overlooks the bay is a short walk along the lane and an off-road cycle and walking trail through ancient woodland is nearby. Fowey, with its beautiful estuary, Royal Yacht Club, narrow lanes and historic buildings is a must. Meander along its narrow streets and browse many local shops, galleries and crafts shops whilst planning lunch in cafés and restaurants that overlook the estuary and out to sea. Activities include deep sea fishing, river kayaking, sailing and walking. For a more leisurely affair, a local hotel just minutes from the house has an impressive spa and indoor infinity pool for a day of pampering and relaxation. The dramatic north coast is within easy reach, where visitors can surf, watch the waves or visit many of the pretty harbour villages, such as Padstow, Port Isaac or St Ives, all essential ports of call for visitors to Cornwall. Horse riding, bike hire and surfing are all available nearby. Beach 300 yards. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.£302From price per night based on 7 night stay