- Wansford, EnglandLocated in the 3-house hamlet of North Cattleholmes and accessed via country lanes, The Old Barn is a thoughtfully converted 200-year old stable block, offering comfortable and flexible accommodation for two. The cottage is well-equipped and tastefully furnished.
The location of the cottage feels remote, tranquil and deep in the heart of the countryside, perfect for getting away from it all, yet offering easy access to a range of services and attractions.
This is a perfect base for the wildlife enthusiast as it is located in the middle of Yorkshire’s Wildlife Triangle, with the internationally significant bird sites at Flamborough and Bempton a short drive away, regionally important wetland habitat with snakes, water voles and otters, and good viewing of hares, owls and kingfishers from the cottage. One guest logged 25 species from the cottage bench before breakfast in 2022. If the wildlife is being elusive our horses and poultry always enjoy attention.
The coastline is diverse with many different coastal landscapes to explore, lots of perfect dog friendly beaches and some classic ‘bucket and spade’ seaside towns. The area boasts some unique stately homes that are managed by their original families, or the East Riding of Yorkshire Council in one case, so are charmingly individual and most rewarding to visit.
For walkers, the Yorkshire Wolds give perfect views at every turn and facilitate a range of walks, from gentle ambles to leg burning route marches. Most walks enable you to include pretty villages and welcoming pubs. This location is a cyclist’s dream. Miles of quiet lanes with the option to pootle on the flat or flog up some serious scarp slopes and everything in-between. Whether on wheels or foot, you always feel like you have the landscape pretty much to yourself.
York, Scarborough and the North York Moors are also easily accessed from here. The market town of Driffield with a wide range of services and some quirky independent shops is a 10-minute drive away. The beautiful medieval town of Beverley is within easy access. It is the loveliest place to shop, lunch and admire what our ancestors could build. The more energetic will enjoy the Westwood pasture – 4 square kilometres of common land where dogs can, and do, go mad.
Closer to home, the nearest pubs (there are three of them), shop and railway station are in the village of Nafferton, approximately 2 miles away. The owners have extensive local knowledge and love to help guests make the most of their stay.£43From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Hartland, EnglandCopingers Cottage takes its name from ’Cruel Copinger’, a notorious 18-century smuggler that once lived here. This delightful, spacious, semi-detached, ground floor cottage is the perfect romantic coastal retreat, nestled within an idyllic rural setting, just a mile from the coastal path. The cottage sits in a peaceful location at the head of the famous Spekes Valley with its majestic waterfall cascading down a shear rock face 60ft, through a series of four smaller falls before finally reaching the sea. There are beautiful views, countryside and walks from the doorstep with an abundance of birds and wildlife to be seen.
Copingers Cottage is beautifully presented and has a spacious living room and cosy wood burner to curl up beside on a cooler evening, along with a private patio to enjoy an al fresco supper on a summer evening. This pretty barn conversion sits within the Hartland Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the North Devon coast with many dog friendly, long sandy beaches and hidden coves to explore, where occasionally dolphins can be seen frolicking in the Atlantic surf.
This is an ideal location for touring, walking, beaches or just relaxing. The timeless village of Hartland is only 1½ miles away and has a good selection of village shops and pubs serving food along with a post office, general store, bakery and craft shops. The hamlet of Stoke and the church of St. Nectan, known as the ’Cathedral of North Devon’, is just a short walk and the view from the church tower shows Hartland Abbey set in this beautiful valley with its many enchanting and delightful walks. Bude, 13 miles, has a good selection of shops and restaurants, many specialising in locally caught seafood, along with a golf course, indoor ’splash’ pool, surf schools and bowling. The delightful port town of Bideford, 15 miles, has a good selection of town amenities, restaurants, a weekly market and boat trips to Lundy Island. Coastal walking, cycling, golf, horse riding, fishing, surfing and sailing are all available in this stunning area. Docton Mill, Hartland Quay and Hartland Abbey are close by, along with many pretty fishing villages to explore including nearby Clovelly, Instow and Appledore. Beach 1½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.£44From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Bude, EnglandFig Tree Cottage is the perfect choice for a couples’ escape at any time of year. Converted in 2020, this delightful, semi-detached barn conversion is ideal for a peaceful holiday, and being so close to Bude and the breathtaking north Cornish coast means it is a great base from which to explore this stunning location. Situated within the grounds of the owners’ Grade II listed home, this lovely property has a spacious open-plan living area with a cosy wood burner to curl up beside on a chilly evening, and a delightful garden to enjoy a morning coffee whilst you plan your day. If you don’t fancy cooking then the local pub, 1 mile, does Sunday lunch and takeaways.
The wide sandy beaches of the north Cornish coast are just a short drive away, including the famous surfing beach of Widemouth Bay and the popular seaside town of Bude with its two lovely beaches, which is just 4 miles away. It’s the ideal place to shop, eat out and sample local produce with a great selection of pubs, cafés and restaurants. The pretty fishing villages of Padstow, Boscastle, Port Issac and Rock are well worth a visit, and mystical Tintagel with the legendary King Arthur’s castle is nearby. The wild beauty of both Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor are a must for walkers and nature lovers alike. There is something for everyone in this brilliant holiday location, with golf, fishing and horse riding all close by, along with great cycling and walking routes and a vast array of water sports. Beach 4 miles. Shop 3½ miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£44From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Sandown, EnglandLocated in the village of Lake, between the popular resort beaches of Sandown and Shanklin, the property is set adjacent to the owner’s home. The chalet benefits from a fully enclosed south-facing rear garden and has a rear gate that provides access directly out onto the cliff top coastal path, presenting you with a stunning view over Sandown Bay and its pier.
The beach at Lake can be accessed from a set of steps from the top of the cliff path, alternatively you can gain access from Shanklin or Sandown Esplanades via a short walk in either direction along the sea wall. Because this beach is tucked away and not as straightforward to reach, it is very often quieter than its resort neighbours Sandown and Shanklin during the busier months, making it a peaceful alternative for a day on the beach. As the waters are quieter, this is a great beach for surfing and water sports, as the sea is shallow and clear. There is an instructional school which is located nearby that offers a whole range of activities for all ages and abilities, there’s also a café and barbecue area which is always popular during the summer season. There’s also beach huts which you can look to hire and a number of benches to sit on along the sea wall path when the tide is further in. The walk along the sea wall between Sandown and Shanklin along the back of the beach is highly recommended as it offers a wide, flat path which is ideal for both walkers and cyclists.
For guests choosing to visit the island without their car, a favourable way to reach the property is to take the Wightlink Fast Cat service to Ryde Pier head and then the train to Lake Station which is only a 3-minute walk from the property. The island has become a real hot spot for cycling enthusiasts, with a choice of challenging off-road bridleways, peaceful byways and level purpose-made tracks running along former railway lines. You can cycle across the width of the island to the famous Needles landmark, or try the full round the island route, which is 66 miles long and is used for the annual Isle of Wight Randonnee held over the bank holiday in May. You can also travel along the route at a more leisurely pace, stopping off along the way at one of the many restaurants, pubs and cafés that can be found in the quaint villages and towns.
Sandown is a truly traditional British beach resort with pier, amusements, pitch ’n’ putt, Isle of Wight Zoo, children’s play area and the Dinosaur Isle attraction at the northern end of the esplanade towards Yaverland and Culver Cliff. The town is brimming with attractions to entertain visitors, most of them right on the beach front itself, so you never have to stray too far from the golden sands. At the other end of the path you will reach Shanklin Esplanade which is again packed full of amusements and crazy golf, as well as several places to eat. Away from the beach the main town hosts a multitude of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants to enjoy. The old village is world famous with its pretty thatched cottages, cosy tea rooms, pubs, restaurants and craft shops to discover. Outdoor pursuits on the island are well catered for and include horse riding, fishing, paragliding, golf and water sports. There are numerous attractions across the island to discover for all ages, such as The Needles (with its chairlift, amusement park, boat rides, lighthouse and coloured sands of Alum Bay), Blackgang Chine, Dinosaur Isle, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, Tapnell Farm Park and Carisbrooke Castle - or why not pay a visit to Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday residence, Osborne House and its gardens? The sailing towns of Yarmouth and Cowes also make for a great day out. Beach 500 yards. Shops, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.£46From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Somerton, EnglandNone£46From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Leominster, EnglandSet just outside the village of Pencombe, this property enjoys the peaceful surroundings of the Herefordshire countryside. The Byre is set 11 miles from the historic towns of Leominster and Hereford, which offer a range of independent shops and restaurants, with the towns of Bromyard and Ludlow set nearby. Attractions such as Berrington Hall, Croft Castle and Hampton Court Castle offer a fantastic day out for all guests. Bromyard is only 4 miles away and has shops, pubs, cafés, restaurants, petrol stations, a library, fitness centre and a theatre. The Byre has a private enclosed patio with furniture and BBQ for guests to relax in after a busy day exploring the county. For those looking to bring their bikes, there is an anchor point attached to the wall. Fishing is available nearby, and there is also a private swimming pool available to hire by the hour just 150 yards away. Shop 4 miles, pub and restaurant 1 mmile.£46From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Felindre, WalesThis semi-detached, period holiday cottage is a haven of peace and tranquillity, set in 6 acres of private woodlands and is just a stone’s throw away from the town of Newcastle Emlyn, famous for its 13th-century castle and traditional Welsh pubs and restaurants. Explore the Brecon Beacons National Park and other attractions including Dynevor and Dryslwyn and the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£48From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Thurso, ScotlandHarland Cottage is a delightful bijou cottage for couples. This single-storey, detached cottage is beautifully presented throughout. The main living area is open plan and a large deep leather sofa looks out through French windows to the pretty cottage garden. The kitchen area is bright and modern, with built-in units and is well-equipped. The double bedroom has a kingsize bed and an en-suite with a large walk-in shower, which can also be accessed via the hallway. The garden is a real delight, enclosed by an original Caithness dry stone wall, there is a patio area with seating and a good-sized lawn area.
Harland Cottage is situated in Castletown, just 500 yards from one of the most spectacular beaches to be found anywhere in the British Isles. Dunnet Beach has 4 miles of sweeping sands, with high sand dunes providing a natural backdrop. There are lovely walks direct from the cottage, through woodland glades to the beach beyond. It is ideal for dog walks as well as numerous outdoor activities and there is also a pretty harbour to wander round. The area is renowned for its surfing, water sports, fishing and golf. For wildlife enthusiasts, there are often deer close by, numerous seabirds including puffins, whales, porpoises and dolphins are spotted along the coastline.
Castletown has a good selection of local amenities, including a pub with a good restaurant and a local mini-market, all within walking distance. The Heritage Visitors Centre is within a mile. The nearby town of Thurso is just 5 miles away and has further amenities, including supermarkets, bars, cafés, restaurants and a cinema. There are lovely riverside walks along the banks of the River Thurso and plenty to see and do in the region. A visit to the Castle of Mey, with its superb garden and interesting history is a must, along with a day trip to Orkney; the ferry is approximately 8 miles away. Caithness is renowned for big clear night skies so there is a good chance of seeing the northern lights during winter months from the top of Dunnet head the most northerly point on the Uk mainland only 4 miles away. The property is also on the North Coast 500.£48From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Peasedown Saint John, EnglandThis delightful converted 17th century stable building is located within the grounds of the owner’s home in a peaceful rural village setting. The tastefully decorated and comfortable cottage is single storey with patio doors from the living room and bedroom leading onto the garden and patio area. There are many public footpaths leading from the village to explore the surrounding fields and woodland. The beautiful city of Bath has numerous famous attractions, including the Roman Baths and Pump Rooms, The Assembly Rooms and the award-winning Thermae Bath Spa. Many cultural festivals take place throughout the year. Shops, services and take-aways within 1 mile as well as excellent pubs and restaurants within a radius of 3 miles.£48From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Ceres, ScotlandThis charming, bijou, terraced cottage with a red pantile roof, dating back to 1780 when it was a weavers cottage, is located in the centre of the historic picturesque village of Ceres. Well Cottage has been thoughtfully furnished for comfort and ease, and is the perfect location for a relaxing retreat for a couple. There are excellent cycling and footpaths from the cottage door and the Fife Folk Museum is across the road, as well as the village green. This conservation village has a good pub and a hotel serving food, tea rooms, an antique shop, a family butchers, village store and the renowned Wemyss Ware Pottery. Scotland’s oldest highland games are held on the last Saturday in June. The picture-postcard East Neuk of Fife with fishing villages and sandy beaches are within easy driving distance, and St Andrews is only seven miles away and well worth a visit. This area is renowned for its golf, with a multitude of excellent courses within easy reach. Trout fishing is available locally (licence required). Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth are all within an hour’s drive. When you return to the cottage after exploring the area, you can sit back with a glass of wine in front of the cosy fire. Golf is also available nearby.£49From price per night based on 7 night stay