30 UK holiday cottages to book now for summer

SOUTH-WEST

The Enchanting Deepdean the Cockerel in Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean

Embark on an adventurous stay in Deepdean the Cockerel, a beautifully refurbished barn that dates back to the 17th century. This remarkable holiday spot brings a touch of the wild closer to home, with exclusive residents like zebras, meerkats, and alpacas. This is feasible as the proprietor operates a private sanctuary for these animals, using the earnings derived from their holiday accommodations, which also include two quaint one-bedroom cottages.

Guests can enjoy an invigorating splash in their communal outdoor pool, comfortably warmed in the summer months of July and August. The barn, resplendent in its new white coat, boasts an open-plan kitchen and dining area, a chic mezzanine lounge, and two double rooms with attached baths, offering cosy yet modern living quarters.

Set amidst almost 25 hectares of sweeping gardens and lush woodlands, the barn nestles only three miles away from the charming town of Ross-on-Wye. The locale, resplendent in astonishing vistas and quaint alleyways, promises a unique holiday for avid explorers. A bonus for nature lovers, the barn is surrounded by wildlife. As the day folds into dusk, deer occasionally graze by the fringes of the forest, adding a dash of mystic charm to your stay.

Accommodation for four guests starts at an affordable £1,031 during the summer holidays. Are you ready to experience the holiday of a lifetime?

Start your adventure today at, holidaycottages.co.uk

Navigating Self-Catering Vacation Bookings Amidst Covid: Essential Points to Remember

In light of Covid-19, most UK vacation rentals providers have adapted flexible reservation procedures. This ensures customers can avail a refund, discount voucher, or adjust their booking dates if any governmental restrictions disrupt their vacation plans.

You can find UK holiday rental listings on global platforms like Airbnb or niche websites like Host Unusual and Sawdays. Bear in mind, these platforms do not set the reservation terms, you must confirm them with the individual property owners. Several portals facilitate locating accommodations with flexible booking conditions.

The Premier portal, for instance, features a 'Covid guarantee' catalogue comprising of 500 properties. And Airbnb, with its massive global outreach, provides a filter to look for rentals that offer flexible or moderate cancellation policies.

Companies such asCanopy & Stars,holidaycottages.co.uk,Quality CottagesandCrabtree & Crabtree, as well as theNational Trust, have their own policies, which customers should read carefully.

Some only apply to holidays taken before a specific date, after which normal terms and conditions apply.

While flexible policies cover cancellations due to restrictions or other legal requirements, most do not cover cancellations by guests who have contracted Covid or have to self-isolate. These are now “known risks”, and it’s advisable to take out insurance against them.

Holidaycottages.co.uk offers insurance, and Quality Cottages is about to follow suit. Comparison websiteMedical Travel Comparedoffers quotes with enhanced Covid cover, including cancellation. It lists 22 companies offering such cover, usually within 14 days of the trip and following a positive test.

Self-catering prices are expected to rise once lockdown lifts. “By early April, owners will be charging premium prices,” said Alistair Handyside of the Professional Association of Self-Caterers. “There will be the same insane price inflation we saw on 4 July last year.”

The Barn in Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, midway between its northern and southern coasts, there resides a charming single-storey barn, once part of the Lanyhdrock Estate. Now, it serves as a cosy holiday home, surrounded by the alluring National Trust parkland and stunning gardens. The accommodation features a combined spacious living, dining, and kitchen area boasting rustic beams, magnificent exposed stone, accompanied by a warming woodburner and a functional range cooker – an authentic essence of country living. The retreat also has three bedrooms, with two being en suite. Additional points of interest near the location include the stunning beach at Padstow to the north, and the historic Charlestown Harbour to the south – both accessible within a half-hour drive. For those who prefer land-based activities, they're in for a treat: the wooded sanctuary of Cardinham Woods, treasured for its walking and cycling trails, can be reached within a short five-mile drive.

The barn comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests, with weekly summer rates from £1,210. Interested parties can book [here](https://luxurycoastal.co.uk/property/cornwall/lanhydrock/the-barn-in-lanhydrock): luxurycoastal.co.uk

Boathouse Cottage, Kingsbridge estuary, Devon

In Frogmore, located within the picturesque South Hams, there sits a charming cottage whose crowning glory is its beautiful waterside location. Its exquisite three-tier garden cascades down to an exclusive terrace by the shoreline of Frogmore Creek, a serene inlet of the Kingsbridge estuary. The cosy interiors are equally inviting, boasting a comfortable sitting room with a warm woodburner, a homely kitchen and dining area with direct garden access, and three inviting bedrooms varying from double to twin and bunk. The bathroom perfects the comforts with both a bathtub and shower. The quaint Frogmore village, host to indispensable amenities like a pub and bakery, is an easy three-mile journey from the closest beach. Additionally, it's four miles from the enchanting Slapton Ley nature reserve and a mere six miles away from coastal walks surrounding Start Point. For those interested in further exploration, both Salcombe and Dartmouth are around a half-hour drive.
Able to accommodate 6, summertime weekly rates are £1,293, simplyseaviews.co.uk

Oak House, Yetminster, Dorset

If you appreciate historic charm, consider visiting this Grade II-listed abode nestled within the charming limestone territory of Yetminster. An inscription displaying the date of construction - 1607, graces the house's portal. Decadent space greets you inside, featuring walls adorned with mesmerizing paintings, an array of classic books, and vintage furniture decor. The premises also boast a sizable private garden. Just a 15-minute journey will land you in Sherborne, home to an ancient abbey and a pair of majestic castles—one a relic of the 12th century, and another splendid architecture conceived by the renowned Sir Walter Raleigh in the late 16th century. The vicinity is also graced with the awe-inspiring Cerne Abbas chalk giant, and the verdant splendour of Mapperton House and Gardens. Beach lovers can reach coastal wonders such as West Bay—known from Broadchurch—and the splendid Lyme Regis within an hour's drive. Summer accommodation for a week at this historic residence is available for £1,924, and it can house up to six individuals.
To book, visit classic.co.uk.

NORTH AND NORTH-WEST

Retreat to Hinterlandes Cabin in the Lake District

Nestled within a secluded sylvan nook in the Lorton Valley, ensconced in Western Lakes, stands the stylishly minimalistic Hinterlandes Cabin. Complementing the lush verdant landscape, this Scandinavian-inspired jet black timber cabin creates an entrancing silhouette alongside the fern-surrounded wood-burning bath. The atmosphere is a refreshing departure from the usual rustic vibe of the Lakes. Embrace the tranquility as mobile phone signals fade, replaced by board games and the rich digital library of an iPad, teeming with music and films, available onsite. As evening ambience sets in, a cosy fire pit awaits your company; during the day, the pristine surroundings sultrily whisper enticing trails and wild swimming spots to adventurous spirits. Situated but two miles away is the Kirkstile Inn, a local staple treasured among hikers. Gastronomic contentment is just a call away with food hampers on request, and not to forget the opportunity to engage in a good old biking excursion with rented bikes. The property also boasts a revamped bus for a unique stay.
Accommodates 4 (2 adults, 2 children), priced at £1,139 for a week during the school summer break, canopyandstars.co.uk

Weathercock Holiday Cottage, Sedbergh, Yorkshire Dales

The 17th-century Weathercock Holiday Cottage, once the residence of Ingmire Hall Estate's butler, is now under farming ownership. Located a stone's throw away from the estate, the cottage offers hikers an affordable stay amidst the stunning landscapes of Howgill Fells - sandwiched between the Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales. A brief five-minute walk from the flagstone haven leads you to the 80-mile Dales Way. Apart from its proximity to a charming mid-Victorian stone chapel with a bellcote, the cottage itself has several appealing features.
The bathroom in particular, fittingly could be dubbed as the dwelling's most charming room with its wooden burner, traditional roll-top bath, countryside wall murals and rustic stone walls that evoke warmth and tranquility. Additionally, it boasts of an outdoor hot tub and a game room equipped with a dart board. The cottage also possesses a hidden garden that adds to the allure of this historical domicile.
It can accommodate up to 7 guests, costing £1,349 a week during summer season, weathercockholidaycottage.co.uk

Seldom Seen, Lake District

Seldom Seen’s location has to be seen to be believed: its leafy garden, where red squirrels play, tumbles down towards Ullswater, and there are paths up Helvellyn, Glenridding Dodd and Great Dodd, with Ambleside and Windermere just over the Kirkstone Pass. This traditional stone terraced miner’s cottage with exposed beams, woodburner and flagstone floors lies at the end of a single track lane, close to the village of Glenridding, a hiking hotspot. A double and a bunk room make it a good option for families, though little ones may struggle with the steep ladder-style stairs.
Sleeps 4, from £817 in summer holidays, sykescottages.co.uk

Hedgerow Luxury Glamping, Ribble valley, Lancashire

Find yourself in a quandary over selecting the Lakes or the Dales for your holiday retreat? Why not consider the Ribble valley to the south? This locale grants easy access to both the Lakes and the Dales, including the enticing Forest of Bowland that's worth exploring. Picture yourself in one of our three glamping pods that exude enjoyment and a bit of pizzazz. Imagine sinking into hot tubs with custom inflatable trays designed for your bottle of bubbly or seated beside a tub on bar stools, under shimmering fairy lights and fitting bunting. Plus, the nightly spectacle of twinkling stars viewed through a strategically placed window above your bed is truly magical. Each pod offers a well-equipped kitchen showcasing a coffee maker, a cosy woodburning stove, a slow cooker, and hob. We've also tailored breakfast, barbeque, and campfire kits that guests can order to enhance their stay.
Accommodates 2 adults (minimum age 18), rates starting from £680 per week, book now via coolcamping.com

West Cottage, Swaledale, Yorkshire Dales

The appeal of West Cottage can be summed up in its picturesque vistas: verdant fields punctuated with quaint stone cottages and grazing sheep, all set amid a backdrop of the Dales' peculiar heather hue, best enjoyed with a homegrown ale in its grassy garden that's flanked by a traditional dry-stone wall. Framed within this Grade-II heritage barn conversion are elegant, minimalist rooms, invitingly dressed in radiant white linens offset by the occasional pop of vibrant textiles, and warmed by an inglenook fireplace and wood burner. Swaledale, arguably the most beautiful dale, is ideal for leisurely strolls, invigorating runs, and refreshing dips in the river, and provides easy access to attractions including Crackpot Cave, the charming Gunnerside village, and the inviting pubs and tearooms in Reeth.
Accommodates 5, with summer holiday pricing starting at £845 a week, available for booking at yorkshire-cottages.info.

NORTH-EAST

North Farm, Teesside, County Durham

Illuminating the lesser-explored region of Teesside is an artistic sanctuary that's now open for vacation rentals: the extraordinary home of famed interior designer Rita Konig. Celebrated for her fusion of maximalist colour, intricate patterns, exquisite antiques and art, Rita's aesthetic prowess unfolds through each room. Her choice of location may surprise some; you may anticipate such lavishness in Somerset or the Cotswolds. However, the alluring charms of Teesside, from the hypnotic High Force waterfall to challenging yet breathtaking trails in North Pennines, the shiny new facelift of Auckland Castle, to the notorious Barnard Castle, make this place a gem. Now, who could resist capturing memories at Barnard Castle? Beyond the regional attractions, visitors mainly swarm in, entranced by Konig's imaginative crime - an array of pattern-rich wallpapers, intricate textiles, expertly arranged vintage furniture, antiquated glassware, and kilims. It's a veritable design lover's paradise.
Accommodates 14, varying between £4,200-£5,600 per week in July and August, northfarmdurham.com

Windley, Bamburgh, Northumberland

The Bamburgh Castle Estate has expanded its portfolio, one of the valuable additions being the Windley, a home captured in the essence of the 1950s, but infused with a modern vibrance. The interior features retro-inspired designs like patterned textiles, structured lighting fixtures, and colorful walls bathed in shades of teal, chestnut, and deep green. Not far away is the RNLI Grace Darling Museum, a tribute to a courageous local heroine who saved mariners from a sinking ship. Nearby activities in the area include visits to Lindisfarne, long strolls along pristine beachfront, riding the waves on a surfboard at Beadnell Bay, or challenging yourself with mountain biking in the Northumberland national park. For those willing, throw in some kitesurfing to add a dash of adrenaline to an already memorable holiday.
The property can host up to 4 guests, with average summer rates at £1,485 per week, bookable via crabtreeandcrabtree.com

Doxford Cottages, Alnwick, Northumberland

All the highlights of Northumberland are on the doorstep of Doxford Cottages, from the inventive Alnwick Gardens to the beaches and seaside towns of Craster, Embleton and Seahouses. Nine comfortable cottages of different sizes sit on a 1,000-hectare private estate, and while their interiors won’t make Elle Decor, they are cosy and comfortable, with flagged sun terraces and lawns leading to a wooded glade on the fringe of the estate’s lake. The most recent addition is the Doxford Dairy, with its own grounds.
Cottages sleep two to eight. Doxford Dairy Sleeps 6, £2,070 a week in summer holidays; premiercottages.co.uk

EAST AND SOUTH-EAST

The Space at Milestone House, Norfolk

With an aura that channels Scandinavian aesthetics and modernist influences, the Milestone House, graced with walls of a warm tea-like hue, exudes sophistication. Its kitchen, handcrafted to precision, reminds one of a refuge that might be chosen by a Swedish personality akin to Don Draper in search of hygge comfort. Intricately selected mid-century furniture and pottery, coupled with abundant wood finishes, weave together an ambiance that is both stylish and cosy. Opportunities for relaxation abound, from adjacent orchard and meadowlands to the ornithological marvels of the salt marshes. The nearby towns of Wells-next-the-Sea and Burnham Market offer unique cafes and independent retail experiences, while the vast spaces and panoramic skylines of North Norfolk's beaches invite exploration.
For those preferring a more traditional holiday experience, check out this nearby hotel.
Accommodates 4, summer rate £1,300 per week,norfolkmilestone.co.uk/the-space

Apple Tree Cottage, Suffolk

If you're dreaming of fairy-tale accommodations, the Apple Tree Cottage is the epitome of charm. With a lush lawn speckled with daisies, vibrantly blossomed beds of flowers, a quaint dining area crowned with low-beamed ceilings, and the character added by a thickly thatched roof, you'll half expect to stumble upon an elegantly dressed family of hedgehogs. With its foundations in the 16th century, this cozy one-level cottage invites guests for a trip down the lane of history. Notably, the cottage puts you in an ideal spot for exploring the scenic medieval wool towns of Lavenham, Clare, and Long Melford that are rich in architecture and local lore. Furthermore, a wooden summerhouse steps from the cottage, nestled at the edge of open fields, enhances the cottage's allure.
Although geared to stay of 4, it is ideally suited for a family, as 4 adults might find it slightly cramped. Summer holiday bookings start from £652 per week, via suffolkcottageholidays.com

Black Robin Farm Cottages, Beachy Head, East Sussex

Staking a claim as the only self-catering accommodation at Beachy Head, these newly refurbished cottages sit in a peaceful spot in the South Downs national park land above the UK’s highest chalk cliffs. They make a brilliant base for those wanting to tackle the South Downs Way and the walking trails of the Seven Sisters coast. Two simple cottages (each with one double and one twin bedroom) have a kitchen, office (with extra double pull-out sofabed), board games and William Morris textiles, plus gardens overlooking the South Downs, with views to Eastbourne and Hastings. They are minutes from lovely beaches with shallow waters for swimming and paddling, such as those at Birling Gap, and a secret spot at Cow Gap where you can walk to the lighthouse at low tide.
Sleeps 4, £170 a night in summer holidays (two night minimum), visiteastbourne.com

Sunray, Dungeness, Kent

The beauty and allure of Dungeness is not for everyone – it calls to the adventurous types who relish days spent meandering the shingle and saltmarsh, immersing their senses in Derek Jarman’s Garden, savouring the mouth-watering flavour of lobster rolls from the Dungeness Snack Shack, and uncovering unique architectural wonders and stylish beach houses strewn around like seashells along the sandy landscape. Not to mention, capturing the arresting view of the power station bathed in haunting moonlight for their Instagram followers. For such explorers and enthusiasts, Sunray, a cabin-inspired, single-level dwelling erected around one of the time-weathered railway carriages that were jettisoned here in the roaring 1920s, caters thoroughly to their vacation fantasies. Sunray's interior is punctuated by airy, wood-panelled rooms, tastefully adorned with furniture dating back to the mid-century, and doors that swing open onto a wooden deck, allowing beachfront views and access.
Can accommodate up to 6 guests, summer weekly rent totals £1,915, cottages.com

THE MIDLANDS

The Arbour, Whitney on Wye, Herefordshire

In 2018, a once thriving chicken farm was acquired by the current owners who have since committed to reviving the ancient orchards and hedgerows, and returning the land back to its natural state. On this land, they crafted two cosy holiday cabins, maintaining a distance of 30 metres between them in the same lush orchard. These cabins are designed to offer comfort with a kingsize bed, a rustic but efficient kitchen and an en suite bathroom, along with the warmth of a woodburner. Offering picturesque views of the rolling hills, the cabins are beautified with expansive windows as well as a veranda which houses a firepit. The site holds the advantage of being located on the expansive Herefordshire Trail, which stretches across 150 miles and is mere moments away from the historical Offa’s Dyke Path. The cabinst are also proximal to the River Wye, a treat for the fans of canoeing. In addition, a relaxed cycle ride leads to the charming Hay-on-Wye. Not merely a retreat, it boasts a prime spot for birdwatching right from the comfort of your sofa where you might catch sight of regulars like buzzards, red kites, and a diligent sparrowhawk. Within a mile's walk, you'll find two welcoming pubs, though the uphill walk back might prove a bit challenging.
Each cabin can comfortably accommodate 2 people (children are not recommended), with a 2 nights' stay priced at £255 for May/June and £285 for the summer period, canopyandstars.co.uk

Garden Cottage, Wootton, Staffordshire

Wootton Hall – where philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau lived for a time in 1766 – was demolished in the 1930s, but its former pump house remains. This is now Garden Cottage, a three-bedroom stone holiday home surrounded by trees in the grounds of the estate. There is a sitting room with log fire, a country kitchen and separate dining room, and a garden with terrace and barbecue. Wootton is close to the Peak District and attractions such as Thor’s Cave and the Manifold Way (an eight-mile walking or cycling route); lesser-known places to visit include the Weaver Hills and the remains of Croxden Abbey. The estate’s restored woodland gardens are right on the doorstep and the Duncombe Arms pub, owned by the same people as the cottage, is just up the road.
Sleeps 6, 3 nights £600, 7 nights £1,200 from May-8 September, duncombearms.co.uk

The Nut House and Leverets, near Ludlow, Shropshire

Inside the Nut House Lounge Area

Two charming log cabins are nestled within the confines of the owners' petite farm, situated just a mile away from the gastronomic haven of Ludlow. Both lodges, though recently constructed, exude a warming, homely ambiance. They boast open-space kitchen, dining, and living areas equipped with a wood-burning heater, a master bedroom, a twin room, and a veranda. Owning to its names, the garden attracts a variety of birds, squirrels, and rabbits. Starting from the hamlet, Ledwyche, there are several walking tracks leading through the Shropshire Hills, with longer hikes leading to viewpoints such as the Stiperstones, Long Mynd or the Clee Hills. The closest pub and shop can be reached by a leisurely 15-minute walk.

Inhabitants of both lodges report an abundant variety of bird species visiting the garden, and sightings of rabbits have been a frequent joy for the lodgers. Whether you're into bird watching, or simply enjoy being surrounded by nature, you'll love your stay at this location.

Able to accommodate 4 people, a 7-night stay during summer holidays is priced from £949, sheepskinlife.com

The Hen House and Hop Pickers’ House, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire

An intimate glimpse into Hop Pickers' House's kitchen

Nestled just outside the boundaries of Tenbury Wells is Brook Farm, home to a pair of charming cottages set for two. They are enveloped by lush garden landscapes, meadowlands, and picturesque woodland. The first, Hop Pickers' House, is a reinvented barn that once served as lodgings for itinerant hop pickers, now featuring an open-floor layout with an integrated living room, kitchen, dining area, and a woodburner. The upper level harbours a romantic bedroom with a four-poster bed adjacent to a bathroom fitted with a luxurious rolltop bath. Conversely, The Hen House, converted from the previous farm's stables and granary, is an accessible one-level cottage with its own idyllic garden that opens up to a breathtaking view of sundown.

The quaint town of Tenbury Wells, fondly referred to as “the town in the orchard” is teeming with opportunities to indulge in the region's locally made cider interpretation. Unmatched for its scenic beauty, the Teme valley abounds with trails for walking enthusiasts.

Offering comfortable lodgings for 2, a 2-night stay at The Hen House starts from £180, while Hop Pickers' House prices start from £265. Experience the idyllic country charm of these cottages by visiting furtherafield.com.

Demonstrating true country charm, these cottages intertwine the nostalgia of the past with the contemporary comforts of the present.

Wales

Old Oak Barn, near Laugharne, Carmarthenshire

A cosy and child-friendly barn transformation awaits you on a farm that spans over 30 hectares near Laugharne. Packed with an array of children’s literature, toys and games, as well as a swing set in the garden, this place is a paradise for children. They will be thrilled with the task of egg collection from the resident free-range chickens and playing in the adjoining private forest, a sanctuary for 50 varieties of avian species. The barn is equipped with a spacious living room, kitchen, a double bedroom, and a twin bedroom. Additional sleeping arrangements such as a cot or camp bed can be arranged upon request. The barn opens out to an exquisite patio and garden through french doors; the garden accommodates a barbecue and a chiminea. The Gwili steam railway is conveniently close if children wish for a change from the woods. Furthermore, a mere 30-minute drive will take you to the beach – don’t worry about packing beach essentials because guests are welcome to use the available buckets, spades, fishing nets, and boogie boards. The barn can accommodate 5 guests and charges £850 for a week during the summer holidays. Book now via oneoffplaces.co.uk.

Mountain Cottage, Llithfaen, Llŷn peninsula

Nestled nearly 300 metres high up a mountain, accessible via an idyllic farm trail, you'll find this beautifully secluded cottage. It's a charming rustic gem, revitalised from a ruin with its original stone walls and shutters intact. The space explodes into a two-storey, open-concept living room, featuring robust beams and an enormous inglenook fireplace. The kitchen, equipped with a Rayburn, lies in wait for budding chefs or takeaway lovers alike. It's complete with two spacious bedrooms, one boastfully hosting an additional single bed, promising a panoramic view of wonderous Snowdonia and the scenic Cardigan Bay. Furthermore, an expansive garden houses a delightful swimming pond.
Perfectly positioned on the Llŷn peninsula, it gifts passing tourists with a plethora of costal and hill walking trails, with Snowdonia only a mere 20-minute drive away. Don't miss popping by the affable pub in Llithfaen, and be sure to visit Pwllheli, the closest town.
Accommodates 5, priced at £1,300 weekly during summer holidays, book on sawdays.co.uk.

Cargo Cabin at Trelan Farm, Cilcain, Flintshire

On a farm in North Wales, a shipping container has been ingeniously transformed into a snug cabin, perfect for a couple's retreat. It features a corner couch that reconfigures into a double bed, offering efficiency and comfort. Adding to its petit charm is a compact kitchen and dual-view windows that frame the tranquil countryside. Adding to the allure, the exterior hosts a seating terrace with a barbecue set and, the cherry on the top, an outdoor tub. Being strategically located at the base of Clwydian range, the farm offers guests an extraordinary taste of nature's splendour and is just a thirty-minute drive from the North Wales coast and Chester city. Come March, there will be an additional, larger cabin, creatively structured around a repurposed wagon chassis, offering the luxuries of outdoor bathing.
Applicable for a minimum of 2 nights stay, prices range from £122 per night during May/June to £135 during the summer holidays, trelanfarm.co.uk

Tŷ Jac, Porthgain, Pembrokeshire

Located just a stone's throw away from the quaint harbour of Porthgain, this charming abode, once home to a fisherman, sets a perfect setting for families seeking adventurous holidays. The coastal path passing through Porthgain leads to a delightful four-mile trek to the well-known coasteering area, Aberreidy, site of the famous blue lagoon that was once a slate quarry. For a gastronomic treat, you can visit the Shed bistro offering a fine dining option as well as takeaway seafood. Additionally, step back in time with a meal at the vintage Sloop Inn, a pub that's been a local treasure for over 270 years. Porthgain is also well-connected to St Davids and Fishguard by the 404 Strumble Shuttle coastal bus service. The beauty of Porthgain has served as an inspiration for many artists over the past decades, and the village's Art Gallery is worth a visit. The nearby National Trust beach of Abermawr is also a must-see with its pebbles, sand and a marsh filled with wildlife behind it.
Accommodates 6 people, weekly rate during summer holidays £1,915, underthethatch.co.uk

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SCOTLAND

Woodland Cottages, Cairngorms

After a day romping over the heathers and up the crags of the Cairngorms, a cosy nook to hunker down in with a book and a dram is imperative. Two new Woodland Cottages on the Dell of Abernathy forested estate in the Cairngorms national park fit the bill and are typical of a new generation of smart Highlands stays, pairing contemporary design and luxuries with wilderness. Fireplaces with woodburners and piles of logs, plenty of candles, records and games, and stylish interiors bring the atmosphere; the on-site grocery store has ready meals and meal kits, plus bikes to hire. Children can roam the large grounds (where there are several other holiday properties) and discover the woodland zipline or look out for pine martens and red deer– the BBC’s Springwatch filmed here recently.
Sleeps 6, £1,540 a week in summer holidays, plus website membership (£10 a year or £1.99 a month), kiphideaways.com

The Bothy, Glen Dye, Aberdeenshire

One of the latest additions to the chic group of six cabins and cottages nestled in the magnificent Glen Dye estate is The Bothy, a setting that showcases the best of holiday home innovation, boasting a distinct outdoor bathing space. It goes beyond your usual style with a Swedish wood-fired hot tub, that's just the start of a various unique features. From a classic record player complemented with a vinyl collection, a state-of-the-art Big Green Egg barbecue to lighting designed by Margaret Howell, The Bothy creates an aesthetic, immersive experience. It also offers shared facilities such as a wood-fueled sauna, a stocked garden produce store, and an intimate cozy BYOB “pub” located in a repurposed rustic stone sawmill, complete with a heartwarming fireplace. The Bothy further augments its allure by being ensconced in a 30,000-acre expanse of unspoiled wilderness and moorland along the River Dye. Diverse recreational activities such as walks, runs, fishing, swimming, and castle explorations are readily accessible in the vicinity.
The Bothy can accommodate 2 persons. Weekly stay rates start from £1,045 and £785 for a 3-night stay. Book your visit at glendyecabinsandcottages.com

Newhall Mains, near Inverness

Stepping inside the newly-introduced Newhall Mains cottages and suites, you're immediately greeted by an ambiance of vibrant colors, glinting copper antiquities nestling against vivid mustard walls, and bursts of fuchsia blooms. The creativity doesn't stop there. Imagine the eclectic blend of orange lampshades and vintage floral headboards set against a backdrop of Farrow & Ball's iconic blues. These vivacious colour tones give the modern interiors an extra dash of flair. Conceived and executed over a span of three years, the transformed farmstead now boasts five holiday dwellings. All equipped with heated floors, advanced kitchen amenities, and a cosy wood fire burner (along with four additional double-bedroom suites in the primary mansion) which you can hire separately or collectively to accommodate up to 28 guests. Nestled on the Black Isle peninsula and a handy thirty-minute drive north from Inverness, Newhall Mains proves to be an ideal base of operations for travellers keen on exploring the picturesque NC500 route, spending afternoons observing dolphins on the Moray Firth or sampling some of the finest whisky at Glenmorangie. Not to mention, the seafood haven of Cromarty is but a stone's throw away.
Accommodation ranges from 2-6 persons with a summer holiday weekly rate for 4-berth cottages starting from £1,680. Double rooms are available at £130 per night. Discover more at newhall-mains.com

Eastwood House, Dunkeld, Perthshire

Nestled on the beautiful banks of the River Tay, a striking pink Victorian villa presents an enticing stay for groups up to 20, though current circumstances have allowed it to cater for smaller gatherings. Additionally, within its picturesque premises, you can find the recently restyled Gardeners Cottage, offering three bedrooms arrayed with atmospheric mossy green timber panelling. A cosy sitting room equipped with a woodburner, an array of literature on its bookshelves, tastefully selected antique furniture, and breathtaking views of the river and Birnam Hill further enhance its appeal. Dunkeld, the nearby region, serves as a portal to the Highlands and is famous for its unique indigenous businesses and a rich arts and music scene, which typically flourishes in regular conditions.
The Gardeners Cottage accommodates 6, and is rentable from £800 per week or £560 for a 3-night stay during the summer holidays, at eastwoodhousedunkeld.com

Northern Ireland

The Bakers Cottages, near Seaforde, County Down

In the heart of the Down countryside lies a stylish three-bedroom cottage that once functioned as a bakery. The property boasts lavish appointments such as a rolltop bath. The surrounding auxiliary structures have been adapted for diverse usage, featuring amenities like an indoor hot tub house equipped with a roomy six-seater tub and a cozy sitting area warmed by a charming woodburner. Outdoor entertainment is also well-considered, with glass sliding doors opening up to an al fresco dining space.

The property's landscape is an idyllic blend of a wildflower garden, a sheltered barbecue spot, a revitalizing firepit area, and an array of play equipment. Additionally, a thoughtfully restored well adds rustic charm to the site. Nestled within comfortable distance of natural attractions, it is a mere 10-minute drive from the base of the captivating Mourne mountains, and a short 15-minute journey away from the alluring Murlough and Tyrella beaches, both of which serve as nature reserves.

Moreover, the vibrant city life of Belfast is within easy access, only about half an hour's drive from the cottage. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a beach lover, or a city dweller, there's something for everyone at this property.
Accommodates 6 guests, available for a £1,000 weekly rate during the summer vacation season, book at thebakerscottages.co.uk

Magherintemple Lodge, Ballycastle, County Antrim

The Georgian Magherintemple House's gatehouse has been impressively restored by The Irish Landmark Trust, with the establishment featuring design elements of Scottish baronial style stemming from its 1874 construction. The charming abode provides a double bedroom, a bedroom complete with bunk beds dedicated for young children under the age of 12, a snug lounging area complemented by a roaring open fire, a spacious kitchen/dining area, a concealed reading corner nestled at the loftiest part of the house, and a garden that runs into a beautiful backdrop of sprawling fields and dense woodland. Situated a stone's throw away from the coastal town of Ballycastle, this holiday haven is merely a five-minute car journey or a leisurely bike ride away from the beach, and in close proximity to numerous noteworthy hotspots in North Antrim. Explore regional attractions such as the remarkable Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the world-renowned Giant's Causeway and the Bushmills whiskey distillery.
Accommodation is available for 2 adults and 2 children. Prices at £870 per week or £408 for a 3-night stay during summer break, irishlandmark.com