Lockdown's Almost Over, So Book One of These Unique UK Holiday Homes Before Everyone Else Does
- 1/12
4) Wood Shack, Brecon Beacons
Looking for a unique place to stay that will impress her? The Wood Shack is a former writer's cabin with all the credentials for a cosy, romantic escape that feels truly off the beaten track. If getting away from it all in the woods is your thing, this quirky rental will do the job nicely.
Hidden in the Brecon Beacons, the log cabin is one for getting back to nature, with private woodland to explore, a hammock by the stream to relax and listen to the birds, plus incredible trails from the doorstep. You'll find many items made by the owner from a native ash tree, giving a unique touch to the rural staycation spot.
Sleeps: 2 (no dogs)
Available from: Holidaycottages
Price: Three nights from £373
- 2/12
1) Larkrise Camber, Sussex
Set just minutes from dog-friendly Camber Sands and three miles from Rye, this unique place to stay in Sussex is striking from the outside and impressive inside. With black cladding enveloping the building, unusual furnishings and stunning lighting, Larkrise Camber has a den-like feel for a break with mates.
Bean bags, board games and the bi-fold doors leading out to the secluded beach garden for BBQs are other things to love about about the rental. There's also a chill-out area in a separate cabin that can double up as a cinema room, plus a hot tub.
Sleeps: 6 + 1 dog (£20 supplement)
Available from: Holidaycottages
Price: Three nights from £1,477
- 3/12
2) Chapel of Rock, Yorkshire
A chapel like you've never seen, this luxury detached conversion is as an unusual place to stay near Harrogate for a group of family or friends looking to escape to the country. At Chapel of Rock, there's direct access to the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales and plenty to entertain you nearby. Inside, the dining area boasts a large zinc table with comfortable seating for everyone.
There's a jukebox, traffic lights, robots, a historic signage and a large Union Jack sofa - all the quirks for a thoroughly British break. You can also make use of the Aga, American style fridge/freezer and Nespresso coffee machine. Meanwhile, the long black and white hallway leads into the middle of the chapel, and into the large lounge with a baby-grand piano and leather sofas, where you can sit back, relax and catch up.
Sleeps: 10 + 2 dogs (£20 per dog)
Available from: Holidaycottages
Price: Three nights from £2,511
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- 4/12
3) Keiss Harbour House, Caithness
If you've always wanted to experience one of Scotland's greatest road trips, the North Coast 500, Keiss Harbour House is an excellent base. The unique pad in the village of Keiss, 10 miles south of John O'Groats, has a great hall-style dining room with vaulted ceilings, a wooden table that seats up to 16 people, and grand seating areas with armchairs, an open fire and a wood-burning stove.
There's a wine fridge and underfloor heating at this unique beach house that's stylishly decked out in tartan and featuring antlers on the walls. If you ever get bored inside, you can check out the village pub, head to the beach and watch the fishermen in the harbour who will sell you fresh crab and lobster right off their boats.
Sleeps: 12
Available from: VRBO
Price: From £215 per night
- 5/12
5) Ty Camlad, Powys
This 16th century Welsh barn conversion sits in the owner’s three acres of private grounds in the village of Churchstoke. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a warm wood-burning stove to relax around with a drink, this rental for two is great for couples planning a getaway in the country.
At Ty Camlad, you can explore the nearby hills or drive to the market town of Bishop’s Castle, home to a thriving selection of restaurants and shops. Inside, there are vaulted ceilings and uninterrupted views of the Camlad Valley, as well as a roll top bath and sumptuous seating with views.
Sleeps: 2 (no dogs)
Available from: Sykes Holiday Cottages
Price: Seven nights from £653
- 6/12
6) Bond Island Windmill, Norfolk
This unique place to stay offers views over the Norfolk Broads and has never been available to rent – until now. Bond Island Windmill is a 300-year-old converted windmill, once owned by former James Bond, Roger Moore (hence the name). It combines historic features with modern comforts and is furnished to reflect both the location and film theme throughout, with splashes of 007 here and there.
A unique place to call home for a few days, you'll find 360-degree views of the natural surroundings, fishing off the private mooring, plus outdoor dining spaces and a bar. If you're looking for a place to celebrate an occasion, this one has everything you need for a memorable get-together.
Sleeps: 5 + 2 dogs (£20 per dog)
Available from: Holidaycottages
Price: Three nights from £1,525
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- 7/12
7) Head Over Hills, West Sussex
Nestled in the rolling hills of the South Downs by Amberly Wild Brooks, slick Head Over Hills is a rustic, modern and luxurious home. An amazing spot to slow down and spend time with your loved ones, the unique rental offers 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, a meditation pod, a sundeck and private bluebell woods - we can’t think of a better place to unwind in West Sussex.
While here, you can head out to the hills to explore the impressive scenery (bikes are available to rent), before coming home to soothe your aching muscles in the wood-burning hot tub.
Sleeps: 10 + pets welcome
Available from: Plum Guide
Price: Two nights from £2,266
- 8/12
8) The Old Church House, Devon
How would you like to have your own pub for a few nights? After months of being without them during the pandemic, this unique place to stay is just what we need from a holiday in the UK. The Old Church House is a Devonshire inn, located in Torbryan, that both families and friends can appreciate.
You can relax in the old bar lounge by the fire as you work your way through the fully stocked bar of ale, lager and cider – poured straight from the tap, of course. There are snugs, a snooker room, darts alley, spacious beer garden, as well as comfy bedrooms to complete the experience.
Sleeps: 6 + 2 dogs (£20 per dog)
Available from: Sykes Holiday Cottages
Price: Seven nights from £3,488
- 9/12
9) Kub House, Hertfordshire
You can’t not surprise someone with this one-of-a-kind house that sits deep in the Hertfordshire countryside. Kub House is located between the market towns of Berkhamsted and Tring, just 40 minutes from London Euston, making it one to consider if you want to get out of the capital for a few days.
The unique holiday rental has its own gated parking and a private path to the front door, where oak floors, a galley-style kitchen and sleek black worktops await. While here, you can make the most of the high stools and table that give a framed view of the garden – you might even spot a deer or two. Evenings are best finished around the fire pit, where you can stargaze with a drink in hand.
Sleeps: 2 (no dogs)
Available from: Sykes Holiday Cottages
Price: Seven nights from £584
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- 10/12
10) Piper House, Lincolnshire
Want a unique place to stay with a tennis court? Of course you do and this rental has one. The unusual conversion is spacious enough for 18 people, near the town of Stamford, and has a few quirky touches, including a yoga studio and film posters on the walls. There are great communal spaces for socialising in the peaceful location: Piper House sits in a tranquil village so it's more of a place to relax than party.
The setting is as rural as it gets, with fresh air, open fields and far reaching views to soak up. Red Kites often nest in the meadow and are worth looking out for too.
Sleeps: 18
Available from: VRBO
Price: From £495 per night
- 11/12
11) Apples to Oranges, Gloucestershire
Fans of the colour orange, this pad's for you. Built in 1799, the impressive Cotswold stone barn was recently converted by celebrated architect Henning Stummel to create a modern space with a deep appreciation for its rich history. Bold hues are found throughout Apples to Oranges and the main living area was designed to preserve the original, exposed green oak timbers.
There's a piano room with a wood-burning fire for cosy evenings and each bedroom is reached via individual staircases off the living space. Its location? The unique place to stay is between charming Cheltenham and the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, so you have plenty to see and do during your trip.
Sleeps: 6 + pets welcome
Available from: Plum Guide
Price: Four nights from £1,139
- 12/12
12) Chateau Rhianfa, Anglesey
With a private beach and superb views over the Isle of Anglesey's Menai Strait, Chateau Rhianfa is a Grade II listed country house of dreams. The Victorian villa is as striking inside as it is outside, with its opulent decor, four poster beds and plush furniture.
You can book a room, suite or cottage overlooking the strait and Snowdonia, and when you're not holed up, there's a tennis court, sauna and hot tub to entertain you. Wine tasting in the cellar, private beach access and three acres of grounds to stroll are other highlights at this grand country house hotel.
Sleeps: 2 to 6 in guest rooms or cottages
Available from: Booking.com
Price: From £179 per night
*checks availability on 21 June*