When it comes to a countryside escape, you can't get much better than the rolling hills and chocolate-box villages of the Cotswolds. Take a look at some of our best homes in the area – you can't really get much better than these either. 

Escape to the Country: Some Favourites From the Cotswolds

Pasties, cake, ice cream and pirates. If you stick Cornish in front of it, it becomes a tradition. So, here’s a very Cornish Cornwall 7 day itinerary. 


Cornwall Itinerary for 7 Days: How to Spend Them

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Smart TV

Board Games

Sonos

Entertainment

Bathrobes

Bathtub

Hair Dryer

Heated Towel Rail

Luxury Toiletries

Rain Shower

Bathroom

Cafetiere

Coffee Maker

Cooking Essentials

Dishwasher

Freezer

Fridge

High Chair

Kettle

Kitchen

Kitchen Utensils

Microwave

Oven

Pod Coffee Machine

Stove

Toaster

Wine Cooler

Kitchen & Dining

Cot / Crib

Hangers

Iron

Ironing Board

Luxury Bedding

Vacuum Cleaner

Bedroom & Laundry

Hot Tub

Sauna

Wellness & Fitness

Wi-fi

Internet & Office

Central Heating

Fireplace

Temperature Control

Underfloor Heating

Heating & Cooling

Free Parking On Premises

EV Charger

Helipad

Parking Available

Private Entrance

Parking & Access

Barbeque

Courtyard

Fenced Garden

Fenced Property

Garden

Outdoor Bathtub

Outdoor Fireplace / Firepit

Outdoor Seating

Patio / Terrace

Outdoor

Throws

Welcome Hamper

Nice to haves

Pet Bowls

Pets Allowed

Pets

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Fire Extinguisher

Smoke Detector

Other

Built in 1714, this historic home makes the perfect setting for a magical stay in Scotland. You’ll be serenaded by an abundance of charm and character as well as a range of luxurious features. From the sauna, hot tub and fire pit, to the cosy rooms and indulgent roll top bath, every detail has been considered to inspire optimum relaxation. There’s also plenty to explore in the surroundings with a beautiful wildflower meadow and hiking trails within easy reach. It’s also just a thirty-minute drive into the heart of Edinburgh.


Garden of Tranquillity

Baby Bath

Toiletries

Washing Machine

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Self Check-in / Check-out

Balcony / Patio

First Aid Kit

Whether you're traveling with friends or family, Tranquil Teeside Cottage will be your tranquil home away from home as soon as you step through the door. Sleeping up to four guests, this charming cottage boasts an inviting open plan living, kitchen and dining room that exudes countryside charm. With two comfortable bedrooms, a cozy bathroom, a balcony overlooking the scenic River Tees, and a garden complete with outdoor furniture, your senses will be serenaded by the serene surroundings of this riverside retreat. Nestled in the idyllic Barnard Castle in County Durham, this enchanting river escape offers a picturesque setting for self-catering staycations in the North East. Sink into relaxation as you enjoy the whispering waters and unwind in this hidden gem on the Tees.

Tranquil Teeside Cottage

Dryer

Private Parking

Parking On Premises

Child Friendly

Through walls of glass, this Criccieth home welcomes the outdoors in. And when you catch a glimpse of the sea views from almost every corner of this home, you’ll know why it caught our eye. Having appeared on a couple of popular TV shows, it’s no surprise that this modern marvel is a perfect place to stay for friends and families alike. Cool and contemporary inside, it’s quite the contrast to the rugged landscape surrounding it. Just take care with the cliff edge – little ones and four-legged friends will need to be supervised. 

Clifftop Dream

Library of Books

Private Washing Machine

Cleaning Products

Drying Rack

Desk

Balcony

Seamlessly blending traditional and modern, this rural farmhouse is a true escape from it all. Tailor-made for socialising, we love the open-concept kitchen and dining areas making up the heart of the home, where in winter, you can soak up the warmth of the wood burner or in summer months, spill out onto the terrace. Locally, you’re just a short distance from the vibrant market towns of Clitheroe and Settle, while walkers and cyclers alike will adore Gisburn Forest, a mere five-minute drive away. 

A Serene Soul

Sound System

Baby Monitor

Black-Out Blinds

Free Parking On Street

Sun Loungers / Beach Chairs

Safe

Security Cameras

With a beautiful walled garden and hot tub, this home is a great place to chill out. There’s plenty of room for lounging, barbecuing and dining here, or you could cook in the beautifully appointed kitchen with its Quooker tap among other kitchen amenities. The living room has that country essential, a log burner, too. We love the bedrooms here – one has French doors that open onto the courtyard front garden, while the other has a Juliet balcony. What about the address? Well, the location is great – this home is situated in Burnham Market, a picturesque, leafy village with plenty of boutiques, while about six miles away lies Wells-next-the-Sea. 

Market Delight

Espresso Machine

Tailor-made for two, this tranquil cottage promises a romantic retreat and true escape from it all. Set on an estate, you can wander the landscaped grounds at your leisure. Feeling a little more adventurous? Hire an e-mountain bike and take to the estate’s twenty kilometres of trails or head out to hike the Pentland Hills, instead. Back home, the fireplace and rolltop bath are a warming sight after a day of exploring, but we think you’ll be tempted to relax outdoors on the private terrace. A cedar hot tub, outdoor fireplace, and nature surrounding you – what’s not to love?

Scottish Spirit

Satellite / Cable TV

Sun Umbrellas

Alarm System

Within a mile of Sheffield's city centre, this contemporary home makes a good base for your adventures. Broomhall is home to tree-lined streets, coffee shops and pubs, two universities, and Sheffield Botanical Gardens. It's quiet yet still close to all the action. Back home, you can enjoy sunny days in the private garden or spend chilly evenings getting cosy in the living area. In addition to the three comfortable bedrooms, the lounge features a sofa bed for one guest. Desks are available for digital nomads, a sleek kitchen is ideal for home chefs, and pets are welcome to tag along for a fee.

Broomhall in Bloom

Blender

Outdoor Kitchen

Once the home to the estate’s Head Gardener, this Midlothian home is the perfect bolthole for a family on a back-to-nature retreat. We love the sense of history this home offers, along with all the modern touches you’d want for a relaxing stay. The cedar hot tub is sure to be a hit with all, while the outdoor fireplace is the ideal spot to unwind with a tipple to share tales from the day. With 3,100 hectares to explore, you’ll never be bored here – but if you fancy a change of scene, head to the Pentland Hills or hop in the car for a trip to Edinburgh, thirty minutes away. 

Scottish Tranquillity

Amazon Prime

Netflix

DVD Library

DVD Player

Home Cinema Setup

Streaming Services

Laundry Supplies

Ski Storage / Boot Room

Step-Free Access

A getaway for all seasons, this home offers a Scottish escape to remember. This enchanting home can be found on 25 acres of private woodland between the moor and Loch Sunart. Forage for chanterelles and berries, pick wildflowers – and make use of your host’s flower-arranging kit – while the kids run wild in the forest camp. It’s an incredible setting for an outdoorsy holiday, with wild swimming, biking, and kayaking all on the cards. The Scandinavian/Hebridean style house is cosy and comfortable, with a fire inside as well as a fire bowl outside. You can admire views across Loch Sunart to the Isle of Carna, Morvern, and Mull from the living room, main bedroom, and the decking and garden. There’s a bit of magic in a home like this. 

Fireside Dram

Jacuzzi

This characterful cottage is perfect for a romantic getaway. Set among 80 acres of vineyards, woodland, and fishing lakes, with views as far as the eye can see from the private patio, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to the country here. We love the unique features inside – like the circular-shaped lounge and curved staircase – and who could resist a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi bathtub? Location-wise, you’re perfectly placed for hikes and bike rides in the surrounding countryside and for adventures further afield, the market town of Farnham is 11 miles away and historic Winchester is a 20-mile drive.

The King's Gate

Rice Maker

Security System

Found in the centre of town, a thirteen-minute walk from Lincoln's iconic Cathedral, this large family home has been restored with comfort and style in mind. Especially so, given the size of the two lounges. Add the dining area into the equation, and you can see how there's plenty of room for everyone to carve out their own space. Two pull-out beds and two single sofa beds keep sleeping arrangements flexible, although these are best for children as they're on the smaller side. 

Step out through the bifold doors onto a large patio area with garden furniture for seamless indoor and outdoor dining. Down from the patio is a large grass area and lower patio area with a Hot Tub suitable for 6-7 people. This is the perfect garden for summer socials and BBQs.

Blue Velvet & Cedar

Electricity Adaptors

Desk / Workplace

Outdoor Audio

Set in one of the most beautiful parts of Yorkshire, this formerly derelict barn was chanced across by its owners in 2015, and lovingly converted into the stunning home it is today. The vibe is English country, with real moments of grandeur. With antlers on the walls, fine china ornaments, touches of tartan, and a solid teak dining table that wouldn’t look out of place in a stately home, it’s the kind of place you can imagine a hunting party coming back to after a day out on the moors. The grand feel continues in the bedrooms, each of which is as luxurious as the last but has its own unique design. We can see ourselves spending windswept days walking the hills of God’s Own Country before returning to pre-dinner drinks by the fire in the snug (the original stone floor is particularly gorgeous). Once the kids are set up with a movie in the second living room, a candlelit meal around the dining table beckons, followed by a session in the wood-fired hot tub.    

Yorkshire Homestead

Multiple Sets of Keys

Tucked away in Rendlesham Forest, this quintessentially English cottage is as dreamily secluded as it is beautifully striking. The brick-and-stone facade contrasts with the modern extension. Lofty windows capture sweeping green views of woodland and rolling fields, and fill the home with glorious light. These views are best seen from the master bedroom where you'll find high ceilings, decorative beams, and a modern country aesthetic. This home has a farmhouse feel - window sills and kitchen cupboards are painted a cool sage green and you'll find a wood-burning stove in the sitting room. Cooking in the stunning rustic kitchen is easy with its modern amenities, and the exposed brickwork, colourful rugs and elegant dining space make for an idyllic socialising spot. Nature is so easy to access here as the back gate opens directly onto the forest. You can walk for miles or take the 15-minute drive to the beach at Shingle Street for a day at the seaside. This one's definitely a keeper.

The Keeper's Cottage

Stair Gates

Safety Gates

Hidden away on a lovely farm estate, this stunning stone cottage offers all the charm of a country retreat combined with the convenience of all the mod cons. On cool nights, cosy up by the wood-burning stove and play board games by firelight or stream your favourite films as you sink into the sofa. The patio area of the private walled garden is the perfect place to sip coffee out of the wind in the morning and glasses of wine in the afternoon when the sun emerges from behind the building and warms the stones. Of course, you could spend all day wandering the moors around the home, and the coast is only a short drive away. Alternatively, you could drive thirty minutes to Whiteadder Watersports Centre for sailing, kayaking and SUP sessions, or visit the timeless city of Edinburgh, a forty-mile drive away.

Farrier's Cottage

Early / Late Check-Out Available

Gated Community

Single-Level Home

A historic gatehouse on the grounds of the Shaftesbury Estate in rural Dorset, this petite one-bed lodge has recently undergone a loving refurb by one of the estate owners, Lady Shaftesbury. She obviously has a great eye for design, as her palette of delicious apricot and duck egg blue stylishly updates this vintage cottage into not just a twenty-first-century home, but a home with charm and character. There are plenty of thoughtful touches we found exquisite, from soft dressing gowns to the complementary breakfast hamper – and everything, from Egyptian cotton bedding to the plush sofas, is of boutique hotel quality. The hosts are attentive, meticulously committed to making sure your every whim is met. All in all, this cosy country hideaway is perfect for city escapes, with nearby the great beaches of the Jurassic coast, the New Forest, the National Trust property of Kingston Lacey, cities like Salisbury or Portsmouth and traditional seaside in Bournemouth. And while it feels like one of a kind, a twin lodge and two maisonettes in a neighbouring cottage are also available, so you can bring your friends too (although you might want to keep this little secret to yourself). 

A Little Peach

Spread out across three floors in this modern townhouse. Unique wooden furniture imported from India adds a touch of elegance to the minimalist, white decor. Get together for movie night in the modern living area (there’s Netflix on the smart TV). Breakfast can be made that bit brighter by throwing open the French doors and letting the sunshine in. Or, take the whole show out to the patio on a summer morning. If the kids tire of playing in the Wendy House in the garden, there’s a play park just around the corner. Locally you’ll find a convenience store, café and gym. Walk a little further for a major supermarket, pubs and restaurants. Or jump in your car (there are four private parking spaces at your disposal, you don’t have to worry about parking) and you’re in the bustling heart of Reading town centre in just 10 minutes.

Teak On White

Ping Pong Table

Playground

Workplace

Umbrellas

From the moment you see the grand stone exterior and cobbled courtyard, you’ll know that this ever-so-charming home is steeped in history. It's a former malthouse that’s over 300 years old and filled with traditional features. When you step into the entrance hall, you’re entering through the large oak door onto the original cart-way, and as you start trying to choose which bedroom you want to lay claim to, you’ll be winding your way up a turret stairway with rope bannisters, surrounded by wooden beams and original fireplaces. The interior has been fully renovated, with a modern handmade kitchen, squishy sofas, and cute-as-a-button bedrooms. Sip your afternoon tea perched on the sunny window seat with a good book in hand (there's an extensive collection to choose from), while gazing at the expansive green views of the playing fields and village church in the backdrop. Elsewhere, the large 14-seater pine dining table will be the perfect spot to savour a slow dinner with the entire group. Although in the garden you'll notice a patio, complete with outdoor furniture, that’s ideal for wine and cheese nights – there's a large lawn and a range of outdoor games available too (including table tennis) for hours of early evening fun. You don’t have to go far to continue the historical theme, as the pub next door is one of the oldest in the country and has been the resting place for many a monarch visiting the area since the 15th century. The surrounding county town, Frome, just a fifteen-minute drive away, was voted one of the best places to live in the UK - explore the rich history, shop at independent boutiques, buy fresh produce at the local market or dine at one of the many eateries dotted around nearby.

Malter’s Rest

Access to Beach

Fancy a romantic getaway with a twist? This upside-down home places a firelit living area above the bedroom, where the en-suite bathtub enjoys a framed view of the creek. Upstairs, we think the waterside terrace might inspire a paddle to Salcombe – made easy by the three-seater kayak your host provides. It's worth noting that there is a bit of a hike to the front door here (thirty-six steps, to be precise), so this home won't be the best option for everyone. 

The Great Outward

Swimming Pool

Shared Pool

Rising above Loch Lomond like a dazzling glass mirage, this extraordinary home is truly one of a kind. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and bi-folding doors dominate its front, offering unobstructed views of the Loch and its stunning surroundings. With its own private miniature beach, this truly is a Highlands haven. Inside, the contemporary and vintage-inspired decor makes the light-filled living space feel elegant while the rustic antler chandeliers and leather sofas lend warmth and cosiness to make you feel right at home. Spend your mornings reading on the Loch-facing deck or enjoy a morning coffee from the sumptuous sofa while watching the sun come up over the water. Then, book yourself some relaxing and restorative treatments at the nearby spa or head over to one of the many nearby golf courses for some fresh air fun. After a day of activities and exploring, come back for a soak in the eight-person hot tub before curling up in the plush bedrooms for a wonderfully peaceful night’s sleep.


Right Angles

Record Player

Exercise Equipment

Accessible Parking

Hammock

Outdoor Shower

In a secluded spot down a single-track lane, this contemporary barn is a welcome surprise. Renovated in the style of Caruso St John (the famed architects behind the Tate Modern), it's a striking tribute to modern, eco-friendly design – solar panels and a heat source pump power the heating and hot water. The inside is just as dramatic, with copper light fittings, high-design furniture and large picture windows that make the most of the garden views. All the mod-cons are accounted for, including rain showers, a home-cinema projector and underfloor heating to keep chilly toes at bay. Throw a log on the wood-burner for extra cosiness and snuggle up in the window seat with a good book. Outside there's even more to love, including a private pool, leafy garden and a calisthenic gym space that works as a yoga or kickboxing studio. After a morning workout and a dip in the pool, enjoy a walk around Manor Bottom, or if you want to stretch your legs even more, the seaside town of Ventnor is a forty-minute walk away. But our favourite part were the hosts. The amount of love Steven and Agnieszka put into making their guests' stay extra special is quite something. No detail has been overlooked, be it organic toiletries, a welcome hamper filled with local jams and chutneys or arranging on-site massages. They even go the extra mile to carefully curate books and music for each individual guest – safe to say, you'll be in excellent hands.

The Granaries

If you’re looking for a real away-from-it-all retreat that’s truly one of a kind, then look no further than this home on the Norfolk Coast. Featured on Channel 4's Homes by the Sea, it’s located right next to the dunes at Winterton-on-Sea, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A former working lighthouse, it’s perfect for a peaceful stay with a surreal fairytale quality. When we visited, we were particularly impressed by the unusual round rooms that stack up on top of one another. Once filled with nautical equipment, these are now well designed spaces with beautiful furniture and objects, including an impressive library, bunk-bed room for kids, living room, and finally a lofty viewing platform bedroom (not for the faint hearted). Down on ground level you’ll find a contemporary open-plan space where you can cook in the shiny stainless steel kitchen or bask in the warmth of the wood burner as you eat dinner in the relaxed dining area. Folding doors give access out into the small garden for picnics or al fresco breakfasts. Families in particular will love the easy access to seaside life, including great fish and chips, good local pubs, parks and boat-trips. The Norfolk Broads is also nearby; the UK's largest wetland area, it's perfect for boating, cycling and walking. In short, this is a great home for those who want to experience everything a Norfolk staycation has to offer, while staying somewhere with real wow factor. 

The Norfolk Beacon

Games Room

Escape to this idyllic Herefordshire retreat, perched on top of a hill beside an iron-age fort and offering breathtaking countryside vistas. Perfect for a multi-generational family stay (with two dogs in tow), alongside the main barn, there's a smaller stone barn (connected on the first floor) offering a snug, two further bedrooms and a well-equipped playroom. If you can lure yourselves from the enclosed private garden, you're just a five-minute drive from the historic market town of Bromyard with delicatessens, butchers and pubs for a taste of county life. 

The Vintage Farmhouse

This old dairy, set on the Burghley Estate, is a peaceful getaway for large groups and makes a pretty picture for small celebrations. Throughout the restoration of the dairy and its conversion into cottages, an emphasis remained on the history of this building, and plenty of the original features remain to make this a charming and comfortable stay. With two wings, it also grants everyone plenty of space, though the mezzanine bedrooms can only be accessed through several ground-floor rooms, which might not feel the most private. Still, it's a beautiful space, and the estate is within the Capability Brown Parkland, first landscaped in the early 1700s and still as lush and inviting, perfect for walks with the dogs.

The Cottage Soul

Piano

Resort Access

Serene views, sleek interiors and seemingly impossible design elements come together to make an architectural feat of a home on Devon's coastline. The hosts built this home from the ground up – pulling up outside you'll immediately get the sense you're about to stay somewhere unique. And you'll get the personal touch too, as host Deborah and her family love to greet every guest on arrival. Style-wise, this home is equal parts classy and edgy; velvet upholstery and faux-fur throws contrast with neon signs and curious light fixtures in the bedrooms. The pièce de résistance is the gravity-defying fireplace in the living area, nothing short of a showstopper. You'll want to explore every room in depth to make sure you haven't missed anything. This is a level of design you might not necessarily expect from a sleepy part of coastal Devon – but that's part of the home's beauty. It's the perfect retreat for those seeking total tranquility in exceptional surroundings. 

The Early Risers

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape to the Brecon Beacons with a few luxuries thrown in, this is the cottage for you. Set within 12 acres of estate grounds, there are plenty of walks for dogs and humans alike. If you’re seriously into your hiking, then the trails right from the cottage’s front door into the peaks of the Brecon Beacons (including Pen Y Fan) won’t disappoint. For the more sedate option, follow the flat canal path into the charming town of Brecon for cafés and shops. On returning, treat yourself to a complimentary massage at The Treatment Studio in the estate. The cottage itself radiates history from its old stone walls and low, timber-beamed ceilings. A little library of books and wood-burner in the living room adds to that away-from-it-all feeling. In the kitchen and living room, the flagstone floor is heated underfoot so there’s no sacrificing comfort for aesthetics here. Upstairs, the master bedroom comes with a glorious sleigh bed to send you off to sleep. 

Bothying In Style

Just outside the picturesque village of Llanfrynach, on the grounds of a grade II*-listed Georgian mansion, this one-bedroom cottage is all about rest and relaxation. This former coach house has been converted into a stunning contemporary space. Downstairs, the sitting room boasts sky-high ceilings and ten-foot-tall French doors leading out onto a private patio. The wood burner and deerskin rugs on the floor add a cosy feeling that's perfect for the colder months, while during the summer, you can throw open those doors and let the outside in. The cottage actually has two patio areas – one facing east and the other west – so you can always catch the sun no matter the time of day. Upstairs, the bedroom welcomes you with exposed oak beams and a natural stone wall that perfectly complements the black wrought iron bed frame. Step across the hall to discover a beautiful bathroom with a double-ended tub and a walk-in shower. If you can tear yourself away, there are plenty of leisurely walks and challenging hikes directly from your front door. There are options for all levels, from high peaks to gentle canalside strolls and everything in between. Despite the secluded location, plenty of pubs and restaurants, as well as a supermarket, within a ten-minute drive. After a hard day of hiking in the hills, why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage in the on-site treatment room.

The Gatekeeper

Baby Changing Mat

Changing Table

Take a break from the fuss and flutter of daily life and retreat to this traditional English cottage in the charming village of Tideswell. A former sweet shop, this boutique-style home combines original features with contemporary furnishings to create a modern yet warm and inviting space. Stepping inside, you'll find pearly white walls, ceilings and stone floors, while the log burner and wooden beams overhead keep things extra cosy. Explore the rolling green fields of the Peak District National Park right on your doorstep, or enjoy a morning walk through the village, passing cheery pubs, bistros, fish and chip shops and quaint little tea rooms. Stop off for a classic scone with jam and clotted cream or tuck into a full English breakfast close by or visit the award-winning restaurant 'The Merchant's Yard' for a special occasion. In warmer months, make the most of the sunny south-facing courtyard and relax with a bottle of something sparkling after a day spent roaming this beautifully unbridled landscape. 

Toffee Treat

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Escape to the Country: Some Favourites From the Cotswolds

Cornwall Itinerary for 7 Days: How to Spend Them

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Book a stay in one of the best homes in United Kingdom

We selected the 9625 homes worth renting in this location

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Most popular homes in United Kingdom

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Escape to the Country: Some Favourites From the Cotswolds

Cornwall Itinerary for 7 Days: How to Spend Them

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