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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Parking Available

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Parking & Access

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Welcome to this charming sanctuary nestled in the quaint village of Preston on Stour. Be enchanted by this bewitching 16th-century cottage, a picture-perfect fusion of history and modernity. Discover romantic adventures and Shakespearian escapes in the idyllic Warwickshire countryside. Bask in the luxurious warmth of a rustic lounge with a flickering fireplace and get lost in time exploring Stratford-upon-Avon's rich history. Every corner is outfitted to pamper you: an olive-green sofa perfect for relaxation, a four-poster bed ensuring serenity and golden slumber, a peaceful garden offering mesmerizing views of the village life. The cottage dazzles with character amidst original timbers, polished flagstones and vibrant colours. Delight your senses with home-cooked meals prepared in the well-equipped kitchen, indulge in spa-inspired showers, or simply gaze into the tranquility of the surroundings from the comfort of your historic hideaway.

Shakespeare & Juliet

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Heated Towel Rail

Cafetiere

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Cot / Crib

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Parking On Premises

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First Aid Kit

Nestled on the edge of Holkham Estate, this lodge is somewhere you can truly immerse yourself in nature yet still have the coast within easy reach. Perfect for couples and those keen to bring their four-legged friends along for the stay, there are countryside walks from your doorstep, with a stroll through Holkham Park a must. The enclosed garden is just the place for wildlife spotting as you relax in the evening, while locally, if you fancy a beach day, Holkham Bay is just a short drive away. 

The Sea Is You

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Ironing Board

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Steeped in history, this grand yet homely castle makes for a remarkably atmospheric base in the Scottish Borders. The seat of Clan Kerr, this 15th-century castle is known as Scotland’s frontier fortress. It’s set amid enchanting forests overlooking the River Jed, 2 miles south of Jedburgh. Some guests will sleep in the ground-floor wing, while others will fight over the romantic turret bedrooms. A wood-panelled turret library in the southwest tower is full of books and curiosities, and there are portraits of King James VI and the Kerr family dotted throughout the castle. For a real taste of historic Scotland, you won’t do better than this castle. 

Scottish Hideaway

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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

Single-Level Home

Cosy and compact yet still packing a punch, this contemporary cabin is ideal for a romantic retreat for two. Inside, you’ll find everything needed for a comfortable stay, while outdoors, you can relax around the firepit after a day of exploration. With views across the Swanage countryside to the beach, you’ll soon be eager to explore. Head to the coast to enjoy dolphin spotting, wildlife watching, or a walk along the South West Coast Path, or hop on the historic Swanage Railway for a six-mile trip through picturesque countryside. 

Dorset Serenity

The property is a stunning holiday home located in a secluded loch-side setting with breathtaking views of Loch Etive and Glencoe. This spacious six-bedroom home can accommodate up to twelve guests and boasts six bathrooms, making it perfect for holidays with family and friends. The house features a fully enclosed garden, Wi-Fi, an Aga, and ample parking. Guests can access the Loch directly from the garden via a track and boat owners can use the owner's slipway and buoy for an additional charge. Fishing rods and mackerel lines are also available on request. The surrounding area offers many popular destinations such as Inverawe Smokehouse and Shop, Taynuilt village, and Oban, which is about 30 minutes' drive away. Children and dogs are welcome, but guests must be aware that there is a small garden pond at the back of the house and that the property is accessed via a rough forestry track.

The Highland Hideaway

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On a sprawling estate in the heart of Sherwood Forest, this manor is perfect for big groups looking for country strolls and myriad entertainment options. Apart from a private hot tub, tennis courts and a state-of-the-art barbecue station, there are woodland walks and lawn games to fill your days here. Come evening, retire to one of many lavish lounges inside, or gather in the banquet-sized dining table. Kids and big kids will enjoy the games room with its pool table and retro arcade games and if you’re hosting a special celebration, there’s a function room that can seat up to 50 people in grand surrounds. This is one of those spots where memories are made.

The Country Slicker

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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

Free Parking On Street

Step into this achingly romantic wooden hut in St Kew, Cornwall, for a whirlwind getaway unlike any other. Decorated in an eclectic, bohemian style, you’ll want to fire up the stove and sink right into a pile of embroidered cushions with a mug of hot chocolate. You’ll also have your own private deck on which to drink tea with scones or enjoy hot Cornish pasties from the local bakery. The mezzanine bedroom area was made for sleeping to the sound of rain falling on the roof – just hope that it clears up quickly in the morning – or listening out for the call of a barn owl passing by. And the north Cornwall coast, with some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, is just a ten-minute drive away. Spend a day at charming Port Isaac, or hop on your bike to take on the Camel Trail – and don't forget to stop in at the country pub across the lane on your way home. 

A New Belonging

Amazon Prime

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Safe

We loved this home’s wooden deck – with stunning sea views, a dining table, barbecue, two loungers and Adirondacks facing the ocean, it’s fully equipped for time well-spent outside. Factor in that you’re less than a ten-minute walk from the beach and you have a real winner. Meander down the South West Coast Path to laidback Sennen Cove with its stretch of golden sand and tropical-blue water. Here Cornish fishermen brush shoulders with tousle-haired surfers. We recommend renting a board and catching a wave – there are two highly-rated surf schools in the area. When you return home, hit the outdoor shower and set your wetsuits to dry in the warm utility room before heading inside, where you’ll find it’s just as lovely as its surroundings – smart and minimal with touches of nautical chic. We especially love the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area. Kick back on the sofas and play a board game or puzzle all together. Then gather around the light wood table for a feast before retiring to the bedrooms for some restful sleep, knowing there’s another beautiful seaside morning waiting for you when you awake. 

Surf Style

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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

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Always fantasized about being Lord or Lady of the Manor? Well, now you can be, sort of. This historic stable building (dating back to 1900) is part of a family estate located in the Dorset village of Hinton St Mary. Along with the estate’s gatehouse (also available on Plum Guide), it's been recently refurbished and is accessible to outsiders for the first time. We loved the balance between period features and brand new additions, like the shiny bathroom and kitchen gadgets. Everything is finished in the best possible taste, with some lovely personal touches. The owners clearly want their new guests to feel at home, as they’re happy to accommodate needs, whims and fancies, from arranging a paid-for chef or babysitter, to offering a choice of seasonal duvets, luggage storage, locally sourced ingredients in the welcome pack and everything you’d need to bring your baby (high chair, cot, dinnerware, pram, potty, etc). The home’s location is another definite selling point. At the end of a small village lane, near a cricket green and traditional pub, it’s picturesque and quaint. The nearest town is Sturminster Newton where there are plenty of shops and cafes, a great deli and butchers. This home makes a great base to explore the famous Dorset coast and countryside or simply settle back and relax by the wood-burning stove and imagine your servants are just out of sight.

The Manor Stables

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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

Courtyard

Dating back to 1823, this beautifully renovated fisherman’s cottage is the perfect base for exploring the rugged Northumberland Coast. Craster’s working harbour is pretty much at your front door, and most of the rooms have spectacular views across the sea and the charming village. Follow your nose to the local smokehouse and taste their famous kippers (reputedly a favourite of the Royal Family), explore the magnificent Dunstanburgh Castle, or just sit and watch the fishing boats lazily bobbing on the harbour. The Northumberland Coastal Path is easily accessed from the south of the village, for sweeping panoramas and secret beaches. Come back to your pretty cottage to watch the sun set from the terrace, where outdoor dining is set up. Snuggle down in front of the wood-burning stove, set in the original stone wall of the cottage lounge. Rustle up a meal in the cosy nook of a kitchen or head out to dine on fresh seafood. 

Sea Shanty

Satellite / Cable TV

Set within a Victorian villa, this Clan Fraser inspired apartment is anything but twee. Instead, the place is fresh and contemporary, with subtle nods of tartan among the swanky finishes. The living space is the heart of the home, with rich blues and brushed gold adding an opulent flourish. There’s a dining table for home-cooked haggis, neeps and tatties and a gorgeous velvet sofa for reclining with a snifter of Scotch. Just when you thought it couldn’t be plusher, 800 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets dress impossibly comfortable beds. And that’s without mentioning the freestanding copper tub in the first bedroom. Outside, a tidy patio lets you make the most of sunny days – especially when accompanied with treats from the nearby bakery. After a five-minute stroll to the picturesque River Ness, cross the bridge into the heart of Inverness for the red sandstone castle, Victorian Market and an impressive selection of bars and restaurants.

Highland Heart

A truly stunning rural retreat, this home is sat on a hill overlooking the beautiful South Tyne Valley – just five minutes from Hadrian's Wall. Away from it all, yet within walking distance of the village pub, this place really has to be one of our favourites in this neck of the woods. A converted farm worker's cottage, it's been lovingly updated to create a modern and comfortable stay. As soon as you walk in, you're welcomed by a warm and classically furnished home, with every little detail already thought of. There's an impressive stone fireplace in the open-plan living room, fitted with a log burner for cosy evenings in, no matter the weather outside. On sunny days, open the French doors to the pretty garden and sit outside on the terrace – the sunsets here are amazing. Keen cooks will love the high-spec kitchen, which flows easily into the dining area and living room so everyone can socialise. Each bedroom has a bathroom and we love the master bedroom's view and its lovely freestanding bath. Here you'll be in prime walking country, with hikes from your doorstep. And it's just a ten-minute drive to the market town of Hexham.

Wonder Wall

Playground

A five-minute walk from Brook’s rugged coastal path and golden beach, the fresh sea air is never far from this isolated cottage. In a huge old farmhouse-style building, your quarters have tons of countryside character. Timber beams support the high vaulted ceilings, warm wooden flooring can be found throughout, and original, rustic barn-like doors keep things traditional. That said, every modern convenience is available, although some have a vintage edge like the red Smeg fridge. Leisure certainly hasn’t been forgotten about either, with board games and an outdoor play area to keep the whole family entertained. While the little ones romp in the garden, relax on the patio with a pot of tea. And when dinnertime strikes, you can light up the barbecue to dine alfresco on a balmy summer evening. As the home is located in the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (one of only forty-six such spots in the UK), the prized landscape is exceptional for walking, fossil hunting, and windsurfing. But if you do fancy something a little more urban, the island’s main town of Cowes is just a twenty-five-minute drive.

Palomino Cottage

From the outside, this Victorian home looks as quaint as quaint can be, but inside, guests will find an apartment that mixes vintage and modern aspects with considerable dexterity. In the living room, a large bay window floods the space with natural daylight, which dances nicely off the wooden floors and walls painted in muted grey. The Persian rug and deep blue sofa add some bold splashes of colour. Elsewhere, we're big fans of the gleaming copper bathtub in the master bathroom that promises to be as comfortable as it is handsome. Off the same room, there's access to a cute terrace with alfresco seating — yes, it's Scotland, but put on a jumper and enjoy the dramatic sunsets that this corner of the country enjoys. The home's only an eight-minute walk from the River Ness and Inverness's town centre, which includes a castle and an art gallery. Alternatively, if you're feeling more active, Cairngorms National Park takes around half an hour to reach in the car.

The Daughter of Time

Smart TV

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Early / Late Check-Out Available

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This barn conversion in deepest Herefordshire is bursting with rural authenticity. Not only is the property located close to a peaceful nature reserve complete with lakes, but it's also been Grade-II listed to protect its historical importance. However, despite this impressive pedigree, the home's interior is pretty contemporary, with a sleek kitchen, four-poster bedrooms and tiled bathrooms sitting quite comfortably underneath the original wooden ceiling beams. Out the front, there's a private garden with seating and views of hills and forests, but there's also an additional courtyard to the back that's shared with neighbours. If gazing out at the countryside vista inspires you to explore this beautiful county, you're well-placed for bird-spotting and long rambles, perhaps finished with a meal at The Stagg Inn, a well-praised gastropub that sits no more than two minute's walk from your front door.

Long-Eared Owl

Breakfast Included

Glamping never looked so good than at this charming cabin nestled within a wild-flower meadow of a 2500-acre family-owned farm estate. Don't be fooled by its unassuming aluminum exterior. Inside, the cabin is surprisingly spacious and lovingly converted by your hosts to provide all the creature comforts. Expect spotless interiors with a well-equipped traditional kitchen complete with a Belfast sink, a neat en-suite shower, and luxurious Egyptian linens on the king-sized bed and bunk beds for the kids. A welcome hamper brimming with local goodies, including milk, eggs, freshly baked bread, and marshmallows for those obligatory s'mores, will help to settle you in. And you'll bank a blissful night's sleep here – your only neighbours are the occasional peacock or deer strutting by. While away your days watching nature unfold outside on the terraces - the private elevated balcony looking out into surrounding woodland (a great spot for den building) is a beautiful place for a cuppa. Or don your hiking boots for a country walk – perhaps with a pit stop at the welcoming local pub (within walking distance) for a swift pint. Just be sure to make it home for dusk as the sun sets over the surrounding countryside. Placed in one of the UK's largest 'dark-sky' areas, there's much stargazing to be done while getting toasty beside the firepit.

Under the Stars

Some of the Lake District’s most striking scenery can be found at Ullswater, with its mountainous landscape and unusual z-shaped, ‘ribbon lake’, which is the second largest in the region. But even better than simply visiting this beautiful spot, you can see it all from the windows of this lakeside home. Although it’s just a five-minute drive from the quaint town of Pooley Bridge, this home feels truly rural and isolated. Park up the 4x4 in the gravel drive and head into this warm and welcoming abode. Light up the wood-burning stove in the plush lounge, with its horseshoe sofa that can fit the entire family. Or you can even have your own private hideaway in the second sitting room, with yet another fireplace – this time a sleek, modern hearth set into the wall. For balmy English evenings, another space can be found outdoors, with your very own patio complete with comfy garden furniture. Alfresco drinking and dining will certainly be on the cards out here. While you can see the water from the comfort of your own home, it’s just a seven-minute walk down to Ullswater Marina.

The Ribbon Lake

There aren't many homes in our collection where you could feasibly arrive by kayak rather than by car, but this is one of them. Perched on the side of the Menai Strait, this four-storey gem dates back to the Victorian era and benefits from beautiful views of the sea, Bangor Pier and the Snowdonia mountain range. This can be enjoyed from the big bay windows or the comfort of the outdoor terrace. Better still, you can head down to the home's private shingle beach which also has a small cave to explore. Back inside the home, the interior is traditional, with portraits hanging on the walls and a large wooden dining table a regal centrepiece to gather the group around after the day's excursions. The town of Beaumaris with its castle, pier and beach take just six minutes to reach in the car, while you can get to Penrhyn Zip World in twenty minutes if you're looking for hi-octane thrills.

The Marquess

Enjoy a romantic stay at this handsome barn conversion, lying at the end of a track, on a family-run arable farm, surrounded by fields – this is a sublime retreat. Relax with a glass of bubbly in the private hot tub with its idyllic views through the farm to the fields beyond (your lovely hosts provide bathrobes and slippers), then savour a barbecue lunch in the sun. It's also the perfect spot to do a bit of stargazing when the night skies are clear and full of sparkling diamonds. Beautiful bi-fold doors provide plenty of light inside this single-level barn, which was once a grain store. We love the gorgeous stone floor and exposed wooden roof beams framing the high ceiling. A fresh colour scheme of pale cream, yellows and greys complement the rustic yet stylish design. If you can tear yourself away from this love nest, there's plenty to explore. Go for a walk to the historic riverside village of Bidford-on-Avon, sixteen minutes on foot, where you'll find an array of charming pubs, restaurants, shops, and a picturesque church built in 1250. Or visit Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, around a twenty-five-minute drive, while stunning Warwick Castle is a few minutes more in the car. The magnificent Cotswolds are on your doorstep too – Hidcote Manor Garden, near Chipping Campden, just over a fifteen-minute ride, which has one of Britain's most influential Arts and Crafts gardens.

Shakespearean Elegance

Escape to the rural idyll of farmhouse life at this cosy cottage in the Lauderdale Hills. It’s on a working farm, where the sheep have been tended to by the same family for generations and you can ramble across hilltops and country lanes straight from your doorstep. Head to the Carfraemill Hotel for a hearty meal, a three-minute drive or a twenty-minute walk away. Or, take a day trip to Edinburgh, forty minutes by car. The view from the cottage garden is stunning, looking out over the rolling hills and patchwork fields as far as the eye can see. Inside, you’ll find a farmhouse vibe with modern luxuries – a range-style gas cooker in the kitchen and a solid wood dining table for the whole group. The living room is a cosy spot in twilight pink, with an ornamental fireplace. Spacious, pastel bedrooms in the eaves are the perfect end to a day in the countryside.   

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