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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Board Games

Library of Books

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Cooking Essentials

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Parking Available

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Experience historic Scotland at its finest at this castle retreat. This beautiful castle was built in 1560 and has been thoughtfully restored to its former glory by the father-and-daughter owner team. You’ll find antique furniture and historic features throughout the castle, but modern home comforts have been added too. Play board games in front of the fire in the Great Hall before sinking into a four-poster Ralph Lauren bed. Explore the Cairngorms National Park and the nearby golf courses, or drive 1.5 hours to Edinburgh for a day trip. This castle is sure to be a memorable choice.

A Fine Malt

DVD Player

Hair Dryer

Heated Towel Rail

Cafetiere

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Washing Machine

Dryer

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Central Heating

Private Parking

Parking On Premises

Private Entrance

Free Parking On Premises

Self Check-in / Check-out

Barbeque

Fenced Garden

Outdoor Seating

Patio / Terrace

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Fire Extinguisher

First Aid Kit

Smoke Detector

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

Ironing Board

Iron

As you'd expect from a lighthouse cottage (built in 1680), this home has sea views from the private garden and the living space. We love that the bedroom has been formed from the circular base of the lighthouse tower (though the bathroom is back up the stairs off the living room). And the good news is this lighthouse doesn't have a fog signal, so you won't be woken in the middle of the night. When you feel like exploring, a ten-minute stroll along the coastal path will take you to the North Norfolk town of Cromer, with its sandy beach and an array of shops and restaurants. Or for golf lovers, adjacent to the lighthouse is a golf course.

Sea Salt Harmony

Balcony

This charming stone cottage in North Wales accommodates two guests and one child, with spectacular views of the Snowdonia Mountains from a secluded position above the Eglwysbach valley. The Bodnant Estate offers ten luxury self-catering cottages, including Ty Newydd, sleeping eight guests, and Lletty, sleeping six guests. The estate features hilly and wooded countryside in the lower reaches of the Conwy Valley and various houses and cottages available for rent as holiday lets. The cozy cottage has been sympathetically extended to provide generous openings between the main rooms and includes a wood-burning stove, oak floors, an enclosed garden, garden furniture, barbecue, and Wi-Fi. Guests can explore over 20 miles of private paths winding through woods and farms across the estate or visit the world-famous Bodnant Garden owned by the National Trust. Fishing permits are available at Bodnant Garden Centre. Other nearby attractions include Zip World Fforest, Adventure Parc Snowdonia, Welsh Mountain Zoo, sandy beaches of Llandudno, Conwy and Colwyn Bay, Penrhyn Castle and several Welsh castles.

The Time Machine

High Chair

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

Hot Tub

Wellness & Fitness

With a gothic spin, this stone-built cottage has become a Worcester favourite for a unique, romantic trip. Tiny but beautiful, it's bursting with period charm and features arched windows, exposed timbers, a statement fireplace and a luxurious clawfoot tub alongside quirky decorative touches. Outside, near a stream, seating allows for alfresco meals and sunset drinks in the hot tub, and the on-site orchard is ripe for fruit picking. Your host can also arrange for a private chef or measures to take the weekend to the next level.

The Briar Rose

Free Parking On Street

This cosy cottage is tucked down a quiet street within the historic walls of Conwy. Perfectly sized for two guests, there’s an open-plan living room with a wood-burning fire, a snug bedroom and a small courtyard (shared with the neighbours). Two dogs are welcome to join you here, plus there’s a sweet welcome pack with Prosecco provided for your arrival. Outside, you’ll find everything you could need on the doorstep. From here, it’s a short walk to the castle, beaches and amenities. It’s also a great base for guests looking to adventure further afield and explore Snowdonia National Park.

Sea on the Horizon

Desk

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

Home Cinema Setup

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Pool / Snooker Table

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Black-Out Blinds

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Heated Pool

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This show-stopper of a home is located in leafy Hertfordshire. With an indoor swimming pool, private cinema, and games room, it’s well set up for a group staycation. There are plenty of opportunities to relax here, whether you’re enjoying a soak in the rooftop Jacuzzi or unwinding in the sauna. And fitness fanatics will be pleased to hear that there’s a private gym too. You’d be forgiven for not wanting to leave this gated getaway, but if you feel the need to venture further afield, picturesque St Albans is a twenty-five-minute drive away, and you can be in central London in less than an hour.  

A Hint of Oak

Cleaning Products

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds, this quaint cottage home promises a tranquil escape. Boasting a private garden, a bright kitchen, and a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove, this is a true gem of English countryside living. Upstairs, two thoughtfully decorated bedrooms ensure restful nights, complemented by a stunning bathroom with brass fixtures. Designed for comfort and welcoming to dogs, it’s the ideal place for a idyllic escape – and with hamlets like Enstone and Chipping Norton a short drive away, there’s plenty to see and do as well.

Vintage Hideaway

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Underfloor Heating

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If you’re seeking an escape back to nature that’s a perfect fit for two, it’s time to stop scrolling. We love this former Porters’ Lodge, packed full of character and inviting its guests to unwind. You’ll find this home set on an estate, where you can enjoy the landscaped grounds at your leisure – if you’re not too busy relaxing in your private cedar hot tub, that is. Locally, a hike up the Pentland Hills is a must, and for those seeking a city fix, Edinburgh is a thirty-minute drive away. 

Brambled Bliss

Luxury Toiletries

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Espresso Machine

Pod Coffee Machine

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Luxury Bedding

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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

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Temperature Control

Sun Umbrellas

Alarm System

Security Cameras

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

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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

Accessible Parking

Multiple Sets of Keys

Safe

Want to recreate a passionate escape à la Bridgerton - just on a much smaller scale? Then we think you'll fall in love with this home in a 400-year-old former gatehouse lodge. Part of the glorious 5,500-acre St Giles House estate, it's been personally and immaculately renovated by the estate's owner (real-life nobility Lady Shaftesbury) to stunning effect. The natural and historical character - original lead windows, log burner and dove grey stone slabs - pack a punch, but it's her Ladyship's keen eye for style that has elevated this home into a truly romantic stay. We're talking about bold splashes of colour (a vibrant coral in the living room and soothing forest green in the bedroom) plus beautiful illustrated artwork and the highest quality Egyptian cotton sheets. This rural location is the perfect place to hide away from the rest of the world, but if you tire of each other's company, the beaches of the Jurassic Coast, the New Forest and the classic British seaside resorts of Poole and Bournemouth are all within a short drive away.

Tangerine Lodge

Games Room

Free Parking

Green is the theme at this beautifully restored historic farmhouse; rolling pastures all around and exquisite emerald, olive and moss hues inside. Recently featured in Elle Décor, the owner is an interior designer and a lovely host to boot. Welcoming your whole brood and then some, there’s plenty of space for everyone to spread out in the three gorgeous sitting rooms, seven individually styled bedrooms, large bespoke, country kitchen and expansive garden. Those travelling with young children will love the playroom, chock-full of games and toys to keep them quiet for hours on end. There is billiards and table tennis in the outhouse if the big kids want to get involved, too. A boot room makes a no-stress entrance for muddy wellies after yomps through the surrounding countryside and the endless lawns call for picnics and croquet in the sunshine. Your nearest village is Piercebridge, situated three miles away, with its own farm shop and proper pub. Further afield, the Yorkshire Dales, Saltburn-by-the-Sea and Barnard Castle are all within a forty-five-minute drive – perfect for family days out in the fresh air.

Enchanted Forest

Desk / Workplace

This home ticks all the boxes for a couple after a romantic retreat to the coast. You'll find all the mod-cons needed here – from a beautifully designed open-plan living space and a cosy wood-burning stove to the spacious bedroom and luxurious roll-top bath in the en-suite. The sleek kitchen is equipped to create tasty meals for two, and your welcome pack will include some sweet treats for after – let the host know if you’re celebrating a special occasion and they might slip in an extra surprise. The mezzanine level snug allows for a moment's alone time or a sneaky afternoon snooze, while the outdoor deck patio is the perfect spot for coming together. As if that wasn’t enough, the jewel in the crown is your own private hot tub, where you can savour a glass of wine and gaze up at the stars. A short fifteen-minute drive will take you into Aberaeron, where you can stroll around the harbour and admire the brightly coloured houses. Bring a book and relax on the sand, or try out water sports if you're feeling more active. For walkers, the Wales Coastal Path nearby will show you some epic scenery, and you may even be lucky enough to spot a bottlenose dolphin in Ceredigion Bay – a short ferry across the water.

Wooden Beams

Step-Free Access

A cabin in the woods reimagined, this home belongs in the centrefold of a magazine. Traditional wooden panelling adds a rustic feel to this home, but it's nicely contrasted with a stylish monochrome palette and huge floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a colourful sensory garden and pond. It's easy to spend an afternoon sitting on the south-facing deck, enjoying the peace of the Welsh countryside and keeping an eye out for the swallows, swifts, ducks and frogs living their lives on the water — even an otter has been spotted in the grounds by previous guests. After a stroll among the greenery, unwind with a glass of wine in front of the log burner or head up to the snug in the mezzanine with a well-thumbed book. Venturing out, two sandy beaches, Norman castles and a few quaint cafes await in the village of Llansteffan, which can be reached in eight minutes by car. Also close by is Green Castle Woods – about a five-minute drive – which is perfect for afternoon strolls through ancient woodlands. Or, ten minutes in the opposite direction lies Carmarthen, believed to be the oldest town in Wales – head there for places to eat, drink and shop aplenty.

Ty Log

We may have found the most adorable home for two. This former milking parlour is one of a small group of cottages in the heart of the Anglesey countryside. Rural, secluded and perfectly in tune with nature, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down. Wander down secret paths in the extensive grounds then take a seat on the deck to watch the dragonflies hovering above the water. The fishing lake is well stocked and there can surely be few more idyllic places for casting a line. Inside the single-storey stone cottage, you’ll find pine furniture, pretty coordinating fabrics and a log burner to warm your toes by. With Anglesey’s dramatic coastline just a short drive away, big surf and blustery coastal walks are in plentiful supply. Stock up for supper in the bustling market town of Llangefni, before hunkering down for the night together. 

The Milk Room

Stair Gates

Welcoming guests in style, this converted barn in West Yorkshire boasts a large living area with ample room to socialise and sprawl out. In keeping with its rustic charm, it features plenty of exposed stone, wooden beams and high vaulted ceilings, while modern touches such as a striking bespoke staircase, innovative handmade lighting and a sleek island kitchen have been installed with luxury and comfort in mind. Enjoy meals together at the long table in the open dining area, admiring scenic views of the Yorkshire countryside through vast picture windows. Venture off into the surrounding area and experience the picturesque views first hand, discovering the tranquil beauty of the woodlands. When you're in the mood for exploring further, take a short drive to the quaint village of Ripponden for a hearty pub meal in one of the charming eateries and an enticing taste of the slow life.

Tell a Tale

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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

DVD Library

Balcony / Patio

Secret doors and treasures galore, this Grade II listed home in a quiet part of Long Bennington village is steeped in history and culture. A visual feast – you’ll find carved furniture from Africa, a Rajasthani chest, a coffee table from China, and red and gold chairs from Spain. It’s no wonder your hosts are both artists who love to travel. We could spend hours here just admiring the precious antiques around the home – including an intricately carved screen brought back by explorer Sir Francis Younghusband after he led the British Army into Tibet. More is more here with curiosities in every corner, but there’s plenty of space to relax too. Unwind in the foliage-filled conservatory, lie on the sofa in the living room where a traditional Persian rug pops against a terracotta floor, or take a walk amidst the daffodils in the garden outside. If you can ever peel yourself away from this magical gem, Newark historic market town – known for its indie shops, antiques and old buildings – is only a fifteen-minute drive from your door. One thing’s for sure, this spot will satisfy the soul. 

A Moving Feast

Netflix

Piano

Streaming Services

Fenced Property

This unique home was a bakery in the 1950s but it was converted by the host's parents, who both worked at the Lincoln School of Art. As well as being a day job, they also had a strong interest in artistic endeavours and they filled the interior with hand-crafted ceramics, fabrics and paintings. Today, much of their collection remains and it lends the feel of part-museum, part-period home — especially with the hardwood floors and wood-burning fireplace. The large garden is equally special too, with a pond full of frogs and plenty of lawn space on which to lie back with a book borrowed from the packed shelves in the dining room. When you fancy exploring your surroundings, the city of Lincoln is thirteen minutes away in the car, while the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be reached in just over twenty. Closer to home, there's a pub two minutes' walk around the corner.

Where The Art Is

Amazon Prime

Baby Bath

Baby Monitor

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Breakfast Included

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Set in a historic Edwardian castle estate stretching across 2000 acres of glen walks, forests, beaches, lochs, gardens and waterfalls, this bonnie cottage is poised to provide you with an endlessly romantic, back-to-nature stay. Located in the heart of picturesque Portpatrick – one of Scotland's prettiest seaside towns – you'll have the long beaches and tidal rushes of Dunskey Glen a short stroll from your cosy home base. We love the bohemian aesthetic and eclectic interiors, especially the rose petal wallpapers that give an air of stately grandeur from the get-go. Dreamy chandeliers and plant-themed prints fill the spaces with a homely touch, while the pink velvet sofa and grand upholstered bed make a striking impression with spades of glossy glamour. After a day exploring, curl up in front of the wood-burning stove with a good book and a tipple of whisky. On warmer nights, step out onto a private courtyard boasting an outdoor bathtub nestled among shrubs and flowing vine – this is an ideal spot to relax while admiring your woodland surroundings. Outside of your home, Dunskey Golf Course and the Portpatrick Harbour are two minutes away (on foot), while the Dunksey Castle is a twenty-minute walk up the craggy Scottish coastline. 

Highland Heather

Beach Essentials

A Grade-II listed former stable in the middle of Dunskey Estate, this home is a truly glorious spot. The interior has been restored, but there are lots of features that date back to a century ago, including the wood panelling and fireplace. Elsewhere, there are furnishings in rich colours, antiques dotted about the rooms and a hand-painted mural in the bedroom, which all work together for a boutique feel. Outside, we are smitten with the charming cobbled courtyard with seating, potted plants and access to a private walled garden. Beyond the home's boundaries lies a wealth of natural attractions on the estate to discover, from two lochs and a pair of waterfalls to three beaches and plenty of walking routes along a stretch of craggy coastline. There's even a maze on the grounds if you have an afternoon going spare. The village of Portpatrick can be reached in twenty minutes on foot, as well.

The Coachman's Dog

This home is just as charming as the idyllic town in which it sits. The interior eschews minimalism for full-on floral patterns, characterful pieces of botanical artwork and vintage-inspired furnishings — can you honestly say you weren't happy to see that four-poster bed?

While the kitchen may be on the smaller side and lacks a hob, oven or cooking facilities, fortunately, there are plenty of restaurants in Woodstock, from a brasserie to less formal pubs. In addition, Blenheim Palace and its surrounding parkland can be entered in three mintues' walk from your front door. Further afield, the walking routes and viewpoints of the Cotswolds AONB can be reached easily in the car.

Masterpiece

Bike Shed

Garden Games

This blissful getaway in the Derbyshire countryside boasts spectacularly scenic views and an unrivalled level of tranquillity, the perfect place to unplug, unwind and rejuvenate amidst the abundance of local wildlife and nature. Set within 55 acres of private farmland, you'll find surrounding natural beauty in every direction that you look. Explore the gardens and fruit orchards on the grounds, where you'll find plenty of peaceful spots to meditate or do some yoga. The host even leaves yoga equipment inside for guests to use at their leisure. While you'll have plenty of privacy here, this place provides ample opportunity to socialise with the farm's flock of sheep, lambs, hens, and peacocks if you please. 

Inside, enjoy taking in the sweeping country views from the open-plan living area in style. Contemporary furnishings with a gorgeous green colour palette that nods to the surrounding flora and fauna present a calming space to feel at home in. Serve up homemade meals at the dining table after delightful days of discovering the local area. Relax in the private gardens, perfect for summer lunches and lawn games in the sunshine. Come evening time, there's no better spot than the fairy-light lit alcove to watch the sun set over the horizon. 

Nestled within ten minute's walking distance from the village of Rowsley, take afternoon strolls along the River Wye, or lace up your boots and hike to Nine Ladies Stone Circle on Stanton Moor. Further afield, you're just a ten-minute drive from the picturesque and historic market town of Bakewell, and five minutes from one of the country’s finest estates, Chatsworth House, home to an impressive art collection, beautiful gardens, water features and acres of park and woodland.

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