Coronavirus continues to disrupt holiday plans, and many are opting for a British staycation this summer. Make your holiday even more memorable with an unexpectedly quirky place to stay.
To whet your appetite and inspire you to make a booking for your own relaxing – or adventurous – getaway, here are five unique places to stay.
Eworthy, Devon – Hide away in this off-grid eco treehouse sitting among the treetops
The Yeworthy Treehouse offers a magical private space where you can disconnect from the rest of the world.
Return to nature, sleep among the stars and enjoy true tranquillity among the treetops above a sparkling lake in a quiet Devon hamlet.
Forget your troubles and escape the world as you immerse yourself in idyllic seclusion with soothing sounds of singing birds, the gentle rustling of leaves and occasional distant splashes of wildlife playing in the water.
The friendly owners welcome dogs and will drive you to your tranquil retreat in a Jeep, which you can then retain for your whole stay.
Truly remote, your closest neighbours will be birds, geese and wild deer.
The treehouse is furnished with a delightful downy double bed adorned with soft pillows and plump cushions. And the summerhouse down by the water is the perfect spot to curl up with a good book. Or, if you’re feeling like venturing a little further into the world, take the rowing boat out on the lake.
This treehouse retreat is completely unplugged. A log-burner will keep you warm, and there’s a gas stove for cooking and boiling water. Fresh drinking water comes from a bowser and the loo is of the eco-friendly sawdust variety.
If you find yourself wanting a change of scene, the Dartmoor National Park is a half-hour drive away.
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk – Stay in an award-winning historic corn mill
The Windmill Suffolk offers a relaxing adult retreat in the most scenic of settings.
A luxurious self-catering space for a romantic escape or a fun time with your closest friends, this adults-only bolthole is the perfect spot for lazy mornings, long meadow walks and exceptional views from the 4th floor balcony.
Built in 1881, the windmill’s characterful exterior has won awards for its roof and, last year, featured on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, in series nine of the popular TV show.
Pretty gardens surround the windmill with uninterrupted views over the idyllic Suffolk countryside.
No expense has been spared on the luxurious modernisation of the windmill’s interior. Enter the living space through sliding glass doors and into a sumptuous setting and modern fitted kitchen with everything you’ll need. As well as the all-important Nespresso coffee machine with a generous selection of complimentary refills, you’ll find many additional convenient supplies.
If you want to stock the fridge on arrival without the hassle, Ocado, Sainsbury’s and Tesco all deliver directly to the door.
The four floors are arranged with the kitchen on the ground floor, one bedroom on the first floor and another on the third floor. On the second floor you’ll find a luxurious bathroom where you can choose between standing beneath the monsoon rain shower or soak away your cares in the freestanding double-sized bath.
On the fourth floor is the pod living space with panoramic views and two sumptuous sofas piled high with soft cushions and comfy throws.
If you can bear to leave the comforts of the windmill, explore the beautiful Suffolk countryside with a stroll through wild meadows or visit the Tudor town of Lavenham or market town of Bury St Edmunds. Or mess about on the river and go boating on the Norfolk Broads.
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Dunblane, Perthshire – Hide away in a hobbit-hole
Escape reality with a stay in a “Hobbit Howf”.
Located in the beautiful Scottish countryside and constructed from stone and wood, these hobbit-holes are built right into the hillside. With grass roofs and cute round doors and windows, the cosy dwellings sleep two guests.
The doors, windows, and furniture are all handcrafted for a totally immersive hobbit experience. Surround yourself in Tolkien’s fantasy world with nooks and crannies built into the exposed stonework, a wood-burning stove will keep you warm and snug on cool summer nights.
Or turn in early and enjoy a spot of stargazing through the window directly above the handmade rustic double bed.
The kitchen and bathroom each have hand-carved wooden sinks, and you’ll find an eco-friendly compost toilet next door to your hobbit abode.
Your courtyard garden has views over the Ochil and with wooden furniture, fire pit and barbeque there are plenty of quirky comforts inside and out.
The Hobbit Howf forms part of a selection of quirky glamping accommodation at Craighead.
Natural gardens, woodland, and a lochan surround the unique quiet country setting. Unsurprisingly, you’ll also find an array of wildlife on your hobbit doorstep, including horses, cows, sheep, ponies, ducks and geese.
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Kingennie, Dundee – Enjoy a romantic getaway right on the water
Dating back to 1855, the Leannan Boathouse sits right on the water’s edge. Lovingly restored and surrounded by woodland, the Angus countryside is on your doorstep and you’re only five miles from the historic city of Dundee.
The boathouse sleeps two guests – perfect if you want a peaceful retreat of tranquillity and serenity.
Inside, you’ll find contemporary design blended seamlessly with the building’s long history. Fully equipped with all the mod cons, including a double hot tub style bath in the master en suite, perfect for relaxing tired muscles after all the fresh air adventures on offer right outside your door.
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Matlock, Derbyshire – Get back to nature with a stay in a hidden hillside cabin
Perfect for couples seeking a weekend hideaway, this rustic cabin is reached via a 250 metre walk up a steep rugged path from the parking spot.
Perched on Eagle Tor in the Peak District, the cabin has far-reaching views across the valley and a wood-fired hot tub that sits on a boulder on the outdoor terrace.
The tiny (10ft by 10ft) cabin sits on 15 acres of land, providing ultimate peace away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Designed to integrate seamlessly with nature, there is little light pollution at night, and you might want to pack a torch for nocturnal visits to the composting loo, a short distance from the cabin.
The Peak District offers adventures galore with miles of hiking and cycling routes, pretty villages and amazing scenery at every turn.
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For more quirky holiday ideas, check out HostUnusual or CoolStays.
We’d love to hear about your summer holiday plans. Email us at info@kbafinancial.com or call us on 01942 889883.
