“Delightful”, “stunning”, “gorgeous”, “beautiful”, “to die for!” The 40,000+ followers & group members on my social media feeds just love the cottages and homes we look at together and often can’t contain themselves, bursting with adjectives! Very often though, the thoughts are dampened when reality hits that, unless they win the lottery, such stunning homes may be but a dream.
BUT! Just because you can’t afford to buy one, doesn’t mean you can’t go and have a holiday in one! Check out my pick of the most beautiful holiday homes in Great Britain…
A Cottage as sweet as honey…
Mellowstone, Broadway, Cotswolds
Living like a Lord of the Manor…
Manor House, Beeford, Yorkshire
Set in its own magnificent grounds, Manor House has been lovingly renovated, retaining all of its original charm and is now a luxurious holiday home sleeping 10 guests. The North Yorkshire coast is just a short drive away and for those who want to explore the North Sea coastline, Skipsea is a good place to start. Inclement weather is not a problem as the owners have provided a games room to keep all guests happily entertained.
Set back from the road and situated at the end of a gravelled driveway, Manor House in Beeford is in close proximity to the pretty village of Skipsea, famed for its golden sands and winner of the “Quality Coast Away from it All” award. Originally home to the Curtis family, the entire house has undergone a total renovation and has been lovingly transformed into a luxurious holiday home. Contemporary furnishings blend elegantly with traditional features and sumptuous furnishings. The whole house is now filled with light and space, whilst still being unequivocally welcoming. Manor House truly is the perfect place for a family gathering and for friends who love to get together, whilst spending some time exploring the glorious North Sea Coastline.
Stunning Cornish Farmhouse…
Trethurffe Manor, Truro, Cornwall
This spectacular farmhouse is steeped in original charm, from exposed beams to granite floors and sits in 5 acres of beautiful gardens, the perfect holiday home choice for large families and parties.
Situated just a short drive from both Cornwall’s south and north coasts, guests will be spoilt for choice when it comes to traditional fishing villages and sheltered coves. Explore picturesque St Mawes, Mevagissey and Padstow, picking up handmade souvenirs and fresh local produce as you go, or enjoy a good old-fashioned day at the seaside as you visit one of the many nearby sheltered coves and long sandy surfing beaches. The regional city of Truro is just 15 minutes away by car and offers a range of restaurants, pubs, shops and a cinema, while fun can be had a little further afield at Flambards Theme Park.
Inside, this holiday home offers ample space for a relaxing, stress free break with family or friends. The hub of this home is its beautiful kitchen, which is steeped in traditional farmhouse charm with granite flooring, exposed beams and an Aga-style cooker that accompanies a dishwasher and microwave. A second kitchen area houses an additional oven, washing machine and tumble dryer while a slate floor pantry contains two fridge/freezers, perfect for entertaining. Enjoy special family meals or perhaps the goodies provided in the welcome hamper in the opulent dining room, which features an antique dresser, wooden floors, an open fire and a table to seat twelve. While adults can enjoy peace and quiet in the sitting room with a TV, DVD, freesat, hi-fi and wood burner, children can enjoy watching TV in the additional lounge. There are six bedrooms in this house, each individually decorated with traditional wooden floors and Victorian-style cast iron beds. Of the bedrooms, there is one king-size, one double, three twins and one bunk bedroom. While one of the twin bedrooms has an en-suite shower room with WC, the other rooms share two family bathrooms with separate showers, one of which has a luxurious roll-top bath. There is an additional shower room with WC downstairs. Perfect for a rainy day is the games room, which features a pool table, table football and table tennis.
Outside, there is a beautiful walled garden with a BBQ, courtyard space and a fantastic feature seating area set over a well. Beyond the walled garden are five acres of lawn gardens with a hard tennis court and beautifully stocked beds and borders.
Historic Hall in the Lakes…
Hewthwaite Hall, Lake District
Both outside and in, this stunning period property is a wonderful destination for families and friends with a games room, two reception rooms and fantastic outdoor spaces.
Placed between Cockermouth and Keswick, there are plenty of things to see and do here. Keswick, the Lake District’s adventure capital, has a variety of outdoor activities on offer, both on the fells and on the lake. The town has a cinema, a great choice of eateries and the picturesque Theatre by the Lake. For exploration on foot, mighty Skiddaw, England’s fourth highest peak, is 12 miles away, while Sale Fell is 7 miles away. Cyclists will find great off-road opportunities for mountain bikers and there is some fantastic road cycling on your doorstep. Watch Hill (4 miles) is great for walking and mountain biking, and the Lake District Wildlife Park is 4 miles away and offers a fun, family day out. The award-winning Lakes Distillery is only 3 miles away and, for a spot of indulgence, visit the spa at Armathwaite Hall, 5 miles away.
Sleeping six people in three bedrooms, this stunning holiday home from home beautifully blends original features such as exposed beams, deep sandstone window seats, panelled doors and stone floors with stylish art and textiles creating an authentically charming interior that boasts all mod cons.
Wonderful Wales, on the doorstep of the Brecon Beacons…
Ty Watton, Brecon Beacons
Perfect for a family exploring the Brecon Beacons, this Welsh stone-built holiday home is set in idyllic surroundings with beautiful gardens, a stream running by the house and stunning mountain views.
The cottage can be found along a quiet, grassy no-through lane close to Aber Village just a mile north of the beautiful Talybont Reservoir which is a wonderful spot for birdwatching. The property is also ideally situated for exploring the Taff Cycle Trail, the Brinore Tramroad and the Henry Vaughan Walk, with the Blaen y Glyn waterfalls nearby (5.5 miles). You can enjoy a meal in the local village of Talybont-on-Usk (1 mile), take a walk around the Pontsticill Reservoir (8 miles) or a trip on a steam train through the region. The popular town of Brecon (8.5 miles) has a cinema, theatre, historic cathedral and a number of great independent shops and places to eat and drink.
The cottage is accessed via a porch which has plenty of room for muddy boots and coats. The cosy and welcoming lounge features original exposed oak beams, a wood burner set in a stone fireplace and Welsh blankets adorning the sofas, making this a warm and peaceful space to sit back in at the end of the day. There’s also a TV and a choice of board games and jigsaws if the weather’s a bit wet. The light and attractive kitchen/diner is well-equipped with everything you may need including an electric oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher, as well as a charming dining area perfect for sharing a favourite family meal together. There’s also a ground-floor utility room with a washing machine as well as a separate WC. Going upstairs there are three cosy bedrooms, two doubles and a twin. There’s also a family bathroom complete with a shower over the bath and a WC.
The cottage sits within wonderful and extensive enclosed gardens which have been imaginatively tiered and provide plenty of space for children to play. The paved terrace provides a lovely seating area and there is also a BBQ and garden furniture. At the bottom of the garden, a gate leads out to a shallow stream which is perfect for children to play at building dams or sailing boats.
A note from me… Please be aware that I’m not being paid to advertise, nor am I endorsing, however there are affiliate links in this blog. The text for each holiday home is taken from the website of the agents letting these homes and may be subject to change, incorrect or misleading. Further clarity and further information you must speak to the letting company directly.
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