Staying home has become a hot topic for 2020, and while travel plans might be on hold for now, there’s no better time to indulge in a little armchair inspiration.
These UK home rentals will provide a much-needed change of scenery, a welcome escape, and a chance to reset the mind when the time comes.
The Yurt Retreat Somerset
Redefining the term ‘glamping’ with its Mongolian-style canvas and wood cabins, The Yurt Retreat in Somerset blends the charm of the great outdoors with the home comforts that you’d expect from a bricks-and-mortar rental. Choose from one of two 20-foot yurts for the full experience or indulge in something even more special and book a ‘Roundhouse’ property, which is fitted with its own fully-equipped kitchen, features indoor and outdoor bathtubs and boasts a private patio designed for al-fresco dining. Peace and tranquility are in abundance here, so pack a pair of walking boots and a laptop loaded with films to make the most of having no commitments or distractions.
The Barnhouse Lakes By Yoo
The midst of a forest isn’t the first place you’d expect to find an architectural gem with interiors designed by Kate Moss but The Barnhouse’s remote location only adds to its allure. From the outside it looks like a luxury cabin with its vast floor-to-roof front window, second-floor terraces and an outdoor pool, but inside is an explosion of creativity and opulence. Raw silk furnishings, statement furniture, and original artwork bring character to the space in a way that will appeal to anyone looking to indulge in a little visual escapism. It sleeps 10, has no less than seven bathrooms and unlike most home rentals, there’s an on-site concierge and maintenance service available to guests throughout their stay.
Bibury Farms
Brimming with authentic farmyard charm and refurbished in a way that captures quiet luxury in its most homely form, Bibury Farms is a collection of converted grey-stone barns that can be booked individually or – if occasion requires it and you’re planning a post-isolation celebration – all at once. The largest of the group sleeps 10 people (plus dogs), but it’s one of the smaller properties that feels particularly special. The Bull Pen maintains elements of the original architecture and comes fitted with modern interiors and considered accents. The open kitchen and living space is flooded with natural light, all three double bedrooms are spacious yet cosy, and the bathrooms boast tempting roll-top baths that provide the perfect relaxation spot after a long walk in the surrounding countryside.
Cabu Hideaways
Cabü by the Sea is reason enough to visit Dymchurch in Kent. Built around Cabü House, which sells a small selection of fresh produce and has a range of board games for guests to borrow, the cluster of new-build cabins instills an immediate sense of calm and a chance to switch off from the outside world. Rooms range from small ‘Writer’s Studios’ to the largest of the group, which can sleep a family of six. Each is imbued with elements of Scandinavian style, built with a kitchenette, a log burner, and decorated with comfortable Loaf furniture. There’s a heated outdoor pool and a communal barbeque area for warmer months but the on-site hot tub and sauna stay open throughout the winter. Pack food, a pair of cosy slippers and prepare to stay in. This is the chance to relax and reset in the most serene setting to be found within easy distance of London.
Coxswain Cottages, St. Ives
Nestled in picturesque St. Ives a short walk from the town’s boutique-lined cobbled streets and built with a secret tunnel that leads directly onto the beach, Coxswain’s Cottage offers a taste of what life by the sea would be like. Interiors bring the outside in; exposed stonework, vintage-inspired latch doors, and decorative driftwood accents feature throughout the three-story space, offset by whitewash walls and modern furnishings that maintain a light aesthetic. It’s the kind of rental that feels like home the moment you unpack so if the weather takes a turn, hunkering down for the weekend won’t seem like a bad idea. Make use of the fully equipped kitchen, plush 6-seater sofa and three double bedrooms, but be sure to venture out for fish and chips at least once to experience a true taste of the British coast.
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