All properties
What makes a perfect holiday is so often the perfect holiday home: our range of alternative hand-picked properties, from big barns to beach huts, are a cut above the norm when it comes to luxury self-catering breaks.
Knowing where to start is often the first hurdle when it comes to choosing the best place to stay for you and your group, whatever the size. Luckily, we've done the hard work for you, scouring the UK from top to bottom to hand-pick the very best self-catering homes, from rural retreats to luxury lodges. Here at Unique Homestays, it's tricky to say what our favourite property might be from the extensive collection we've grown over the years. For some of us it's that tiny cottage on the side of the Irish lake, surrounded by nothing but blue waters and moss-scented air, and no noise except the chatter of birds right outside the window.
Others would say it's the huge manor house in its own private gardens with the cinema room and tennis court – perfect for the ultimate group gathering. Whatever your taste, group size and holiday requirement, from short-stay to long-term, cultural breaks, wilderness retreats, surf spots, pooch and baby-friendly homes, wedding venues and more, we can cater to your needs and organise special extras too. We've even found properties in film-shoot locations (think Poldark and Cornwall). Still don't know where to start? Give us a call to discuss your needs in person: however tall the order, we love getting stuck into a challenge!
Windfall
Black Mountains, Herefordshire, UK
On the Welsh border in Herefordshire, a Victorian cider mill has been reborn as a rural escape. In Dark Sky territory, this rustic retreat promises Swedish tub soaks under infinite stars.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,550 per week, £1,150 per short break
Pets: One well-behaved dog is welcome
Features: Swedish wood-fired tub
The Black Cabin
Idyllically set near Hay-on-Wye and overlooking the majestic Black Mountains, this noir-hued cabin offers a wood-fired hot tub, infrared sauna and views for miles.
Sleeps: Up to two guests
From: £1,595 per week, £1,195 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Outdoor kitchen, outdoor woodfired hot tub, indoor infrared sauna and cold plunge tub
Hollyhocks
A chalky Tudor cottage nestled on the banks of the river Arrow in the fairy-tale village of Eardisland, this is a characterful home, complete with hot tub.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests (+2)
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,950 per week, £1,450 per short break
Pets: Two well behaved dogs are welcome
Features: William Holland spa bath and outdoor kitchen
The Hop Store
Set within 150 acres of perfectly aligned hop yards, rolling meadows and juicy apple orchards, The Hop Store is idyllically situated on one of the last remaining hop farms in the UK.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,795 per week, £1,350 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Hot tub and fire pit, heated garden room, games room with pool table, dartboard and giant jenga
Charity
Black Mountains, Herefordshire, UK
Divinely secluded, Charity is a real wild retreat; set down a mountain road in the Black Mountains of Herefordshire, this luxury country home has a hot tub and sauna.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
From: £3,795 per week, £2,850 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Wood-fired hot tub, sauna, outdoor shower, outdoor pizza oven, table tennis, snooker room, cinema barn and badminton lawn
Atelier Rose
This luxury riverside home in Herefordshire’s Leominster is a wonderland of charm; walk through the topiaries to find Atelier Rose, with its orangery that hides a giant tin spa tub.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests (10 adults and 2 children)
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
From: £3,550 per week, £2,695 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Large William Holland spa bath, cinema room, pool table room
The Sculptor´s Gardens
For celebratory gatherings and wonderland gardens, The Sculptor's Gardens is a luxury country retreat with a hot tub made up of two unique homes in Herefordshire's Leominster.
Sleeps: Up to 18 guests (16 adults and 2 children)
From: £5,750 per week, £4,550 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: William Holland spa baths, outdoor kitchen, tree house, cinema room, games room with pool table
Weddings at Charity
Black Mountains, Herefordshire, UK
A big and beautiful celebration house hidden deep in the heather-clad hills of the dreamy Olchon Valley, yet just three hours from London, Charity embodies the very essence of wild and free.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 50 & Up to 30 guests
From: £7,495 per week, £695 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Wood-fired hot tub, sauna, outdoor shower, outdoor pizza oven, table tennis, snooker room, cinema barn