Lifestyle
Discover our longings for exploration and discovery via this eclectic luxury travel blog, crafted to inspire the most seasoned of travellers.
Lifestyle
Nature´s theatre: a winter´s tale
Experience Christmas in these spectacular holiday homes, where dramatic cliffs, woodland glades and country estates set the perfect winter stage.
More from Lifestyle
Far from the madding crowd: eight romantic getaways for New Year
From Cornish clifftops to Cotswolds cottages, these are the UK´s most romantic escapes, many featuring hot tubs under starlit skies.
Unique travel trends for 2025
From trips incorporating natural spectacles to page and picture-inspired cultural pilgrimages, here we showcase our travel trend predictions for 2025.
Where the magic lives
Discover luxurious winter hideaways across the UK, from snug Cornish cottages to historic Cotswolds retreats. Your perfect rural staycation awaits in these holiday homes.
Crafting your love story: 2025´s wedding stationery trends
Discover the top wedding stationery trends, from digital innovations and minimalist designs to sustainable choices and 90s-inspired patterns that make for unique invitations.
Seven celebration homes to book now for New Year´s Eve
It´s hard to believe it´s just two months until we kiss goodbye to 2024. So, with that, we´re looking ahead to the homes to book to mark the occasion.
Five romantic retreats to start your love story
Transform your proposal into a fairy-tale moment at these properties, where love and luxury intertwine to create the perfect backdrop for your engagement.
Cotswolds homes to book for a Rivals-inspired romantic break
Jilly Cooper’s iconic 1980s novel Rivals comes to screens this month. So then, how about some romantic Cotswolds homes to remake the scenes in...however you please?
Bohemian nuptials on the Cornish coast
This new-wave beach house effortlessly sets the scene for a bohemian wedding shoot by the sea.
The Great British Spa-cation
Put the wrapping paper down and the feet up. This year, the most sought-after winter stays are all about warm water therapy, palatial living, and never missing out on poolside champagne.
The curator´s edit
A celebration of curiosity, these homes function, in part or whole, as living museums; spaces where objects, however small, form part of their story.
The UK´s best holiday homes with direct beach access
Here, we round-up some of the best UK holiday homes with direct beach access — from Cornwall to Scotland — to book for an off-season seaside stay.
The UK´s best long-distance journeys
For those whose bones ache for adventure, but the will for cross-continental travel is slim, look no further than our very own isles; the UK´s best long-distance journeys await.
Travel the folkways
There was a time when we romanticised travel; singing for coaches, dreaming on locomotives. If you care as much about the journey as the map pin, these are homes to travel the folkways for.
Meet the architect-designed homes
Here, we celebrate some of our most intentional architect-designed homes; the ones that stand out, sink in, defy gravity, or might as well be brandishing invisibility cloaks.
Eight of the best luxury cottages to stay in this Christmas
Christmas is a time to create memories of the everlasting kind. From a Cotswolds cottage to a Suffolk manor, here´s our guide to the best homes to book for a festive escape.
Walls that talk: the storytelling world of Sian Zeng
Wallpaper designer Sian Zeng blends diverse cultural influences to transform spaces into portals, pushing the boundaries of interior décor via imaginative artistry.
Could this really be Britain?
These are homes in the nation´s most disorienting destinations; ones that take us far from familiar. You might not need a passport, but you´ll surely do a double-take. Could this really be Britain?
Gothic grandeur meets Welsh wilderness
Our latest editorial shoot unveils romance at Florin, a Victorian wedding venue near Ceredigion, perfect for whimsical ceremonies and grand receptions.
Britain’s best botanical breaks
Pimm’s at the ready: we’re exploring Britain´s best botanical breaks from the New Forest to Cornwall, offering respite and renewal amid natural beauty.
Earthly delights: secret garden wedding venues
Vine-strung pergolas, kaleidoscopic wildflower meadows, and disco balls suspended from the trees. These are our favourite wedding venues for al fresco nuptials.
A guide to Cornwall’s most beautiful gardens
Discover Cornwall´s best gardens, from the iconic Eden Project to hidden sculpture gardens showcasing the county´s natural beauty, rich horticultural heritage, and creative flair.
The secret gardens
And just like that, it was summer. Now’s the time to visit those homes with rosemary-scented potagers and apple orchard. But best hurry, before the bees and butterflies beat you to it.
In conversation with an expedition guide
We´re in conversation with Eliza Brown, founder of luxury experiential company RVIVAL, whose aim is to rewild the souls who travel with them. We talk society, survival, and tech saturation.
11 of the best one-day hikes in the UK
Discover the UK´s best one-day hikes, from the Lake District to the Lizard Peninsula. Explore new landscapes, spot rare wildlife, and refuel at local pubs.
The best beaches in Cornwall
Uncover Cornwall´s best beaches for surfing, swimming, families, and dog walking. Explore iconic spots and trek to hidden enclaves along the 300-mile coastline.
The summer pilgrimage
This month, we’re waymarking a modern type of summer pilgrimage, made for hikers who still hold a candle for rainfall showers, Champagne lunches, and heated pools in the wildflower garden.
The best places to go for wildlife in the UK
Discover the UK´s best wildlife destinations, from red kites in the South Downs to wildcats in the Highlands. Explore nature without flying and find perfect stays nearby.
Made in Southwold
The Made in Chelsea gang head out of the city for a weekend at Honeystone in Southwold. Step inside this ornate manor, with its own spa and pool, on Suffolk´s bucket-and-spade coast.
Where was Bridgerton filmed? (and 10 aristocratic homes you can rent)
Step into the flamboyant world of Bridgerton, where ballrooms and regal lawns have captivated folk worldwide. These are ten of the grandest aristocratic homes you can rent in the UK.
The prettiest villages in Cornwall
In a land where the rugged coastline whispers tales of smugglers and shipwrecks, and the moors hold secrets of ancient legends, Cornwall´s villages stand as beacons of unrivalled beauty.
The big five: safari on home soil
These days, safari extends beyond the deltas and deserts of the Okavango and Kalahari. We’re rounding up our big five: the properties with a front-row seat to all that’s wildlife and wilderness.
The best events, fairs, and festivals in Cornwall
With our month-by-month guide, discover the best events, fairs, and festivals in Cornwall. From quirky traditions to cultural celebrations, there´s always a party in Cornwall.
In conversation with Saul Cathcart
We´re in conversation with Saul Cathcart, the Cornish artist whose dramatic, impressionistic, nature-inspired work is on display at Valency Wood; call it a brush with beauty.
Where to eat and drink in Cornwall
The county has become a food mecca. In our guide to where to eat and drink in Cornwall, we round up the best spots by style and vibe: from beachfront shacks to farm-to-table dining.
From coast to countryside: 7 UK destinations for May
As spring rejuvenates the British Isles, May emerges as the ideal time for a UK holiday: to road trip around the best pubs in Norfolk, or shop for mid-century furniture in artsy East Sussex?
A pool of one´s own
On your marks, get set, splash! Since April marks the grand reopening of our piscinas, we´re rounding up where to go for a pool of one´s own, with 19 of Britain´s best homes with private pools.
Where to spend spring in the UK
In our latest round-up, we have our heads out of the clouds and firmly in the daffodils. From Hollywood-on-Sea to Stow-in-the-Wold, here´s where to spend spring in the UK.
Meet the storybook homes
With turrets and follies, islands and eiderdowns, these are the real-life residences that welcome you to fall down the rabbit hole to a life of fairytale proportions. Meet the storybook homes.
Finding the family tree
We’re finding the family tree; homes made for the inner child and sitting with sister in the garden. One of life’s great nostalgias is rooted in a falsehood. You can go home again.
Foraging on the Cornish coast with Simon Greenwood
The coast is a reliable habitat for foragers: winkles, whiting, rock oysters, and rosehip in their tangier-and-tangy hundreds. Here, Simon Greenwood creates a dish to be eaten by candlelight.
10 places to stay in the UK and Ireland in 2024
From luxury homes on Cornwall´s coast to hot tub hideaways in the Welsh hills, we´re rounding up 10 places to stay in the UK and Ireland in 2024. Think hot pools, saunas, and copper tubs.
At-home epicureans
It’s about time we returned to the dinner table, where poppadoms are piled and honey pitchers are passed. To the Tucci´s and Nigella´s of the world, let fly your at-home epicurean.
Where was Saltburn filmed? (And 8 real-life estates you can rent this summer)
Filmed in Lowick, Northamptonshire, at Drayton House, the façade of Saltburn´s stately backdrop might be locked behind a fortified gateway, but we have the key to places just as bodacious.
The year of the un-wedding; our wedding trend predictions for 2024
Bright colours, glittering disco balls and floral dresses, this year is set to see tradition make way for personality in the world of weddings. Read our forecast for 2024´s trends.
Rituals over resolutions
Make 2024 the year to reframe your New Year good-intentions; turn weight-loss to stretching, less chocolate to journaling. Here is your chance to enhance rather than restrict.
The year of AI: Architectural Integrity
Not anti-AI, but antidote. Architectural Integrity our counter-float. Craft is who we are, trust is what we offer... and from cloister to cantilever, nothing about us is artificial.
The Journeyman
Compelled to move, inspired to taste and destined to travel; the human instinct to be in motion is so ingrained within us, that it´s no wonder the journey so often exceeds the destination.
To the ends of the Earth
Ah, the ends of the Earth. From Ittoqqortoormiit to Alaska, all explorers have their own idea on the matter. But the notion that an “end” exists reveals a truth so often missed. Call it a reawakening.
The best things to do in Cornwall over winter
Cream teas and clifftop walks, bird watching and pubs lit with raucous community spirit; here´s everything you need to know if you´re heading to the southern extremes of Cornwall this season.
Unique Homestays´ travel trends for 2024
From all-immersive escapes to far-from-the-city “sleepcations” in Dark Sky areas — here’s what Unique Homestays predicts will be on the rise in the world of UK travel in 2024.
The best places to spend Christmas in the UK
Mulled wine, mince pies, chocolate logs and twinkling lights; it must be the most wonderful time of the year. If you´re looking for a last-minute Christmas trip, here´s your guide.
The British Nordic
We owe much to The Nordics. Givers of Edvard Munch and the Moomins, of saunas and smörgåsbords. Here, we offer up our most earthen homes, built on hygge foundations.
The best houses to rent for a New Year’s Eve getaway
From glittering affairs where grandparents waltz under crystal chandeliers to romantic getaways in cottages with hot tubs, New Year’s Eve parties are as unique as the folk who make them.
Beautiful places to visit in the UK in autumn
Whether heading to the hills with walking boots in tow or for a hot soak in a Roman city, autumn offers a new perspective for travellers. Read our guide to making the most of the season.
The season inbetwixt
Curators of memories, now´s the time to find a place that´ll see you through from Hocus Pocus to Home Alone; a home where the devil (and the angel) is in the detail.
The top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Devon
Be sure to pack the dog treats along with buckets and spades, windbreakers and wetsuits for your next seaside escape. From north to south, we uncover Devon´s best dog-friendly beaches.
Places to visit from London
We’ve curated a list of the best places to visit from London – from Kent´s coast to the Cotswolds´ countryside – and covered everything to see and do when you get there.
The Whimsies: behind the scenes
Our new digital and London Underground campaign, The Whimsies, is a celebration of the anti-norm from a brand who know that it takes unique people to make unique places.
Wildflower meadow wanderers
Modern bohemians, lovestruck eccentrics, and pairs of playful classicists, meet Gulliver’s Hall our latest wedding venue.
The top dog-friendly pubs in Devon
Tail-wagging expeditions are punctuated with pitstops to Devon’s dog-friendly pubs, where walls are lined with cask ales and there´s always fireside spots for the pups.
Wild swimming in Cornwall: the top 10 places to go
From natural pools to spring-fed waterfalls, the county’s coastline and rivers prove a spiritual balm for those brave enough to dip their toe. These are the top 10 places for wild swimming in Cornwall.
The top 10 beaches in Scotland
Whether you’re seeking bracing clifftop jaunts, secret wild swimming spots, or places to fossil hunt with the whole family, dipping your toe in wild waters has never been more tempting.
The summer house
From grand villas with crooning Salzburg appeal to playful clapperboards that feel more Colorado than Cornwall, here is our round-up of the best summer houses in Britain and Ireland.
Where are the best beaches in Wales for families?
Flanked by pristine sands and countless hidden coves from Anglesey to Pembrokeshire, family holidays to Wales go hand-in-hand with promises of rockpools and nostalgic 99´s.
Stories from the hills
When we were kids, they were our Himalayas. The rivers were lava, and the ledges were crevasses, and there were always cheese sandwiches in the hamper. They’re still there, you know, those hills.
Channel 4’s Extraordinary Escapes
Sandi Toksvig returns with a star-studded line-up of celebrity friends to showcase the very best homes across Britain and Ireland, with a few Unique Homestays visited en route.
The best surfing beaches in the UK and Ireland
Surfing nirvana needn´t be confined to far-flung places. Whether a seasoned boarder or a born-again “grommet”, surf trips on home soil know how to pack a punch (and stay under the radar).
A minimalist matrimonial haven
Anthology Farm´s simple but stylish backdrop makes for the ultimate Cotswold wedding destination, offering a blank canvas for creative couple to create the weekend wedding of dreams.
Wedding wanderlust: The UK´s best wedding and honeymoon destinations
This wedding season, it´s all about "the scene". Though there´s much to love about embroidered veils and Swiss meringue, modern lovers know that such sweet details don´t hold a candle to the destination. That´s where we come in.
Five UK honeymoon ideas for a romantic getaway
Whether your day is set to be a humble affair or a grandiose event fit for the silver screen, one thing’s for sure: you’ll want to stay in the newlywed fog a little longer. Discover our five UK honeymoon ideas for a romantic getaway.
Where to find the best hiking in the UK
If you have your sight set on a leg-stretching break in the home countries, but you’re not sure where to start, try our round-up of the best hiking in the UK, covering iconic routes and secret trails.
On island time: places in Britain that feel like private islands
Of all the places a person can go, private islands might be the most impassable; pins in the map reserved for the likes of Dion and DiCaprio. Until now, that is...
Dog-friendly holidays: top five things to consider
Tips for finding dog-friendly cottages in the UK: think gardens bursting with sniffable flowers, pubs with fireside spots, and powder-soft custom beds that cocoon pets from tail to whiskers.
Things to do in Devon this Easter
While Easter brings familiar foil-wrapped traditions by the pitcher, it´s one of the sweetest times to come out of your shell; with little ones on a break from phonics and numeracy, there´s days to be filled under the West Country sun.
The most beautiful pub walk in the Peak District
There’s pub walks in the Peak District, and then there’s the most beautiful pub walk in the Peak District; read on to discover our ale-laden amble of choice in the Derbyshire Dales, the six-mile-long Chatsworth Estate Circuit.
Valentine´s breaks in the UK: things to do, places to stay
Laying on a blanket, picking out constellations... If a Valentine’s break in the UK is whispering sweet nothings in your ear, beckon your beau to the sofa and pick a place to hole up for a long weekend (before the other lovers beat you to it).
Our round-up of new-wave well-being escapes
You may have rushed in, but you’ll float out. It’s the travel era we’ve all been waiting for: new-wave well-being escapes that are deliberately unconventional. Think eco-ponds, floating glass meditation rooms, and garden pizza parlours.
Our top dog-friendly walks in the Lake District
It’s time for the dogs to kiss their city park cronies goodbye and take their place in the rabbit-sniffing country; find out where to go with your pack in our round-up of the top dog-friendly walks in the Lake District, from Windermere to the Knotts.
Key wedding trends for 2023
January is a time for planning, so we asked the UK’s best wedding planners and stylists to share their predictions for 2023; think stripes, signature cocktails, the great outdoors, all-weekend-long weddings, and eighties pizazz.
Top interior trends for 2023
From the colours on the walls to the patterns in the halls, our home interiors are tapestries of personality. Here we share our pick of the top home trends for 2023; from Pantone´s shade of the year to the 70s revival no-one saw coming.
Unique travel trends for 2023
We’re seeing out-of-the-box thinking (and travelling) on the horizon. Here, we round up our pick of key travel trends for 2023; from the inside-outside snow globe aesthetic to places fit for Shinrin-yoku. Plus, an insight into what homestays are topping the leaderboard (and why).
Scavenger hunts
This month we celebrate the scavengers amongst us; the genius craftmanship that turns tumbled trees into grand dining tables and repurposed sea relics into pieces of art at luxury self-catering homes around the nation.
A love letter to winter
The salt and pepper months; when the sun puts her hat on and the moon ushers in, taking a high path through the sky and pouring silver nectar into the last remaining pockets of darkness.
Five unique experiences for a luxury family holiday in Dorset (and where to stay)
With thousand-year-old castles telling tales of treachery, bracing clifftop trails where dinosaurs roamed, and island wildlife sanctuaries where red squirrels reign, family holidays in Dorset have a lot to offer.
The season for lovers
From dog-friendly cottages containing lots of little luxuries to hot tub hideaways that hang over secret Cornish beaches, what lovers don’t wish for a winter getaway?
The Unique guide to autumn
Autumn´s here, bringing hallways lined with wellies and walls hung with woollen scarves, just in time for the Unique Homestays guide to the best things to do and where to stay this Autumn.
A love letter to autumn
The turn of axis has begun, and Earth rolls out a carpet of copper leaves that whish and fissle underfoot: a catalyst for squirrelling away in second-hand bookshops.
Unique Folk
With an ethos that speaks to the secret ideals of the nomad inside, our loyalty scheme rewards guests by taking them on the first few steps of their next adventure. For the vagabonds and wayfarers, craft makers and cocktail-shakers, find out how we honour your seat at our table in the Unique Folk Loyalty Programme.
Folkloric influence
Free-spirited and with creative craftsmanship at their core, this month´s hand-picked collection of homes embrace the folklore aesthetic and all it represents.
The Unique Homestays guide to large country homes to rent in the UK
Reunions, celebrations, anniversaries or just because, get the whole gang together in a country house for the weekend, or week, this autumn.
Buildings built to move us
Touching on the subject of neuroarchitecture in design, this month we explore eight homestays which stir the soul. Relaxation, creativity and pure escapism; nothing is left uncovered at these purposeful properties.
The Unique Homestays guide to the Cotswolds
Palaces, through-hikes and fine-dining en masse, the Cotswolds offers a staycation destination the whole family can enjoy.
Rooms in bloom
Walled gardens, wild valleys and pergolas tangled in ivy; this month we showcase some of our finest homes with gardens.
A love letter to summer
The longest day of the year and the largest music event in the country have marked the beginning of summer with heatwaves, sea swims and glitter.
The wedding edit
Country manors, romantic boltholes and rustic barns; this month we showcase our exclusive-use wedding venues, with some honeymoon inspiration thrown in for good measure.
The Unique Homestays guide to family travel in the UK
With half term and the summer holidays galloping towards us, this month´s edition of the Unique Homestays travel guide puts children at the forefront of travel plans.
Stay in the homes of artists and aristocrats
Behind the doors of Britain’s most unique and luxurious homes lie untold stories. Come and discover them for yourself...
The Unique Homestays guide to Wales
Thundering waterfalls, foodie festivals, crumbling ruins hidden in leafy valleys, snow-dusted mountains, enormous skies and golden beaches that stretch for miles and miles. Here we round up our top picks to make the most of your time in Wales.
Enchanted cottages from the pages of fairytales
Delve into the land of fairytales with a stay in an enchanted cottage, hidden in some of the UK´s wildest corners.
A love letter to spring
Spring. A welcome reminder that once given the time to rest, beauty comes forth with quiet confidence, bringing with it hope, peace and joy.
The Unique Homestays guide to Sussex
Vineyards, galleries, festivals and one of the country’s most esteemed opera houses, here’s our pick of the best in East and West Sussex’s green and pleasant lands.
Lavish homes for grand gatherings
As restrictions ease and the UK opens up, it´s time to plan our grandest of gatherings yet; think late nights sipping wine, children playing hide and seek and Champagne towers.
Where to go for cold water therapy
We invite you to run far from the concrete jungles which sprawl across our land to dip your toes in Britain´s effervescent shores, trickling streams and cascading waterfalls.
2022 travel trends
Indulgent reunion parties and retreats in the wild, idle breaks by the sea and a newfound love for a world that has been out of reach for the past 18 months, 2022 sets to see the world of travel beam with enthusiasm.
Wedding trends to watch in 2022
Checkerboard dancefloors and maximalist bridesmaids, polished gowns and pearlcore. After 18 months of cancellations, restrictions and postponements, we forecast the top weddings trends for the year ahead.
Best UK staycations for 2022
With adventures galore spread far and wide across the United Kingdom, we showcase some of best luxury self-catering homes for the coming year.
Come to stay in towers, castles, and fairytale follies
Castle ramparts smothered in blazing creepers, walled gardens protected by whimsical follies and towers so luxurious that no maiden should ever wish to be saved, however handsome the rescuer.
A maximalist Christmas
Christmas 2021. It deserves our full attention. Attention to detail, to experience and to one another. After last year’s quieter affair, this December it seems only right to throw out all the stops for your festive escape.
The cosy club
This month we bring you some of our cosiest homes and cottages for autumn, where curling up by roaring fires after a gentle ramble to the nearest pub for lunch is a large enough expedition.
Homes on the England coast path
While our gaze is evermore focused on intrinsic need to safeguard our planet, we take a moment to celebrate our diverse coast and the communities that dot the landscape.
Britain, but make it Wonderland
Today we introduce Britain in Wonderland; a story of our homes, their owners and the guests who reside in them. We invite all who step through our doors to let go of their usual guise, to dig into imagination and to shrug the veil of the status quo from their shoulders.
The Great British summer holiday
With the staycation trend settling in for the long-haul, it’s time to rally the troops and secure your dates for summer 2022.
Luxury homes with swimming pools
Dive into pure relaxation and out of the ordinary with our pick of luxury holiday homes with swimming pools, both inside and out, near the sea and deep within England´s bucolic countryside.
Al fresco styling for summer
One positive to come from the pandemic is the nation´s newfound infatuation with outside styling. Be it arthouse film nights huddled around a projector screen or secret garden soirées complete with cascading Champagne fountains; we share five tips on how to style your outdoor space this summer.
Hedonistic Hideouts
Offering liberation from routines, vibrancy to everyday and the opportunity to step out of life as we know it, these hedonistic homes are all about having a mighty good time.
A Black Mountains Elopement
Remote farmhouse retreat Charity opens its doors to couples for modern bohemian celebrations nestled in the rolling hills of the Black Mountains. In a styled editorial shoot, runaway lovers embraced the intimate and the informal, with poetic florals and air of retro glam.
Fairytale romance on the West Wales Coast
Within the realm of a Victorian country manor on the West Wales Heritage Coast lies a wedding venue spilling with classical beauty. Uncover a modern day fairytale at Florin.
A weddings revival
While wedding planners, venues and suppliers have been forced to take an extended hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions, there’s been a whole heap of creativity brewing beneath the surface. Like a bottle of Britain’s finest fizz fermented to perfection, an industry revival is set to see weddings return this summer in a scintillating explosion of style and romance.
The whimsical world of outdoor living with Selina Lake
We sit down with best-selling author and botanical stylist, Selina Lake to discuss the impact the pandemic has had on gardening and explore her tips on how to create the perfect outdoor space.
The unique guide to London
With the reopening of restaurants, shops, attractions and accommodation, there’s a wave of excitement rippling through the streets as they welcome the returning pitter patter of culture-starved visitors. Here we hand-pick a selection of the best things to do in London on your city break this year.
Creating naturalistic landscapes with Iron Orchid
Discussing the transformation at contemporary retreat Ukiyo and his inspiration behind it, Mic Talbot of Iron Orchid provides insight into what motivates him to create tranquil outdoor spaces.
Unique Homestays launch new video service
Unique Homestays have launched a personalised experience for luxury travellers and property owners, with their all-new video call service.
The English Garden
Our gardens and windowsills are a sort of sanctuary. Here, we invite you to kick off your shoes to wander through some of the finest English garden escapes on our portfolio.
Elegant modernity for a Cornish elopement
Fusing the raw with the refined, The Unbridled captures an elopement wedding editorial shoot with mood and elegance in the heart of rugged Cornwall.
A life led simply
If there’s anything we’ve learnt from the past 12 months, it’s that the answer to a happy life lies within its uncomplicated moments. This month we shine a light on minimalist living and humble, honest homes.
Nomadic Instinct
As humans, we were born to roam; to follow the seasons and to chase the hunt, to be in motion with the sun, to pack up camp and drift when the full moon glows upon the earth.
The alchemy of architecture
Homes which ride the wave of trends and lifestyle throughout the ages are homes which embody the spirit of the alchemist.
The tonic to a post pandemic world: treat yourself to a wellness break
More than ever before, the need to look after ourselves is paramount. After 12 months of straying not much further than our gardens or nearby parks, of parenting and working around the clock with no relief, it really is time for some well deserved ‘me time’.
The 2021 wedding: elopement inspiration from the Cornish coast
During the pandemic, Unique Homestays continue to celebrate responsible wedding and honeymoon planning, because if there has ever been a time we all need a heart-warming love story it’s now. Here we kick off 2021 with elopement inspiration from The Beach Hut in Cornwall.
Less is more: introducing our Limited Edition Collection
Reflecting on the past year brought to mind our Limited Edition Collection of properties. These homes have a small but mighty range of availability and can only be hired for a few weeks per year, offering the perfect antidote to this rather unusual year.
Cabin hideouts: the best luxury cabins in the UK & Ireland
There´s something soothing about taking up residence between walls made of timber, where the wild views and scent of the forest floor combine with mankind. This month we shine a light on the cosiest luxury cabins across the UK & Ireland.
Dark sky dreaming
Discover our nation’s Dark Sky Reserves where the skies are so big and stars so bright you could almost reach out, pluck one from the black and put it in your pocket for later.
Dog-friendly and endearing
As cooler weather approaches, the days are becoming crisper, auburn hues are starting to creep in and the promise of windswept walks across deserted beaches beckon. For devout dog-lovers, the perfect time of year to holiday with your hound is upon us.
Christmas reimagined: five unique retreats for intimate festivities
More than ever, this Christmas will be about holding those dear to us even closer. It will be about love and joy, community, reflection and gratitude. What lies ahead is a Christmas unlike any other. Here, we round up five properties available this festive season.
Fantastical follies
“Form follows function” is a maxim observed by most modern architects. Not, however, for fans of the folly. Following the heart-over-head principles of Romanticism, homeowners are once again becoming creative with their estates. From ornate waterside dwellings to forgotten farm buildings reimagined, the folly is making a comeback.
The 2020 wedding: inspiration for small, intimate celebrations
To celebrate the slight ease of wedding restrictions, we share the design and suppliers behind our recent shoot for intimate romantic celebrations, using an elegant, back-to-nature look.
The best luxury lakeside retreats in the UK and Ireland
With 2020 holiday trends evolving to focus on a more back-to-nature way of living closer to home, there has never been a better time to explore the many wonders the UK & Ireland have on offer. Looking ahead, we round-up the best lakeside retreats to inspire your autumn-winter escape.
Understated luxury
If there´s one thing 2020 has taught us so far, it´s to see beauty in the littlest luxuries - simple, clean living being the biggest of them all. Now that travel restrictions are easing, demand for low-key lavish escapes has never been greater. Here we round-up the best holiday homes for UK staycations with a theme of understated luxury.
Soundtrack: songs to make the sun shine
In a series of holiday playlists shared by the Unique Homestays team, Property Consultant Emma shares songs that conjure up fond memories of many years working in France and travels across Africa. A compilation of pure sunshine.
Soundtrack: a long road to nowhere
In a series of holiday playlists shared by the Unique Homestays team, Charlotte relives the fond memories of the freedom she felt exploring New Zealand on the ultimate road trip. Each morning waking in a new place with a fresh day of adventures ahead.
Destination honeymoon
The effects of the coronavirus crisis have been felt everywhere, but one of the hardest hit sectors has been the weddings industry, leaving hundreds of couples weighing up their options amid restrictions on travel and social gatherings. For those not able to wed or honeymoon overseas this year, there´s an alternative to cancelled romantic celebrations, the modern-day minimoon.
Soundtrack: faraway winters
In a series where the team share their holiday memories, this soundtrack conjures up memories of solo travels through Costa Rica; of 6am yoga, warm rain showers, fried squid and deep infinity pools.
Walpole Book of British Luxury: the launch
This spring saw the launch of the 2020 Walpole Book of British Luxury at London´s Fortnum & Mason. The book explores the future of the sector through thought-provoking essays from leading commentators, cover art by House of Hackney and brand stories from 60 Walpole members including new addition Unique Homestays.
Britain in bloom: enchanted garden escapes
And just like that, the world stood still. Amid travel bans and isolation orders, the magic of the natural world continues. This month we celebrate Britain´s best garden getaways, delivering you a breath of fresh air through a hand-picked selection of private homes with exceptional gardens.
Soundtrack: A flavour of France
In a series of holiday playlists shared by the Unique Homestays team, Tori shares the songs she listened to on her travels from Cornwall to Bayonne by van. Two weeks exploring countless beaches, French wines and waking to a new unimaginable view each morning.
Natural selection
A new generation of architects put the environment at the heart of their projects, weaving buildings into their natural surroundings, crafting furnishings from organic materials and creating homes that embrace the living world with open arms.
Unique Easter Retreats
Daffodils are starting to bloom and seas of snowdrops are poking their heads out from hibernation as the first glimpse of spring is visible on the horizon. Here, we showcase six family-friendly homestays available for Easter.
10 Romantic things to do in Devon
The south west of England has an irresistible magnetic pull for dreamers, lovers and creatives. Surrounded by turquoise waters and golden beaches, with rugged moorland at its wild heart, Devon´s natural beauty is no secret. Here, we handpick our top romantic experiences and nearby homestays in Devon.
Green Love
The colour of love turns green this February as we celebrate the rise of the eco wedding. Organic food, British bubbles and paperless post; we show how you can consider the planet without sacrificing your vision of a beautifully designed luxury wedding.
The Garden of England
Truly an apt description of a county whose borders warmly embrace the ocean, while the verdant heart of the county proudly flaunts a vast and impressive Area of Natural Beauty. If the county of Kent is calling, read on.
Simple Luxury
Holidays matter. They are our lifeline to sanity, a chance to step away from everyday life and reconnect with the people we love. Simple Luxury, the latest campaign by Unique Homestays, follows three parties on their unique escapes in rural Britain.
Our Top 10 Valentine´s Day Boltholes
Think rolltop baths for two, quintessential English cottages and rural hideaways oozing the feeling of complete seclusion. We share our top 10 Valentine´s Day retreats, suiting all types of romance.
Be good (to yourself): wellness breaks for 2020
Discover the very best breaks to suit all your wellness wishes for the new year. Gone are the days of cookie cutter retreats, 2020 is the year to get creative with your health-boosting holidays. Here is our guide to tried, tested and supremely tranquil retreats in the UK.
Team Unique Get Their Hands Dirty
Unique Homestays are proud to partner with Rewilding Britain in a bid to help restore natural habitats and reconnect the nation with the wonders of the world. Discover what the team got up to while volunteering at local project, Newquay Community Orchard.
A Storm Watcher´s Paradise
Author Matshona Dhliwayo once said that the storm is an artist and the rainbow is its masterpiece. Here, we encourage you to embrace the flashing silhouettes that dance across melancholy skies and observe how they stimulate a new landscape.
Dog-Friendly Destinations
Amber-hued leaves floating off the trees, crisp morning walks and steaming bowls of comforting soup mean that autumn is upon us. As we depart from one season to another, the search for your next holiday destination complete with a canine companion in tow has begun.
Hunter Gatherers
Tapping into our human instincts, we celebrate the season of hunting and gathering, of bonfires and feasting and preparing for the first bite of winter, as we scout out our favourite trends for this autumn.
A Unique Christmas for All
Whether you are a large gathering in need of a place to host the festive celebrations, a couple craving some ‘us’ time or someone looking to get away with their nearest and dearest, we have Unique Home Stays to cater for all.
Getaway to the Green
Escaping the electric pace of the everyday world around us is something that we all crave, allowing us to take a step back and the historic game of golf has been a soothing tool utilised by many for generations.
Britain´s Best Journeys
There is more to this island nation than one could ever imagine, if only you would take a moment to look beyond the well-trodden and explore further than where the guidebooks lead. We explore the country’s greatest journeys, by foot, rail, car and water.
Wander Wiltshire this Summer
In the lead up to and during the summer months, the words on everyone’s lips seem to be all about the seaside, coast and sandcastles. But if you´d much rather turn away from the clamouring beach crowds and bound merrily off into the wild, we´ve got the perfect place.
Pop Culture Pilgrimages
Television dramas have a way of completely consuming us, resulting in night-long Netflix binges and wondering what inspired such a story or dreaming of what it would be like to step into it, even for just a second.
Indulge in a Digital Detox
Counter those days hunched over a keyboard in one of our remotest homes across the United Kingdom, where the WiFi is often weak at best and soul-lifting escapes in nature are guaranteed.
Escape The City
Today, we round up our top homestays around an hour’s drive from London, yet worlds away from city life where deadlines and tube delays are swapped for fresh, countryside air and afternoon naps.
The Local´s Guide to Cornwall
With wild moorland and sweeping golden beaches, Cornwall is as diverse and it is divine. We talk to local home owners about what they think makes Cornwall so unique.
Brave Travel
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”
The Greatest Summer Festivals of 2019
It’s time to dust off those Wellingtons, unpack the fascinators and plan your summer entirely on a jam-packed calendar of al fresco events. When it comes to summer festivals, the UK pulls out all the stops, and from sophisticated affairs to wild weekends, there’s a choice for every interest.
Wild Escapes
With such inspiring landscapes spanning the length and breadth of the United Kingdom and a planet in the depths of a climate emergency, we ask one very important question; is international travel really a necessity?
Get Outside in Dartmoor National Park
South West England’s largest expanse of wilderness hides a treasure trove of lush valleys, ancient woodlands and secret wild-swimming pools hidden beneath the watchful eye of electric blue dragonflies. Captivating and addictive, Dartmoor National Park will drag you back again and again.
Luxury Homes for the Cheltenham Race Festival
Hat wearing, Champagne drinking and gripping horse races, the Cheltenham Festival has become one of the most prestigious events in any socialite’s calendar. Top it all off with a cherry on top of an already rather decadent cake with a luxury homestay just a short distance away.
Hibernation season
The hunt is on for that all-inspiring location in which hunker down and admire the winter wonderland scenery all around. From mountain hideaways to white-washed yoga retreats by the sea, we round-up the best boltholes to book this Spring.
6 Wedding Trends to Inspire in 2019
Weddings are always exciting, but with 2019’s trends promising an explosion of colour and personalisation, the coming year is set to blow the wedding experience right out of the water.
Unconventional Love
Love deserves more than a wilting bunch of flowers picked up from the train station in a rush on the way home from work; it deserves sipping the finest red wine by glowing candlelight followed by long lie ins under thick French linens.
Celebrate Burns Night in Style
Year after year, tributes are paid to the cultural icon Robert Burns, Scotland’s most famous poet and lyricist. Renowned as the pioneer of the Romantic poetry movement, our Scottish love nests are the perfect space to gather together for cosy celebrations amongst the most awe-inspiring settings hidden deep within this majestic land.
Make 2019 a Year to Remember
Here we list our favourite boltholes which really pack some punch with personality, where long hikes and daring adventures are expected and the opportunity to really live is presented. The perfect beginning to 2019!
Hideaway in the Highlands This Winter
With the last of mainland Britain’s great wilderness crammed into its rather compact territory, Scotland harbours a landscape which remains loyal to its ancient, spectacular and turbulent past.
Wedding Photographer Claudia Rose Carter | The Parsonage
Set amidst a milieu of 12 acres of magical gardens, this grand Grade II listed country home makes for a truly stunning wedding venue. Photographer Claudia Rose Carter shares her images of a recent celebration hosted within the clipped topiary grounds.
The Best Places to Celebrate Bonfire Night
Before our minds get lost in a whirlwind of Christmas markets and present shopping, we remember that the 5th of November is just a few weeks away. With impressive fireworks set to blaze across our landscapes, we share our favourite bonfire night displays and the properties to enjoy them from.
Luxury Homes for a Christmas Break
From large homes which can accommodate the whole family and the Christmas feasts that go along with them to small, romantic boltholes far from the hustle of bad traffic and small-talk, we’ve got a luxury home stay to suit every flavour this Christmas.
Gather Together this October Half Term
In a season where spiced lattes, welly boots and mum´s roast dinner reigns above all else, gather the brood in one of our large family-friendly self-catering homes this October half term.
English Country Escapes
Embodying all that is English about England, the counties of Gloucestershire and Somerset offer a myriad of opportunities to experience pretty village culture, long hikes in the hills, cider drinking and of course, Glastonbury Festival.
Remote Luxury
For us, romance and remoteness go hand in hand. The anticipation of driving into the hinterland solo, or with a loved one, is matched only by the triumph of finding your destination and feeling blissfully far from the madding crowds. We round-up the best secluded hideaway escapes.
Wales, Where all that Glitters is Gold
A culture deeply rooted in folklore and fiction, a mountainous landscape dominated by greys and greens and a language which fiercely distinguishes this Celtic nation from any other; Wales packs more beauty and personality into its compact mass of land than it would seem possible.
Discover Poldark’s Cornwall
Handsome looks, dramatic lives and sweeping Cornish vistas; Poldark certainly knows how to showcase the best of Cornwall. Run away for a Cornish break to colourful moorland and turquoise waters hidden in secret, hard-to-get-to coves.
The Hills are Alive
There´s something about life in the hills that truly makes one´s heart sing. We´ve searched high and low, throughout fells and valleys, to find Britain’s most inspiring cottages and hideaways. Flee the crowds and journey into the hills and far away.
Exploring Cornwall’s Hidden Corner
Often overlooked by the masses, and all the better for it, Whitsand Bay and its four miles of gorgeous golden beaches and huge cliffs spread across the southeastern coast of Cornwall.
A Hundred Thousand Welcomes to Ireland
Run away to the Emerald Isle where giant cliffs fall from the sky to the sea, clouds sit heavy in mountain valleys and colourful villages dot the landscape.
Family Escapes for May Half Term Breaks
With May half term and the promise of sun just around the corner, it´s time to kick off those shoes and recline into a week of downtime. Read on to discover a collection of beautiful, exceptional escapes available for all the family.
Go Large or Go Home
From stately manor houses to artsy party pads complete with disco balls and indoor pools, we round-up the best big houses that can be exclusively yours.
Unique Wedding Trends for 2018
Tying the knot this year? We tell you six things you’ll want to know when it comes to planning your wedding day of dreams. From this year’s hottest venues to timeless décor with a difference; we’ve got your unique wedding covered.
Easter Holiday Destinations
With spring now a beacon of light on the horizon, we round up the best destinations to enjoy what´s arguably Britain´s most beautiful season. Read on to discover a unique, hand-picked collection of luxury homes available for your extraordinary Easter escapes.
New Wedding Venues for 2018
Since Kensington Palace announced that the most high profile wedding of the year is due to take place this May, we’ve been royally buzzing with excitement! Here we exclusively unveil our new collection of magical wedding venues for couples looking to tie the knot in 2018 in style.
The Best Events in 2018
From art exhibitions and quirky age-old village traditions to festivals of music, literature and food, the British social calendar boasts a vast and colourful programme of events this year. We round up our favourites and showcase the very best luxury accommodation within easy reach.
Holidays for Lovers
With Valentine’s Day on the horizon there is no better time to organise a special break away with the one, or few, you love. Whether a romantic couples’ retreat or country house with all your besties, this unique collection of homes promise a February 14th to remember.
Bucket List Destinations For 2018
In need of a stimulating staycation? From the shimmering shores of the Lake District to the chalky cliffs of Dorset´s Jurassic Coast, you´ll find our private homes in the most extraordinary locations. We reveal our favourite destinations for an unforgettable holiday on home turf.
Holidaying in the South Hams
There’s no denying that the diverse county of Devon offers a divine sense of freedom for all who cross its craggy border. Closer than Cornwall but still far, far away from the buzz of the capital, this holiday hotspot is a haven for relaxation. We headed to one of Devon´s dreamiest destinations: the South Hams.
A Unique Christmas
Fancy waking up on the 25th of December to the roaring sound of the winter ocean, a snow-capped Scottish mountain view or perhaps a mystical countryside landscape? The possibilities are endless with Unique Home Stays. We round up some homes which still have Christmas availability – but hurry! We don’t think they’ll be free for long!
The Best Party Houses to Rent for New Year
Whether you’re plotting a cosy New Year just for two, or a raucous affair for a few… we’ve rounded up the best private homes available for your New Year’s celebrations.
The Cosiest Cottages for Winter
Blustery walks, roaring open fires and delicious hampers stuffed with seasonal goodies should be just what the doctor orders as the temperature drops. Pack your wellingtons but leave the shovel at home, there´s nowhere else you´d rather be snowed in than at these luxury holiday cottages.
Night Coasteering
Newquay Activity Centre kindly invited The Unique Home Stays team to go night coasteering as a pre-Halloween treat under the shimmering moonlight.
Autumnal Escapes
Here at Unique Home Stays, we love nothing more than revelling in the beauty of Britain´s ever-changing seasons. As we fall into Autumn and ponder how summer seemed to slip by so quickly, we showcase the best in British staycations this season.
Our Top Five Dog-Friendly Destinations
Whilst we’re sure to miss the joys of summer (dry fur and no muddy footprints!), there’s no better time to embark on an autumnal break. We’ve rounded up our top five dog-friendly destinations to inspire your next getaway with your four-legged friends in tow.
Eat, Stay, Live (Like a Local)
Ditch the well-worn tourist trail and embrace life like a local when you stay with Unique Home Stays by following our top tips to ensure you’re fully immersed in Britain’s hidden beauty.
Our Top Five Romantic Boltholes For Two
Today marks the start of Re-kindle Romance Week and with Valentine´s Day a forgotten six months ago, what better reason to plot a romantic escape for two? Rediscover each other and relish the excitement that an indulgent couples´ escape can bring.
Instagrammable Escapes
Just like promenading along seaside boulevards in the Victorian times, online posing is the sport of this decade. To keep all your social media followers swooning over your holiday snaps, we’ve hand-picked the most photogenic escapes for this summer.
Top 10 Things to do near The Lizard
From hidden coves to tranquil gardens and rumbustious affairs, we´ve put together our top 10 things to do when holidaying near the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall.
Dive into Summer
With spring well into your step, dive into the new season with a splash by organising a staycation at a luxury holiday home with swimming pool this summer.
Horticultural Homes
With RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017 in full swing, we have lost ourselves ogling at the colourful explosion of darling dahlias, carefully curated clematis and edible kitchen gardens. Here we round up the Unique Home Stays for garden loves, affording you the chance to enjoy a little slice of the UK´s best green spaces too.
Our top five solo travel destinations
It doesn’t have to be a gap year or sabbatical, a long weekend or short break can be enough to reset and recharge. Going solo often means a little self-discovery too – what will you pick on the menu with no fear of potential food envy? What radio station will you choose to sing along to on your journey?
The Best British Homestays with Hot Tubs
Unique Home Stays offer the most rejuvenating breaks imaginable in beautiful locations stretching from the Scottish Highlands right down to the Cornish coast. We’ve picked ten tantalising homestays with hot tubs, so plot your unique escape to get your hot tub fix!
Hello Spring
With Christmas a distant memory, hedgerows peppered with snow drops and the sight of lambs frolicking in the fields beyond, this can only mean one thing – winter is finally over! After what feels like an age of icy windscreens, numb toes and lots of puddle-dodging, spring is upon us and we couldn’t be happier.
Be Our Guest! Stay in this Exclusive Beauty and The Beast-Style Castle
The live action release of Disney’s Beauty and The Beast will be hitting theatres on March 17th, but it´s not the talking candelabras that’s captured our attention, it´s that wondrous castle in all its majesty that makes this particular romance an unforgettable tale, as old as time.
A Unique Valentine´s Day
There is one particularly auspicious, heart-fluttering day that leaps from our calendar this month; The 14th of February is the day to celebrate love, so dare we ask what you’ve got planned? Why not whisk your beloved beau away for a little luxury this year?
2017 Bucket List
With 2017 being predicted to be “the year of self-love”, there’s no better way to embrace the top trend than with the self-gift of travel. We’ve compiled a list of the UK’s top five destinations for 2017 so whether you’re a solo traveller, luxury-loving couple or adrenaline-fuelled family, we’ve got your bucket list covered.
Unique Wedding Venues for 2017
Did you get a sparkly diamond ring this Valentine´s Day? Picking your special venue is the first step to creating a truly unique occasion. Here is our pick of the most romantic wedding venues the UK has on offer - imagine the photographs!
Wandering Wild
The greater the wilderness, the greater the revelations. Being in the back of beyond allows us to loosen the ties that bind us to the familiar world and rediscover the simple pleasures in life. Let these remote retreats inspire your next great escape, into the wild.
The Unique Gift Guide
Whoever you are treating this Christmas, give the gift of time together and the promise of new memories with loved ones. The Unique Home Stays gift voucher allows the lucky recipient to pick the escape of their dreams.
Cosy Pre-Christmas Escapes for Two
The penultimate month is upon us! The clocks have turned back, we’re adjusting to the reality that 6pm bears resemblance to 10pm and what seems to have been a lengthy decent to Christmas has suddenly gained momentum, leaving us to ask the question - mid-November, how did you get here so fast?
Nature´s Call to Get Cosy
As the autumnal darkness gently creeps in and the air turns cooler, there’s only one comfort that keeps me from booking a six month plane journey to finer climates and that’s my tradition of creating a warm cosy nest - safely burrowed indoors.
Unique Home Stays Turns 15!
Last weekend we celebrated Unique Home Stays´ 15th birthday, which topped off a stellar three months for the business. Staff and owners gathered for a merry evening of live music, canapés and Prosecco on tap.
Unique Surf Day
Despite our prim and preppy appearances, we like to think we’re quite the team of action women here at Unique Home Stays. So when Cornish Wave invited for some expert surf tuition (all in the name of guest recommendations), we quite literally jumped at the chance.
What Makes A Unique Home Stay
It’s no news that we pride ourselves on bringing you the most distinctive homes that the UK has on offer, but what exactly comprises a unique home stay?
The UK´s Top Ten Festivals Not To Be Missed
Ah, summer: the season of cocktail parties, royal regattas, and what Britain does best in my opinion – music festivals.
Happy Birthday Ma´am!
To celebrate the Queen´s 90th birthday, we explore beautiful private homes set in extraordinary locations where guests can experience what it’s like to live just like a queen (or king!).
Leap Year Proposals
Luxury love nests for your lucky leap year proposals.
Top Ten UK Surf Breaks
Surf´s up! We round up ten top UK surf breaks and showcase the best luxury coastal retreats which will provide that much needed R&R after a day riding the waves.
