What could be more romantic than the vision of a characterful cottage puffing dandelion-like clouds from its chimney into a frost sprinkled countryscape? Blustery walks, roaring open fires and delicious hampers stuffed with seasonal goodies should be just what the doctor orders as the temperature drops. Read on to discover seven sublime holiday cottages that are a midwinter’s dream. Pack your wellingtons but leave the shovel at home, there's nowhere else you'd rather be snowed in.
Nestled into a hillside within Woodleigh Glen in the South Hams AONB, the approach to Phillimores' via its winding country lane will evoke excitement as finches and bunnies dart for cover in the tumbling hedgerows. The interiors encapsulate an intriguing blend of the traditional and the stylish. Think log fires, characterful beams and a huge farmhouse table for those drawn-out family suppers lovingly stewed atop the Rayburn.
This charming cottage is stitched into a colourful blanket of patchwork countryside, just two miles inland from the fossil-laden cliffs of the Jurassic Coast. Theodora's traditional white cob façade and treacle-toned thatched roof conceal the glamorous designer flourishes within - a perfect base for windswept coastal stomps and cosying up with a Broardchurch box set - filmed just around the corner.
Rediscover life’s truest luxuries when you stay at Lost Cottage in the remote lakeside townland of Treangarriv. Hidden within a wilderness of emerald green farmland and cloud-shrouded mountains, there’s nowhere comparable when it comes to observing the beauty of the seasons. Head down to Dooks beach, where you'll be unlikely to find anyone other than the owner's extended family, or take the drive to Coumeenoole to find sea-pounded rocks, gold sand and turquoise waters in one supremely magical location.
Flee to the moors this winter and take shelter in this cosiest of boltholes. Sleeping up to four guests within three gorgeous double bedrooms, Elysian is as perfect for solo travellers as it is for small families. Traditional hand-crafted windows let in the sweet sound of birdsong coax you from dreamland in true fairy-tale fashion – the perfect way to start a winter-wonderful day!
Winding off the beaten track past wild orchid meadows, arriving at Valency Wood gives the feel of stepping into a painting of an ambrosial countryside scene. The tranquil bluebell wood idyll in which this country home resides leads all the way down to Boscastle harbour, where quaint tearooms and traditional Cornish inns await after your trek through the valley. Wintertime often ensures you’ll have this pocket of the north Cornwall coast to yourself too, with barely another soul in sight.
Libertine is as cute-as-a-button and perfectly positioned amidst a peaceful milieu of pretty woodland near Cornwall's finest surf breaks. With pumping winter waves and charming Cornish Christmas markets taking place at Padstow and Truro, there’s plenty to keep surfers and their plus-ones entertained all holiday long.
Set on the banks of the River Tamar within wildflower meadows, Whimplestone is a rural paradise perfect for outdoor loving families. This wonderfully whitewashed home has a mid-century-meets-modern flavour, featuring Eames, Robin Day and Ercol furnishings as well as interesting family heirlooms which altogether lend a stylish twist on farmhouse chic. Outside, Whimplestone’s fifty private acres offer magical woodland, pruned parterres and cherry orchards – perfect for a frosty stroll before five rounds of hot buttered crumpets by the fire.
