It was Hunter S. Thompson who said, “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!” With this in mind, we say that 2019 should be a year of togetherness and exploration, of squeezing every inch out of this life with the people you love the most. Goodbye diets, farewell being sensible and hello to 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 on a platter of mountains, cliffs and a double gin and tonic.
Radiating pure rustic romance, this fairytale cottage near Falmouth is the perfect refuge for both earth mothers and nature lovers. Wake to the sweet sound of birdsong from the comfort of the marshmallow bed, dance barefoot to the singing record player and relax in the copper bath tub (big enough for two) under the cascade of the indoor waterfall.
Nestled between emerald hills on the cliffs overlooking Robin Hood’s Bay, Bay View is a true tonic for the busy soul. Sat beneath huge, enveloping skies and with endless views of the sparkling sea stretching around the horizon, this cottage settled between heathered moorland and the wild North Sea on the Yorkshire coast is the most romantic of couples’ retreats.
Hidden on the northern border of Snowdonia National Park, this log cabin overlooks the lush Conwy valley, hugged by big skies and soaring mountains. Whether mountain hiking, gorge trekking or carving through the landscape on a heritage train line, Hinterland Cabin’s hot tub and sauna will be the perfect remedy to the array of intrepid adventures North Wales has on offer.
With crooked cob walls, a red tin roof and forget-me-not blue windows, Little Portion is an idyllic retreat just a mile’s amble from Holywell Bay and Cornwall’s rugged north coast. Reclaimed finishes, trailing plants and an al fresco hot tub make this pretty little cottage a dream escape throughout all of Cornwall’s four magnificent seasons.
