There’s a certain magic that comes with the retirement of summer. A time when nature blazes with one last hoorah to the sun before it sinks into a nourishing slumber, resting beneath the earth, gathering energy to emerge in the spring again. There’s a lesson for mankind here, should we choose to notice it; riding the rhythms of the dust beneath our feet, now is the time to slow down, to hunker, to gather the autumnal bounty which prickles the hedgerows with bursts of flavour and medicine.
This month we bring you some of our cosiest homes, where gentle countryside rambles followed by early nights tucked beneath heavy bedspreads are of the highest importance. Where curling up by roaring fires after a gentle ramble to the nearest pub for lunch is a large enough expedition. In these homes one can truly rest. Living in sync with the natural flow of the slowing world, as opposed to rapidly hustling in the other direction, emerge from your stay rejuvenated, revitalised and with a new found sparkle in your eye.
Limehouse Cottage
With uninterrupted views over Ireland's Coomasaharn Lake and the horseshoe of mountains which circle around it, Limehouse Cottage marries simple luxury with raw, organic beauty. Such terrain lends itself to unpredictable weather, making it all the more satisfying to set up camp in the living room’s glass box, letting the patter of rain and howling wind be the soundtrack to holiday bliss. If the weather is fine, skip outside to the outdoor tub, where the pair of you can sink beneath bubbles with nature’s show playing out below.
Inkwell Cottage
The Cotswolds really come to life in the autumn; mist lingers in valleys through to mid-morning, whole forests smoulder with fiery hues and cosy tea rooms with steamed up windows hold promises of warmth and comfort. For the perfect base, it has to be Inkwell Cottage; a bodacious character amidst Burford’s honeyed homes with playful fixtures, roaring fire and artists’ studio hidden in the courtyard.
The Hatch
Cornish cob walls, linen sofas made for sinking into and crackling fires combine to make The Hatch an unbeatable destination to hunker down in while wild Cornish weather rages outside. Just a short jaunt away from one of North Cornwall’s favourite golden beaches, on sunnier days Crantock glows in the autumnal sun and when the unpredictable storms roll in, seek shelter in one of the nearby village pubs.
Tempest
There is something ever-so comforting about being surrounded by wild weather while being tucked up inside with a mug of tea. At Tempest, which sits between the sunny gorse bushes peppering the cliffs at Whitsand Bay, the elements are the main event. Whether a sea in turmoil or a sky bleached with bright sun, the floor-to-ceiling windows, south-facing decking and hot tub are the finest places to set yourself down for a mighty show. For exceptional seasonal fare, wander ten minutes down the road to The View where you can dine with, you guessed it, equally as exceptional sea views.
Little Bear
For those who crave a cabin in the wild, you can’t go wrong with a stay in Little Bear. Hidden in the heart of the West Sussex Weald Downlands, spend clear nights huddled on soft sheepskins around the fire pit, mulled cider in hand, before retreating to the comfort of the plush, green velvet sofa inside. Come bed time, slink under the soft throws and sleep easy to the sounds owls hooting outside.
Romany
Bright, fresh and appealing to those in search of wild abandon, Romany hides within the tidal creeks of Romney Marsh near Winchelsea. Pick fresh herbs from the garden to sprinkle on top of scrambled eggs for breakfast, before heading out to enjoy all that the Kent coast has to offer; Rye’s rickety antique shops, pubs and famous Mermaid Street filling you up on olde worlde charm.
The Limit
With sea views from both the king-size bed and hot tub, there really is no need to go anywhere at all when at The Limit if you don’t want to. Of course, Holywell Bay and two delightful inns are sure to tempt a lazy stretch down to the sea, where salty air and glasses of red wine both refresh and warm in equal measure.
The Hide
Pluviophiles will be most at home here; a forest green sofa sitting in front of the picture box window allows for full immersion in whatever the Cornish weather decides to pour down that day, while The Hide's covered patio means al fresco living is easy come rain or shine. When autumn’s weather is bright and breezy, the South West Coast Path tempts; the trail from St Agnes to Perranporth (bookended by two excellent pubs) comes highly recommended.
The Stack
Soft rugs, thick blankets and a rolltop bath with mermaid appeal; The Stack was created with hunkering down and escapism in its soul. Located equidistant between Cornwall’s two wildly different coasts, your choice of adventures are limitless. In one direction, the Fowey Estuary promises gentle rambles between junglelike woodlands, while to the north, enormous cliffs reach for the skies while waves crash below; pubs galore awaiting on both. If one feels no desire to leave, the hot tub, cinema room and quiet nooks are all you'll need to feel the breath of relaxation fill you up from your toes.
