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 ozone-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 clan 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!
Inkwell Cottage
Burford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Handcrafted, atelier in style and ever-so fun, this self-catering home in Burford is a pocketful of luxury throwing all conventionality out of its mullion windows.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £995 per week, £750 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Filly Island
Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Blending style with a big dose of ingenuity results in something truly quite magical here at Filly Island. This unique cottage near Cirencester is sat upon a tiny island accessed by a humpback bridge. Pre-loved finds are revivified to bring about the unique interiorscape at Filly Island.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £895 per week, £695 per short break
Pets: Two medium well-behaved dogs are welcome on prior request
Photoshoots at Anthology Farm
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
As diverse as it is large, the 500 acres of Anthology Farm are an inspiring location in the heart of The Cotswolds with ample space, inside and out, to suit any creative brief.
Little Scarlet
Burford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
This luxury Cotswolds cottage is set in the heart of pretty Burford in Oxfordshire. Little Scarlet offers lovers a romantic retreat for stolen weekends and holidays in the rolling countryside, pottering between tea rooms and boutiques.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,595 per week, £1,150 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
The Hop Store
Ledbury, Herefordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
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
From: £1,095 per week, £825 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Heated garden room, games room with bar, pool table, dartboard and giant jenga
The Flower Press
Bibury, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Luxurious furnishings, gentle tones and a vibrant garden brimming with anemones make The Flower Press a snug and intimate home-from-home.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
From: £1,695 per week, £1,295 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
The Walled Garden
Dyrham, Bath, The Cotswolds, UK
Perhaps the most ornate vegetable store in the whole of England, The Walled Garden began life as a potato house for Dyrham Park. This romantic retreat sits on the western edge of the Cotswolds, not far from Bath and all its gleaming treasures.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
From: £1,295 per week, £995 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: One small well-behaved dog is welcome
Features: Fire pit, use of the owners´ tennis court
Burdock Fox
Chippenham, Castle Combe, Wiltshire, The Cotswolds, UK
With its wisteria clad façade and knock-your-wellies-off interiors, Cotswolds lovers are sure to adore a break at Burdock Fox.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests (plus 1 child)
From: £1,695 per week, £1,295 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: One well-behaved dog is welcome
Features: Basement cinema room
Little Red Lock
Claydon, Banbury, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
An English country home that truly embraces its idiosyncrasies, Little Red Lock's wooden picket fence and waterfront position on the Oxford canal oozes tranquillity, while inside its brick walls, a carnival of eclectic rustic charm awaits.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
From: £1,950 per week, £1,495 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub, fire pit, kayaks and life jackets for the canal
Atticus
Burford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Treacle-toned Cotswold stone, iron gates and heavy antique doors hint at this striking home’s colourful past. Once a court house and a later jail, Atticus can be found jostling amongst a row of fine period buildings at the end of Burfords' golden high street.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
From: £2,750 per week, £2,195 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Baby Grand Piano and fire pit
Midsummer Wood
Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
This magical Cotswolds millhouse calls you to run wild in private woodland, get lost amidst secret wildflower meadows, dive into a 12-metre indoor pool and unfurl within lavish Jacobean interiors.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
From: £4,650 per week, £3,550 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Indoor heated swimming pool, two steam rooms, tennis court and games room with ping pong, gym and large TV
The Polo Farm
Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Within a scene of tumbling hills, patchwork countryside and bluebell woods, this luxury self-catering homestay near Cirencester offers a picture-perfect escape in the rolling Cotswolds.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
From: £10,000 per week
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two small well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Cinema den, table tennis
Evania
Bentham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Inspired by the colours and countryside of the Mediterranean, this Gloucestershire home with heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, is the perfect family retreat.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
From: £4,395 per week, £3,495 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 & Up to 4 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool (May - September), hot tub, games room with table football, pool table, table tennis and television
In Clover
Witney, Oxford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Wrap yourself in clover at this once-forgotten Cotswolds cottage encircled by private bluebell woods. A luxury take on a bucolic country retreat, this self-catering homestay flaunts a 12-person hot tub and sumptuous Soho Home furnishings.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
From: £3,450 per week, £2,595 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two dogs are welcome
Features: Large wood-fired hot tub, games room with pool table, air hockey, ping pong and darts board, plus a trampoline, tree house and al fresco kitchen
Zamani
Cheltenham, Hawling, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Ancient Cotswolds barn meets contemporary charm at this luxury self-catering country house near Cheltenham. A stylish sanctuary for large family gatherings and a perfect private retreat to retire to with friends after fun-filled antics at the races.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
From: £2,850 per week, £1,995 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Pool table
The Find
Cranham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Dynamic pairing of luxury architect-designed properties in a beautifully secluded valley location in the Cotswolds.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
From: £8,850 per week, £6,995 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome on prior request
Features: Trampoline, rowing boat
The Tapestry
Witney, Oxford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Muted greens and blues, thick drapes and stone floors, this Oxfordshire farmhouse oozes tranquility, with all the luxurious home comforts a weekender could wish for.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
From: £2,995 per week, £2,395 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 8 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome on prior arrangement
Features: Television room and trampoline
The Palladian
Ampney Crucis, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Georgian in style and grand in nature, this self-catering Cotswold manor offers a true countryside escape perfect for multi-generational groups.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests (6 adults and 6 children)
From: £3,950 per week, £2,850 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub (both May - September), gym, tennis court, trampoline, small football pitch, table tennis and tree house
The Aviary
Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Traditional Cotswold stone provides the golden foundations for some striking modern flourishes at this luxury farmhouse retreat.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests (10 adults and 2 children)
From: £4,500 per week, £3,395 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 8 & Up to 6 guests
Pets: One well-behaved dog is welcome
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub (May - September), cinema room and trampoline
Anthology Farm
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
With acres of space and oodles of old stone style, these two traditional barns in the heart of the Cotswolds are perfect for large family gatherings or big celebrations.
Sleeps: Up to 18 guests
From: £5,850 per week, £4,650 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 10 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Heated indoor swimming pool, cinema room and tennis court
