Fantastical castles, towers and follies
Curious travellers seeking exotica and escapism need venture no further than these fair green isles, where mysterious dwellings hide down sweeping drives and await your grand arrival.
Time travel back to the era of English Romanticism, when creative spirit soared and formal traditions went by the wayside, and take up residence in a building designed for aesthetic pleasure. In this wonderland of eccentricity, ornamental 'follies' (a word stolen from the French language meaning 'foolishness') manifest as towers within the grounds of stately homes, or crumbling castles in miniature.
For those who seek historical grandeur, Britain's Napoleonic forts have been reimagined, Poldarkian stack houses and glamorous old castles breathed new life into. This may be the ultimate fairytale collection, but Arabian horses and shining knights can steer clear for there'll be no rescuing required here. In fact, you'll want to turn the lock and throw the key in the moat.
Castle India
Antony Passage, Tamar Valley, Cornwall, UK
Fantastical, extravagant and sublimely positioned at the edge of Cornwall’s luscious Tamar Valley, pass through the gates of Castle India and enter a world of pure imagination.
Sleeps: Up to 18 guests
From: £8,995 per week, £6,750 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Outdoor natural pool (available May - September), pool house, fire pit, ping pong table, football goals and trampoline
The Stack
Lying within a secluded valley overlooking the upper reaches of the magnificent Fal Valley in Cornwall, The Stack is a 19th century luxury self-catering engine house with a hot tub and al fresco kitchen that's sure to inspire those with a love for unique architecture, rough-luxe interiors, and beautiful gardens.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests (+ 2 children)
From: £1,995 per week, £1,495 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
Features: Sunken hot tub, cinema room, al fresco kitchen
The Signal Station
Journey to the end of the earth to this iconic maritime home settled high on the cliffs of Cornwall’s wild Lizard Peninsula.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
From: £2,395 per week, £1,795 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 4 & Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two small well-behaved dogs are welcome
