luxury 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.
Aria
Crowcombe, The Quantock Hills, Somerset, UK
A design-led abode with a pared-back, curated edge, at Aria a world where finesse, peace and leisurely days reign.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
From: £2,995 per week, £2,295 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 & Up to 2 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Wood-fired hot tub
