Unique Living
Here we come together with our owners, guests and friends to bring you inspiring blog posts to ensure that you can ‘Live Unique’ all year round, long before and after your own Unique Homestays experiences.
Travellers' Tales
Mindful mornings in the Cumbrian countryside
Down To Flow Escapes reflect on their yoga retreat last summer, hosted at our luxury farmhouse Figtree House in Cumbria.
More from the Journal
Owner Chronicles
Kerry through the kaleidoscope
We speak with established restaurateur Brian about his love for Kerry and the inspiration behind the design of his romantic bolthole, Lost Cottage.
Lifestyle
A life led simply
If there’s anything we’ve learnt from the past 12 months, it’s that the answer to a happy life lies within its uncomplicated moments. This month we shine a light on minimalist living and humble, honest homes.
Guest Bloggers
Meet the maker: Gstee
With no formal training, aerial photographer and creative George Stephens discusses his artistic journey and how improvisation and exploration have influenced his nature-led aesthetic.
Guest Bloggers
Bring the outside in: transform your home for spring
As the first signs of spring begin to emerge and lockdown eases, we are ready to welcome in the new season. Here, flower grower and floral designer Emily from 3acre Blooms shares how to bring a touch of spring to your home.
Fare
The Cornwall food guide: 10 of the best places to eat
As the national lockdown eases and the hospitality industry reopens following a hiatus, eateries are set to become more creative than ever; from innovative pop-ups to celebrity chef restaurants, here we round up the best places to eat out in Cornwall – as chosen by Unique Homestays owners.
Lifestyle
Nomadic Instinct
As humans, we were born to roam; to follow the seasons and to chase the hunt, to be in motion with the sun, to pack up camp and drift when the full moon glows upon the earth.
Owner Chronicles
A look inside the self-designed family home, Cadence, of architect Adam Richards
Taking inspiration from the stories which have made up his life, walking through the silky, reinforced concrete halls of Adam Richard´s unique home takes guests on a global, and often other-wordly, exploration.
Guest Bloggers
Romantic rituals
Bringing your countryside escape in a bottle, 100 Acres´ co-founder Ellea shares her top three romantic rituals and how just because you can’t be physically in a hundred acres of countryside, doesn’t mean you can’t be mentally.
Fare
Dinner inspiration for an at-home Valentine´s Day
With a passion for seasonal and organic produce, the owners of North Cornwall restaurant Temple share the recipe for their favourite Valentine´s Day dish: whole roasted celeriac, burnt butter and limed red onions.
Lifestyle
The alchemy of architecture
Homes which ride the wave of trends and lifestyle throughout the ages are homes which embody the spirit of the alchemist.
Guest Bloggers
Wedding styling in 2021: the guide to small but impactful celebrations
After many postponed gatherings, 2021 is the year to inject personality into romantic celebrations, whatever the size. We speak with Ginny, co-founder of Virginias Vintage Hire who shares this year´s key wedding styling trends.
Lifestyle
The tonic to a post pandemic world: treat yourself to a wellness break
More than ever before, the need to look after ourselves is paramount. After 12 months of straying not much further than our gardens or nearby parks, of parenting and working around the clock with no relief, it really is time for some well deserved ‘me time’.
Interiors
Interior design trends for 2021
Consider calming and joyful schemes with a back-to-nature edge when it comes to breathing a new lease of life into your interior scheme this year. Property Curator Jess shares five interior design trends for 2021.
Lifestyle
The 2021 wedding: elopement inspiration from the Cornish coast
During the pandemic, Unique Homestays continue to celebrate responsible wedding and honeymoon planning, because if there has ever been a time we all need a heart-warming love story it’s now. Here we kick off 2021 with elopement inspiration from The Beach Hut in Cornwall.
Guest Bloggers
Cosy up a space for winter with French Connection
From natural accents, ambient lighting and sparkling decorations, French Connection´s Head of Homeware Catharine Denham shares how to make your home cosy for winter, all set in our modern retreat, The Meadows.
Travellers' Tales
A winter weekend at Ammonite, our home away from home
India Sehmi, London blogger and creator of The India Edit, heads to the East Sussex coast for a winter weekend at Unique Homestays’ rough-luxe cabin, Ammonite.
Lifestyle
Less is more: introducing our Limited Edition Collection
Reflecting on the past year brought to mind our Limited Edition Collection of properties. These homes have a small but mighty range of availability and can only be hired for a few weeks per year, offering the perfect antidote to this rather unusual year.
Fare
The Clementine Christmas Cocktail
Christmas and cocktails go hand in hand and this year, no matter how modest the party, we’ll be pulling out all the stops for the most delectable drinks menu yet. Timothy Warrilow, co-founder of Fever-Tree, shares his go-to tipple for the season.
Guest Bloggers
Four festive floral ideas for your home this Christmas
Florist and flower farmer Gemma shares four festive floral arrangements to embellish your home this Christmas, styled at our new and exclusive shoot location, Coswarth.
Travellers' Tales
Our first family holiday: a week of escapism at The Cotton Tree
Guest Rachael shares her first holiday as a family of three at Cornish beach cottage, The Cotton Tree.
Lifestyle
Cabin hideouts: the best luxury cabins in the UK & Ireland
There´s something soothing about taking up residence between walls made of timber, where the wild views and scent of the forest floor combine with mankind. This month we shine a light on the cosiest luxury cabins across the UK & Ireland.
Interiors
An exclusive look into Alba Beach House´s interiors
Far-removed from the nautical-but-nice blue stripes of the traditional coastal home, laid-back living is wholeheartedly embraced at Alba Beach House. Here, Property Curator Jess Clark shares how she achieved its unique coastal aesthetic.
Interiors
The heart of the home: five retreats warmed by Agas
Whether you´re looking to add some warmth to your abode this season or are planning to hibernate in one of ours, we round up five Unique Homestays where, with the help of these Agas, the kitchen really is the heart of the home.
Lifestyle
Dark sky dreaming
Discover our nation’s Dark Sky Reserves where the skies are so big and stars so bright you could almost reach out, pluck one from the black and put it in your pocket for later.
Lifestyle
Dog-friendly and endearing
As cooler weather approaches, the days are becoming crisper, auburn hues are starting to creep in and the promise of windswept walks across deserted beaches beckon. For devout dog-lovers, the perfect time of year to holiday with your hound is upon us.
Lifestyle
Christmas reimagined: five unique retreats for intimate festivities
More than ever, this Christmas will be about holding those dear to us even closer. It will be about love and joy, community, reflection and gratitude. What lies ahead is a Christmas unlike any other. Here, we round up five properties available this festive season.
Travellers' Tales
City dwellers take on Herefordshire: a weekend at Atelier Rose
The Michalaks, a young family who share their life through cinematic-style videos, explore Herefordshire during a weekend at luxury medieval homestay Atelier Rose.
Guest Bloggers
Picture-perfect seclusion
We look back on photographer Daniel Casson´s stay at The Creamery where he captures North Devon´s atmospheric landscape during a cosy winter´s week.
Lifestyle
Fantastical follies
“Form follows function” is a maxim observed by most modern architects. Not, however, for fans of the folly. Following the heart-over-head principles of Romanticism, homeowners are once again becoming creative with their estates. From ornate waterside dwellings to forgotten farm buildings reimagined, the folly is making a comeback.
Lifestyle
The 2020 wedding: inspiration for small, intimate celebrations
To celebrate the slight ease of wedding restrictions, we share the design and suppliers behind our recent shoot for intimate romantic celebrations, using an elegant, back-to-nature look.
Lifestyle
The best luxury lakeside retreats in the UK and Ireland
With 2020 holiday trends evolving to focus on a more back-to-nature way of living closer to home, there has never been a better time to explore the many wonders the UK & Ireland have on offer. Looking ahead, we round-up the best lakeside retreats to inspire your autumn-winter escape.
Travellers' Tales
A little piece of paradise
Endless sea views, many gin and tonics in the sunshine and a cloud-soft bed; could a weekend be more perfect? Guest Kimberley shares her time at Cornish retreat Atlanta.
Lifestyle
Understated luxury
If there´s one thing 2020 has taught us so far, it´s to see beauty in the littlest luxuries - simple, clean living being the biggest of them all. Now that travel restrictions are easing, demand for low-key lavish escapes has never been greater. Here we round-up the best holiday homes for UK staycations with a theme of understated luxury.
Guest Bloggers
Artist in residence: Sara Reed
Contemporary artist and teacher Sara Reed explores the raw, elemental beauty of nature through a study of colour, light and continuous line on hand-stretched canvases created in her studio on the North Cornwall coast.
Travellers' Tales
Memories of The Pomegranate Tree
Guests of North Devon retreat The Pomegranate Tree share memories of their summer getaway, where evenings were spent admiring Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve.
Travellers' Tales
Summertime soirées at 400-year-old Ellesmera Mill
Set amongst butterflies, a trickling stream, green valleys and a hidden cove, our stay at Ellesmera Mill was idyllic. We wanted something special for the whole multi-generational family to enjoy and this was our perfect summer playground.
Lifestyle
Soundtrack: songs to make the sun shine
In a series of holiday playlists shared by the Unique Homestays team, Property Consultant Emma shares songs that conjure up fond memories of many years working in France and travels across Africa. A compilation of pure sunshine.
Guest Bloggers
Julita London Bride
Intricate, ethereal and spiritual is how Jo Kuniewicz-Murray describes her work. Created for today´s modern bride, every order is handmade to the client´s most detailed measurements in Jo´s London studio, like fine works of art.
Owner Chronicles
Love at first sight: from a tumbled down boathouse to a luxury seaside retreat
We speak with musician and artist pair Andy and Fran who share the story and design behind Cornish seaside retreat, The Boat House.
Lifestyle
Soundtrack: a long road to nowhere
In a series of holiday playlists shared by the Unique Homestays team, Charlotte relives the fond memories of the freedom she felt exploring New Zealand on the ultimate road trip. Each morning waking in a new place with a fresh day of adventures ahead.
Travellers' Tales
The Dartmoor cottage made for languorous weekends
Tucked away between rolling hills and rugged moorland, we pulled into the drive and stepped out into crisp night air, the hooting of owls sounding our welcome at The Riddle.
Lifestyle
Destination honeymoon
The effects of the coronavirus crisis have been felt everywhere, but one of the hardest hit sectors has been the weddings industry, leaving hundreds of couples weighing up their options amid restrictions on travel and social gatherings. For those not able to wed or honeymoon overseas this year, there´s an alternative to cancelled romantic celebrations, the modern-day minimoon.
Guest Bloggers
Meet the artists behind the UK´s creative hub
We speak with Katherine Sorrell and Anya Rice, the creators of Make: Cornwall: A Celebration of Modern Craftspeople from the South West.
Fare
Angie Smith’s fraudshake
Banana bread aside, this is the lockdown recipe everyone in the know has been talking about. We spoke with our favourite celebrity stylist, Angie Smith, who shared the secret ingredients behind her latest trend: the spinach-packed smoothie that tastes like white chocolate.
Lifestyle
Soundtrack: faraway winters
In a series where the team share their holiday memories, this soundtrack conjures up memories of solo travels through Costa Rica; of 6am yoga, warm rain showers, fried squid and deep infinity pools.
Lifestyle
Walpole Book of British Luxury: the launch
This spring saw the launch of the 2020 Walpole Book of British Luxury at London´s Fortnum & Mason. The book explores the future of the sector through thought-provoking essays from leading commentators, cover art by House of Hackney and brand stories from 60 Walpole members including new addition Unique Homestays.
Lifestyle
Britain in bloom: enchanted garden escapes
And just like that, the world stood still. Amid travel bans and isolation orders, the magic of the natural world continues. This month we celebrate Britain´s best garden getaways, delivering you a breath of fresh air through a hand-picked selection of private homes with exceptional gardens.
Lifestyle
Soundtrack: A flavour of France
In a series of holiday playlists shared by the Unique Homestays team, Tori shares the songs she listened to on her travels from Cornwall to Bayonne by van. Two weeks exploring countless beaches, French wines and waking to a new unimaginable view each morning.
Fare
Sticky cauliflower with coconut rice and wild garlic sauce
Using cupboard staples and farm shop finds, one of our guests’ favourite private chefs Dave Sargent shares his sticky cauliflower and coconut rice recipe.
Guest Bloggers
Meet the maker: Zee van Gils
Dutch artist Zee van Giles discovered her obsession for resin while working with surfboard shapers in a tiny fishing village in Lombok, Indonesia. Now she creates layered ocean-inspired artworks that feature in homes worldwide.
Owner Chronicles
Soothing and serene
Owner of Notonthehighstreet, Sophie Cornish, carefully curated her Devon homestay with friends and family at the forefront of every stylistic decision. Here she shares her inspiration, fuelled by a passion for local craftsmanship.
Fare
Rosemary scones with rhubarb, vanilla and rose jam
To celebrate the incoming of England´s favourite pink vegetable, we share the perfect springtime recipe of rosemary scones with homemade rhubarb, vanilla and rose jam, baked in our 19th century engine house, The Stack.
Interiors
Out of office
As the nation holes up and more of us work from home, we share seven unique living spaces to inspire your at-home office.
Lifestyle
Natural selection
A new generation of architects put the environment at the heart of their projects, weaving buildings into their natural surroundings, crafting furnishings from organic materials and creating homes that embrace the living world with open arms.
Travellers' Tales
A perfect weekend away at Guinevere
The Crown and Fast & Furious star, Vanessa Kirby recalls her perfect weekend away at Guinevere, a 16th century manor located in Surrey.
Lifestyle
Unique Easter Retreats
Daffodils are starting to bloom and seas of snowdrops are poking their heads out from hibernation as the first glimpse of spring is visible on the horizon. Here, we showcase six family-friendly homestays available for Easter.
Guest Bloggers
The Cornish Grazing Co. Visits Nare´s Yard
Celebrating the rise of grazing platters, a unique catering trend originating from Australia, The Cornish Grazing Co´s founder Samantha Heard speaks with us about the importance of eating local and what she got up to during her stay at Nare´s Yard.
Travellers' Tales
A Romantic Weekend at Little Scarlet
After model Andja Lorein visited our quintessential Cotswolds cottage, Little Scarlet this spring, we were curious to find out what she got up to during her stay and learn more about her successful modelling career.
Lifestyle
10 Romantic things to do in Devon
The south west of England has an irresistible magnetic pull for dreamers, lovers and creatives. Surrounded by turquoise waters and golden beaches, with rugged moorland at its wild heart, Devon´s natural beauty is no secret. Here, we handpick our top romantic experiences and nearby homestays in Devon.
Guest Bloggers
The Life of a Modern Digital Nomad
British photographer Evie Johnstone writes about a life spent travelling the globe in pursuit of world-class surf and unique photographic opportunities with an underlying theme of female empowerment. Here, Evie takes time to reflect at Siren cottage in Cornwall.
Lifestyle
Green Love
The colour of love turns green this February as we celebrate the rise of the eco wedding. Organic food, British bubbles and paperless post; we show how you can consider the planet without sacrificing your vision of a beautifully designed luxury wedding.
Travellers' Tales
A Festival Wedding at Figtree House
We arranged a viewing at Figtree House and when we arrived we just fell in love. It was everything we wanted and more, a completely blank canvas in the most beautiful surroundings.
Lifestyle
The Garden of England
Truly an apt description of a county whose borders warmly embrace the ocean, while the verdant heart of the county proudly flaunts a vast and impressive Area of Natural Beauty. If the county of Kent is calling, read on.
Lifestyle
Simple Luxury
Holidays matter. They are our lifeline to sanity, a chance to step away from everyday life and reconnect with the people we love. Simple Luxury, the latest campaign by Unique Homestays, follows three parties on their unique escapes in rural Britain.
Guest Bloggers
An Intimate Wedding at Florin
Wedding photographer Owen Howells shares his experience shooting at Florin, a stunning Welsh manor house and unique wedding venue.
Lifestyle
Our Top 10 Valentine´s Day Boltholes
Think rolltop baths for two, quintessential English cottages and rural hideaways oozing the feeling of complete seclusion. We share our top 10 Valentine´s Day retreats, suiting all types of romance.
Lifestyle
Be good (to yourself): wellness breaks for 2020
Discover the very best breaks to suit all your wellness wishes for the new year. Gone are the days of cookie cutter retreats, 2020 is the year to get creative with your health-boosting holidays. Here is our guide to tried, tested and supremely tranquil retreats in the UK.
Interiors
Bold, Evocative and Alive
Discussing her style, painting techniques and what inspired her to become an artist, we sit down with Sophie Fraser, whose work turns heads in our modern Devonshire homestay, Linea.
Guest Bloggers
Birthday Celebrations at The Palladian
BBC broadcaster and presenter of the One Show, Alex Jones, recently stayed at The Palladian for a double birthday celebration. She recalls her visit to the Georgian style Cotswolds Manor.
Lifestyle
Team Unique Get Their Hands Dirty
Unique Homestays are proud to partner with Rewilding Britain in a bid to help restore natural habitats and reconnect the nation with the wonders of the world. Discover what the team got up to while volunteering at local project, Newquay Community Orchard.
Fare
Vegan Sticky Toffee Pudding
When the weather outside is frightful, a slice of vegan sticky toffee pudding is oh so delightful! We invited chef Jess of The Jam Jar to shoot her favourite festive pudding at our riverside homestay, Stella Maris.
Guest Bloggers
The Simple Luxury Campaign - Part I
Presenting the 2020 video campaign for Unique Homestays, depicting three parties on their escapes in Britain. From cartwheeling around Antony Gormley sculptures to swimming in the rain, the series of films show life’s simple luxuries enjoyed in extraordinary real homes.
Interiors
Artist in Residence - An Interview with Saul Cathcart
Artist Saul Cathcart has been painting since the age of nine, honing an experimental style to portray the landscape he grew up in. His works exude freedom, rhythm and energy, and some of his latest pieces can be seen on the walls of homestay Aphrodite in Boscastle.
Lifestyle
A Storm Watcher´s Paradise
Author Matshona Dhliwayo once said that the storm is an artist and the rainbow is its masterpiece. Here, we encourage you to embrace the flashing silhouettes that dance across melancholy skies and observe how they stimulate a new landscape.
Fare
A Winter Warmer
As the temperature drops and frost blankets the ground, nothing beats a steaming bowl of something delicious. Celtic Fish and Game share their fish soup recipe, the ultimate winter warmer for those chilly nights in.
Interiors
Christmas Styling Trends for 2019
Get your hands dirty when it comes to creating a festive flavour this year. A back-to-nature scheme is a way to create an authentic winter-wonderland look, so to spark inspiration, we share our top trends for styling your homes this Christmas.
Travellers' Tales
Our Utterly Peaceful Yet Heart-Racing Weekend At Viola
The wooden gates opened to reveal Viola’s stunning grounds, bordered by rolling hills, every inch built for relaxation.
Lifestyle
Dog-Friendly Destinations
Amber-hued leaves floating off the trees, crisp morning walks and steaming bowls of comforting soup mean that autumn is upon us. As we depart from one season to another, the search for your next holiday destination complete with a canine companion in tow has begun.
Owner Chronicles
White-Washed and Whimsical
Marketing Coordinator Robyn speaks with the owners and interior designers of Ammonite and Romany, to discover the inspiration behind their romantic white-washed cabins.
Travellers' Tales
A Wild Hearted Wedding at Charity
There is something about the sheerness of the towering Offa´s Dyke behind the farm and breathtaking Olchon Valley that opens up from directly below the front lawn; simply magical.
Lifestyle
Hunter Gatherers
Tapping into our human instincts, we celebrate the season of hunting and gathering, of bonfires and feasting and preparing for the first bite of winter, as we scout out our favourite trends for this autumn.
Lifestyle
A Unique Christmas for All
Whether you are a large gathering in need of a place to host the festive celebrations, a couple craving some ‘us’ time or someone looking to get away with their nearest and dearest, we have Unique Home Stays to cater for all.
Interiors
The Circle Contemporary Artists Behind our Properties
When the perfect piece of artwork is found, it lends a focal point to extraordinary spaces. We share the artists behind pieces used in Linea, The Hide and The Stack and their inspiration.
Owner Chronicles
The Interior Inspiration Behind our Scottish Hideaway
Digital marketing coordinator Tori speaks with Kyn owner Michelle about the inspiration behind her contemporary retreat on the Isle of Skye, featuring pieces she used from homeware brand, House Curious.
Travellers' Tales
A Weekend at Romany
Romany was without a doubt exactly what we both needed for some R&R, and to spend quality time together without any need to be anywhere else in the world.
Guest Bloggers
A Magic Moment at Northcott Beach House
Alone on top of the cliffs is the perfect location for a big family getaway or private wedding. The big fenced garden offers a dreamy spot for both sea view ceremonies and al fresco receptions above the waves.
Lifestyle
Getaway to the Green
Escaping the electric pace of the everyday world around us is something that we all crave, allowing us to take a step back and the historic game of golf has been a soothing tool utilised by many for generations.
Guest Bloggers
Honeymooning by the sea
Photographer Lloyd Evans and his new wife find post-wedding bliss at a Scandinavian-style beach house in Porthleven, Cornwall.
Travellers' Tales
A Fairytale Stay at The Fable
It’s so exciting when you arrive, isn’t it? The Fable really felt like home from the second we stepped in. We adored the vintage farmhouse interior and felt so cosy and looked after.
Lifestyle
Britain´s Best Journeys
There is more to this island nation than one could ever imagine, if only you would take a moment to look beyond the well-trodden and explore further than where the guidebooks lead. We explore the country’s greatest journeys, by foot, rail, car and water.
Lifestyle
Wander Wiltshire this Summer
In the lead up to and during the summer months, the words on everyone’s lips seem to be all about the seaside, coast and sandcastles. But if you´d much rather turn away from the clamouring beach crowds and bound merrily off into the wild, we´ve got the perfect place.
Lifestyle
Pop Culture Pilgrimages
Television dramas have a way of completely consuming us, resulting in night-long Netflix binges and wondering what inspired such a story or dreaming of what it would be like to step into it, even for just a second.
Lifestyle
Indulge in a Digital Detox
Counter those days hunched over a keyboard in one of our remotest homes across the United Kingdom, where the WiFi is often weak at best and soul-lifting escapes in nature are guaranteed.
Interiors
Haute Bohemian
The bohemians of the 70s channelled freedom and hope into their interiors and, following a revival on the catwalk last year, the era is making a firm come-back in high-end homeware. No avocado bathroom suites here though; think soft curves, lustrous velvets and big on botanicals.
Guest Bloggers
Meet The Maker – East London Parasols
East London Parasols blend modern-day design with age-old traditions from the colourful lands of India and Indonesia, to create fun and flamboyant one-off pieces. Founder Lucy Ferguson tells the story behind her unique brand.
Lifestyle
Escape The City
Today, we round up our top homestays around an hour’s drive from London, yet worlds away from city life where deadlines and tube delays are swapped for fresh, countryside air and afternoon naps.
Lifestyle
The Local´s Guide to Cornwall
With wild moorland and sweeping golden beaches, Cornwall is as diverse and it is divine. We talk to local home owners about what they think makes Cornwall so unique.
Lifestyle
Brave Travel
“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!”
Guest Bloggers
Baby on Board
Today we talk to Melanie, Mum to the beautiful Benji, about the joys, challenges and top tips of travelling with a baby on board.
Travellers' Tales
Birthday Celebrations at Scarlet Hall
We were warmly welcomed by Chris with Gail´s freshly baked chocolate cake and scones awaiting us! As well as such delights as artisan bread, local cheeses and Prosecco - it was the beginning of a very special time for us all.
Fare
Great British Vineyards
With almost 600 vineyards spreading across our green and pleasant lands, oenophiles no longer need to travel to France or Argentina to wander through vines to sip zingy fizzes or rich reds.
Lifestyle
The Greatest Summer Festivals of 2019
It’s time to dust off those Wellingtons, unpack the fascinators and plan your summer entirely on a jam-packed calendar of al fresco events. When it comes to summer festivals, the UK pulls out all the stops, and from sophisticated affairs to wild weekends, there’s a choice for every interest.
Lifestyle
Wild Escapes
With such inspiring landscapes spanning the length and breadth of the United Kingdom and a planet in the depths of a climate emergency, we ask one very important question; is international travel really a necessity?
Travellers' Tales
Sea Air and Salty Dogs
There is a little corner of the East Sussex coast, just a little jaunt from the bright lights of London that sits happily on the seafront offering a quiet weekend of pared back designer homes, lengthy strolls, and evenings on the back porch.
Fare
Cuddle in a Cake
This month we welcomed Jam Jar Jess to our modern rustic paradise, The Hide, to shoot her latest recipe of stem ginger, lemon and turmeric loaf.
Fare
A Culinary Retreat in the Quantock Hills
When it came to Valentine’s weekend this year, we wanted to celebrate by offering guests something that would last far longer than a dozen roses. Instead, we teamed up with culinary vacation experts Stirred Travel, who specialise in the nation’s first love.
Interiors
Modern Feminine
This year we’re seeing fresh feminine hues and soft fabrics bring a touch of woman to our homes; where once there was grey is now emblazoned with floral prints, where there was navy is now pastel in shade.
Travellers' Tales
On the Vintage Trail at Hollyhocks
What a dreamy weekend! I had the absolute pleasure of staying in Hollyhocks recently, where I indulged in my passion for all things vintage, reclaimed, reused and pre-loved.
Travellers' Tales
A Whimsical Wedding at Winterfell
This was our first encounter of a Unique Homes Stays property and we were completely blown away by Winterfell; it’s majestic name didn’t let it down and we were so excited to see what our wedding clients, Lindsay and Matt, had planned for their day.
Guest Bloggers
A Relaxing Reading Retreat at Scarlet Hall
I have been dreaming of hosting a reading retreat ever since the launch of my small book business, but trying to find a property which ticks all the boxes necessary was proving to be quite a difficult task. That was until I discovered Scarlet Hall.
Travellers' Tales
The World is Your Oyster at Skyros
Even after driving through peaceful Schull until the sight of the sea was clear and far-reaching, I was completely unprepared for the tranquility that awaited me at Skyros.
Owner Chronicles
Homes of The Makers
To enter an artist’s residence is to enter another’s creative mind. Experiencing day-to-day life in the home of a creator lends a feeling that transcends simply viewing their work on a wall. This month we delve inside dwellings that act as galleries, studios and inspiration for the artisans who call them home.
Lifestyle
Get Outside in Dartmoor National Park
South West England’s largest expanse of wilderness hides a treasure trove of lush valleys, ancient woodlands and secret wild-swimming pools hidden beneath the watchful eye of electric blue dragonflies. Captivating and addictive, Dartmoor National Park will drag you back again and again.
Lifestyle
Luxury Homes for the Cheltenham Race Festival
Hat wearing, Champagne drinking and gripping horse races, the Cheltenham Festival has become one of the most prestigious events in any socialite’s calendar. Top it all off with a cherry on top of an already rather decadent cake with a luxury homestay just a short distance away.
Lifestyle
Haute Hibernation
The hunt is on for that all-inspiring location in which hunker down and admire the winter wonderland scenery all around. From mountain hideaways to white-washed yoga retreats by the sea, we round-up the best boltholes to book this Spring.
Travellers' Tales
A Birthday Bolthole
Sitting proudly along the coastal path overlooking Trevaunance Cove is Sea Cabin, our home for the weekend and the most wonderful bolthole making the most of the inside and outside space, perfect for a couple and a dog.
Lifestyle
6 Wedding Trends to Inspire in 2019
Weddings are always exciting, but with 2019’s trends promising an explosion of colour and personalisation, the coming year is set to blow the wedding experience right out of the water.
Lifestyle
Unconventional Love
Love deserves more than a wilting bunch of flowers picked up from the train station in a rush on the way home from work; it deserves sipping the finest red wine by glowing candlelight followed by long lie ins under thick French linens.
Lifestyle
Celebrate Burns Night in Style
Year after year, tributes are paid to the cultural icon Robert Burns, Scotland’s most famous poet and lyricist. Renowned as the pioneer of the Romantic poetry movement, our Scottish love nests are the perfect space to gather together for cosy celebrations amongst the most awe-inspiring settings hidden deep within this majestic land.
Lifestyle
Make 2019 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. The perfect beginning to 2019!
Interiors
Joules Christmas Photoshoot at Wishbone
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wishbone ensured that it was the perfect backdrop to host a traditional Yuletide. With its rustic charm, bucolic style and roaring log burner there truly is nowhere better to host a small intimate Christmas.
Interiors
Decorating Your Home For Christmas
From twinkling fairy lights to festive scented candles and foraged finds, Interior Designer Siobhan Hayles shares her three top tips on how to decorate holiday homes this Christmas.
Lifestyle
Hideaway in the Highlands This Winter
With the last of mainland Britain’s great wilderness crammed into its rather compact territory, Scotland harbours a landscape which remains loyal to its ancient, spectacular and turbulent past.
Lifestyle
Wedding Photographer Claudia Rose Carter | The Parsonage
Set amidst a milieu of 12 acres of magical gardens, this grand Grade II listed country home makes for a truly stunning wedding venue. Photographer Claudia Rose Carter shares her images of a recent celebration hosted within the clipped topiary grounds.
Guest Bloggers
A Winter Weekend at Libertine
Poldark´s Eleanor Tomlinson spends her final days filming for the BBC drama series with a stay at Libertine near the coastal town of Perranporth.
Travellers' Tales
Embracing Autumn at Maberly
We arrived at Maberly when the first threats of an autumn storm were beginning to lick at the fallen leaves. Hurrying inside before the rain began to fall, we were immediately enveloped in the house’s charm and glamorous intimacy.
Travellers' Tales
A Cottage for all Seasons
Just an hour from the bustling streets of Dublin, tucked away in the trees on the calm shores of Lough Ree, sits the haven that is Walden Lakehouse. Not once did I turn to a television, but instead curled up with a book in the sunshine, letting the serenity of the wild wash over me.
Owner Chronicles
The Wonders of Whitsand Bay
Press Officer, Daniel speaks with Tempest owner Tina to find out how she transformed a flimsy wooden hut with a tin roof into a luxury self-catering cliff-side home.
Guest Bloggers
A Whimsical Elopement Wedding
I’ve always had a soft spot for Unique Home Stays properties. It was a blissful birthday weekend away at a Unique Home Stay cottage that convinced my partner and I to move to Cornwall in the first place. So when it came to choosing a venue to shoot imagery for my new wedding planning business, I knew where to go.
Owner Chronicles
Unique Homestays Autumn Get Together
We gathered together with Unique Home Stays’ friends and owners for an evening of delicious morsels and sweet tipples to celebrate the end of the season at rock´n´roll country home, Pearl´s Place.
Owner Chronicles
Mid-Century Chic
Press Officer, Daniel speaks with Walden Lakehouse owner Egon to find out how he transformed his family cabin into Ireland´s Home of the Year.
Lifestyle
The Best Places to Celebrate Bonfire Night
Before our minds get lost in a whirlwind of Christmas markets and present shopping, we remember that the 5th of November is just a few weeks away. With impressive fireworks set to blaze across our landscapes, we share our favourite bonfire night displays and the properties to enjoy them from.
Lifestyle
Luxury Homes for a Christmas Break
From large homes which can accommodate the whole family and the Christmas feasts that go along with them to small, romantic boltholes far from the hustle of bad traffic and small-talk, we’ve got a luxury home stay to suit every flavour this Christmas.
Owner Chronicles
TukTuk to Turkey – Unique Homestays gets involved
Trekking 273 miles along the Cornwall South West Coast Path, the Unique Homestays team are raising money to support our owner´s (Rachel and Bharat of Zamani) TukTuk to Turkey Voyage in aid of SUDEP Action - a charity very close to their hearts.
Interiors
The English Eccentric
Unique Home Stays gives you exclusive access inside the lives and homes of inspirational, eclectic and ingenious individuals by handing you the keys to their absurdly beautiful abodes.
Lifestyle
Gather Together this October Half Term
In a season where spiced lattes, welly boots and mum´s roast dinner reigns above all else, gather the brood in one of our large family-friendly self-catering homes this October half term.
Guest Bloggers
Milly in the Moontide
Eager to escape the smog and endlessly increasing temperatures of London Milly decided to book a mini staycation with a friend to Moontide, the perfect escape from the grind of daily life. Just what the doctor ordered for two busy women with a never-ending to do lists.
Lifestyle
English Country Escapes
Embodying all that is English about England, the counties of Gloucestershire and Somerset offer a myriad of opportunities to experience pretty village culture, long hikes in the hills, cider drinking and of course, Glastonbury Festival.
Fare
Vegan Shortbread
This week, we invited Jess from Cornwall´s Jam Jar Café to our rustic retreat Firefly. This rough luxe woodcutter´s cabin was the perfect backdrop for her to create delicious vegan shortbread decorated with edible flowers. Read on to discover Jess´ recipe.
Lifestyle
Remote Luxury
For us, romance and remoteness go hand in hand. The anticipation of driving into the hinterland solo, or with a loved one, is matched only by the triumph of finding your destination and feeling blissfully far from the madding crowds. We round-up the best secluded hideaway escapes.
Guest Bloggers
Art for Homes
There’s no set formula to what makes a Unique Home Stay and sourcing artwork for such individualistic homes can be a challenge. We asked CIRCLE Contemporary gallery to select a few of their favourite pieces and the homes in which they’d showcase them.
Travellers' Tales
A Midweek Home from Home at the Limit
Peeking out between the wild rhubarb, The Limit’s approach alone gives a sense of wonder, the feeling of being alone, finally, in this busy world of ours. The greatest part? Here there was no sound other than the birds, the sea, the wind whispering across the dunes.
Travellers' Tales
Summer Stories of The Stack
It’s Friday the 13th July and Britain continues to bake in the longest heatwave since ´76. With not a drop of rain in the long range forecast, this weekend called for nothing but sea swimming and milling around in the Cornish sunshine.
Guest Bloggers
The Art of Disconnecting in Ireland
In a world of smart phones and computer screens the world can feel both big and scarily small, but nothing can compare to exploring nature in all its raw beauty. We embraced this and more at the beautiful Skyros in Schull.
Lifestyle
Wales, Where all that Glitters is Gold
A culture deeply rooted in folklore and fiction, a mountainous landscape dominated by greys and greens and a language which fiercely distinguishes this Celtic nation from any other; Wales packs more beauty and personality into its compact mass of land than it would seem possible.
Lifestyle
Discover Poldark’s Cornwall
Handsome looks, dramatic lives and sweeping Cornish vistas; Poldark certainly knows how to showcase the best of Cornwall. Run away for a Cornish break to colourful moorland and turquoise waters hidden in secret, hard-to-get-to coves.
Lifestyle
The Hills are Alive
There´s something about life in the hills that truly makes one´s heart sing. We´ve searched high and low, throughout fells and valleys, to find Britain’s most inspiring cottages and hideaways. Flee the crowds and journey into the hills and far away.
Owner Chronicles
The Pursuit of Hoppiness
Recently, I spoke with The Hop Store owner Lesley to find out a little more about one of the last remaining hop farms in the UK, how they came to acquire it and more information about the local area.
Guest Bloggers
Wedding Photographer Joab Smith | The Lost Orangery
Based in Somerset yet capturing magical weddings across the UK, wedding photographer Joab Smith gives us an insight into of his most recent weddings at The Lost Orangery.
Lifestyle
Exploring Cornwall’s Hidden Corner
Often overlooked by the masses, and all the better for it, Whitsand Bay and its four miles of gorgeous golden beaches and huge cliffs spread across the southeastern coast of Cornwall.
Lifestyle
A Hundred Thousand Welcomes to Ireland
Run away to the Emerald Isle where giant cliffs fall from the sky to the sea, clouds sit heavy in mountain valleys and colourful villages dot the landscape.
Owner Chronicles
A Sanctuary of Style
Home Stay Specialist Kelly, talks to The Sanctuary owners Juliette and Tom to find out a little more about the property, local area and how their first few months with Unique Home Stays has been.
Lifestyle
Family Escapes for May Half Term Breaks
With May half term and the promise of sun just around the corner, it´s time to kick off those shoes and recline into a week of downtime. Read on to discover a collection of beautiful, exceptional escapes available for all the family.
Guest Bloggers
Relaxation and Rejuvenation
You don’t simply escape when staying in this unique home, in fact, you absorb, embrace and connect with it. Thank you Aquila for helping us find ourselves again - James McVey
Lifestyle
Go Large or Go Home
From stately manor houses to artsy party pads complete with disco balls and indoor pools, we round-up the best big houses that can be exclusively yours.
Lifestyle
Unique Wedding Trends for 2018
Tying the knot this year? We tell you six things you’ll want to know when it comes to planning your wedding day of dreams. From this year’s hottest venues to timeless décor with a difference; we’ve got your unique wedding covered.
Fare
Easter Eats
Considered one of the best delicacies in the British vegetable world, Asparagus will soon be hitting the shelves of farm shops and supermarkets across the nation. In-house chef Joe Draper gives us his tips on the spring green, just in time for its prime season!
Guest Bloggers
Wedding Photographers James and Lianne | Figtree House
Yorkshire based wedding photography duo James and Lianne share their experience capturing a beautifully rustic wedding at Figree House, set within 17 acres of rolling Cumbrian countryside.
Owner Chronicles
Unique Homestays Springtime Soirée
This week saw owners and friends of Unique Homestays come together for a merry old time at Somerset´s favourite party house, Bohème.
Travellers' Tales
A Quiet Place Somewhere
Because sometimes you just need that quiet place somewhere. To wake up on Friday morning, pack the essentials and disappear off the radar.
Owner Chronicles
The Story of Skyros
Unique Homestays talks to Lyons, the owner of Skyros in West Cork to learn a little more about his unique Irish home and why he loves the area so much.
Guest Bloggers
Photographer Owen Howells | Weddings at Florin
Professional wedding photographer Owen Howells tells us about his experience capturing weddings at Florin, our magical Welsh wedding venue near New Quay.
Lifestyle
Easter Holiday Destinations
With spring now a beacon of light on the horizon, we round up the best destinations to enjoy what´s arguably Britain´s most beautiful season. Read on to discover a unique, hand-picked collection of luxury homes available for your extraordinary Easter escapes.
Lifestyle
New Wedding Venues for 2018
Since Kensington Palace announced that the most high profile wedding of the year is due to take place this May, we’ve been royally buzzing with excitement! Here we exclusively unveil our new collection of magical wedding venues for couples looking to tie the knot in 2018 in style.
Interiors
Key Design Trends For 2018
Devon based interior designer Siobhan Hayles gives us her take on key trends to look out for in 2018, along with tips on how best they can be weaved into your home.
Guest Bloggers
The Ultimate Garden Wedding
Are you planning a luxury UK garden wedding in 2018, perhaps inspired by beautiful destinations such as the romantic Provence or the Tuscan hills?
Lifestyle
The Best Events in 2018
From art exhibitions and quirky age-old village traditions to festivals of music, literature and food, the British social calendar boasts a vast and colourful programme of events this year. We round up our favourites and showcase the very best luxury accommodation within easy reach.
Lifestyle
Holidays for Lovers
With Valentine’s Day on the horizon there is no better time to organise a special break away with the one, or few, you love. Whether a romantic couples’ retreat or country house with all your besties, this unique collection of homes promise a February 14th to remember.
Lifestyle
Bucket List Destinations For 2018
In need of a stimulating staycation? From the shimmering shores of the Lake District to the chalky cliffs of Dorset´s Jurassic Coast, you´ll find our private homes in the most extraordinary locations. We reveal our favourite destinations for an unforgettable holiday on home turf.
Travellers' Tales
Atlanta in the Autumn
I was going to stay at Atlanta, the latest property arrival to join the Unique Home Stays portfolio. Overhanging the cliff at Freathy, Atlanta flaunts a stunning seascape over the fine sands of Whitsand Bay and out onto the horizon beyond - a fine treat for a weekend away with my plus one!
Lifestyle
Holidaying in the South Hams
There’s no denying that the diverse county of Devon offers a divine sense of freedom for all who cross its craggy border. Closer than Cornwall but still far, far away from the buzz of the capital, this holiday hotspot is a haven for relaxation. We headed to one of Devon´s dreamiest destinations: the South Hams.
Lifestyle
A Unique Christmas
Fancy waking up on the 25th of December to the roaring sound of the winter ocean, a snow-capped Scottish mountain view or perhaps a mystical countryside landscape? The possibilities are endless with Unique Home Stays. We round up some homes which still have Christmas availability – but hurry! We don’t think they’ll be free for long!
Lifestyle
The Best Party Houses to Rent for New Year
Whether you’re plotting a cosy New Year just for two, or a raucous affair for a few… we’ve rounded up the best private homes available for your New Year’s celebrations.
Travellers' Tales
A Weekend at Serpentine
When my friends and I had the opportunity for a weekend getaway at Serpentine there was not a moment’s hesitation; supplies were packed, cars were fuelled, and we converged on the property from Cornwall, London, and the Midlands.
Lifestyle
The Cosiest Cottages for Winter
Blustery walks, roaring open fires and delicious hampers stuffed with seasonal goodies should be just what the doctor orders as the temperature drops. Pack your wellingtons but leave the shovel at home, there´s nowhere else you´d rather be snowed in than at these luxury holiday cottages.
Lifestyle
Night Coasteering
Newquay Activity Centre kindly invited The Unique Home Stays team to go night coasteering as a pre-Halloween treat under the shimmering moonlight.
Travellers' Tales
The Only Two People In The World
Turning off the country road and onto Wishbone’s long drive the two of us began to feel the magic happening. Rows of autumn trees offered their amber salutes as we pressed on, going through the gate, and pulling up outside the stables where a friendly nose poked inquisitively out of the window.
Interiors
Banish the Beige and Make Space for Metallics
There´s nothing wrong with playing it safe and focusing your décor scheme around neutrals. Don’t opt for any old neutrals however - be bold and banish the beige, instead choosing metallics branded the ‘new neutrals’ by the likes of Elle Décor. Read on to discover homes that have fully embraced the trend.
Owner Chronicles
Unique Home Stays Garden Party
This month we came together with owners and friends of Unique Home Stays for our annual end-of-summer gathering, hosted at the oh-so-gorgeous Valentina´s Lost Orangery.
Lifestyle
Autumnal Escapes
Here at Unique Home Stays, we love nothing more than revelling in the beauty of Britain´s ever-changing seasons. As we fall into Autumn and ponder how summer seemed to slip by so quickly, we showcase the best in British staycations this season.
Lifestyle
Our Top Five Dog-Friendly Destinations
Whilst we’re sure to miss the joys of summer (dry fur and no muddy footprints!), there’s no better time to embark on an autumnal break. We’ve rounded up our top five dog-friendly destinations to inspire your next getaway with your four-legged friends in tow.
Guest Bloggers
The Making of Ellesmera Mill
Stylist and interior designer Siobhan Hayles explains how she worked with the property owner of an enchanted old mill, sourcing furnishings from far and wide, to inject new life into this beautifully unique Devon home.
Travellers' Tales
Clapper Bridge Cottage
We have long been lovers of Cornwall but with so many unique destinations to explore, we had never found the perfect area to live... until now! Our captivating stay at Clapper Bridge Cottage changed this and now our hearts belong to The Lizard Peninsula.
Interiors
All-White Living
Baring the nation’s unwavering love for neutrals, the pared-back aesthetic has dominated the design world over recent years. From the rustically white-washed to the whimsically romantic, we explore the depths and diversity of the white-on-white home trend.
Lifestyle
Eat, Stay, Live (Like a Local)
Ditch the well-worn tourist trail and embrace life like a local when you stay with Unique Home Stays by following our top tips to ensure you’re fully immersed in Britain’s hidden beauty.
Lifestyle
Our Top Five Romantic Boltholes For Two
Today marks the start of Re-kindle Romance Week and with Valentine´s Day a forgotten six months ago, what better reason to plot a romantic escape for two? Rediscover each other and relish the excitement that an indulgent couples´ escape can bring.
Fare
Britain´s Best Holiday Homes for Foodies
We round-up four unique self-catering homes with the best kitchens for foodies. From sleek and sophisticated to romantically rustic, these luxury kitchens are anything but kitsch.
Interiors
Interiors in Bloom
As well as being ultra-feminine, floral prints are a fine way to bring the great British outdoors in. Injecting the season’s blooms into your interior scheme can create an air of summer romance all year round. These homes show how flower power interiors are done best.
Travellers' Tales
The Living is Easy
If you could imagine a quaint English village nestled on the banks of a Swallows and Amazon-esque river then you would have this little slice of paradise summed up perfectly. The creek upon which Beauport sits ebbs away at low tide revealing a walkway across to neighbouring Noss Mayo, making this the most wonderful destination for my recent staycation.
Lifestyle
Instagrammable Escapes
Just like promenading along seaside boulevards in the Victorian times, online posing is the sport of this decade. To keep all your social media followers swooning over your holiday snaps, we’ve hand-picked the most photogenic escapes for this summer.
Lifestyle
Top 10 Things to do near The Lizard
From hidden coves to tranquil gardens and rumbustious affairs, we´ve put together our top 10 things to do when holidaying near the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall.
Lifestyle
Dive into Summer
With spring well into your step, dive into the new season with a splash by organising a staycation at a luxury holiday home with swimming pool this summer.
Lifestyle
Horticultural Homes
With RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017 in full swing, we have lost ourselves ogling at the colourful explosion of darling dahlias, carefully curated clematis and edible kitchen gardens. Here we round up the Unique Home Stays for garden loves, affording you the chance to enjoy a little slice of the UK´s best green spaces too.
Lifestyle
Going Solo
It doesn’t have to be a gap year or sabbatical, a long weekend or short break can be enough to reset and recharge. Going solo often means a little self-discovery too – what will you pick on the menu with no fear of potential food envy? What radio station will you choose to sing along to on your journey?
Guest Bloggers
Celtic and Co Spring 2017 Shoot at Whimplestone
Celtic & Co shoot their beautiful Spring 2017 collection at Whimplestone in the verdant Tamar Valley.
Interiors
Sitting Pretty
The occasional chair: as the name suggests, not an entirely essential home furnishing. But if there’s one piece that can transform a living space from standard to statement then it’s one of these. Here’s a selection of Unique Home Stays showing how it’s done best.
Lifestyle
The Best British Homestays with Hot Tubs
Unique Home Stays offer the most rejuvenating breaks imaginable in beautiful locations stretching from the Scottish Highlands right down to the Cornish coast. We’ve picked ten tantalising homestays with hot tubs, so plot your unique escape to get your hot tub fix!
Travellers' Tales
The House With The Round Window
Over four years ago I was looking on Pinterest for an idea about decorating and came across a photo of a bedroom with crisp white sheets and a view of the blue ocean through a perfect round window. I fell in love and that photo became my screen saver for years.
Fare
Farm Shop Fodder
You will often find the guys and gals from Unique HQ exploring the country in search of the best farm fodder so we’re ‘in the know’ when our guests want advice on stocking up for their self-catering holidays - it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it! We’ve rounded up our favourites so you don’t miss out.
Interiors
Hero Headboards
Statement headboards play a key feature in today’s most impressive bedrooms, adding an undeniable element of excitement to any sleeping space. Here we showcase the most daring, seductive and OTT beds on the Unique Home Stays portfolio.
Lifestyle
Hello Spring
With Christmas a distant memory, hedgerows peppered with snow drops and the sight of lambs frolicking in the fields beyond, this can only mean one thing – winter is finally over! After what feels like an age of icy windscreens, numb toes and lots of puddle-dodging, spring is upon us and we couldn’t be happier.
Travellers' Tales
Holidaying on Home Turf
Flanked by flower-clad cliffs and crooked fisherman’s cottages, Boscastle is impossibly photogenic. There’s always been a ‘magic’ about the village. Having grown up here as a child, when Aphrodite joined the portfolio it was the most perfect excuse to visit my old haunt.
Guest Bloggers
The Bulrushes
Interior Designer Siobhan Hayles explains the unusual inspiration behind our old flour mill´s recent makeover, in the latest striking Unique Home Stays interiors revamp.
Lifestyle
Be Our Guest! Stay in this Exclusive Beauty and The Beast-Style Castle
The live action release of Disney’s Beauty and The Beast will be hitting theatres on March 17th, but it´s not the talking candelabras that’s captured our attention, it´s that wondrous castle in all its majesty that makes this particular romance an unforgettable tale, as old as time.
Interiors
Can You Spot the Changes in our Moontide Makeover House Tour?
Here at Unique Home Stays we love nothing more than a dazzling interiors revival. This month there was a flurry of excitement when the new photographs of one of our favourite luxury lovenests Moontide arrived. Join us for a house tour of the Moontide makeover.
Travellers' Tales
Family Time at Infinity
After a busy festive season we needed a break! As soon as January was upon us, we decided on a family holiday to Cornwall - always our destination of choice. Yes, it´s lovely to bask on the beach and eat as much ice cream as possible, but visiting outside the peak months meant there were quite different delights to uncover.
Lifestyle
A Unique Valentine´s Day
There is one particularly auspicious, heart-fluttering day that leaps from our calendar this month; The 14th of February is the day to celebrate love, so dare we ask what you’ve got planned? Why not whisk your beloved beau away for a little luxury this year?
Interiors
Spring Greens
As the key trends for 2017 are announced to the nation, there´s none stirring quite the amount of interest in the interior design world as that of Pantone´s Colour Of The Year. We take a look at our luxury homestays with greenery-inspired interiors, giving you the opportunity to stay in the UK´s most on-trend homes this year.
Lifestyle
2017 Bucket List
With 2017 being predicted to be “the year of self-love”, there’s no better way to embrace the top trend than with the self-gift of travel. We’ve compiled a list of the UK’s top five destinations for 2017 so whether you’re a solo traveller, luxury-loving couple or adrenaline-fuelled family, we’ve got your bucket list covered.
Owner Chronicles
Home Stay Specialist Kelly Gets to Know Galleon
Kelly caught up with Nikki, the owner of luxury homestay Galleon to find out a little more about her home and inspiration behind the retro coastal interiors.
Travellers' Tales
From The Vamps to The Wilds
Nestled up in the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons is the most delectable barn conversion offering a two bed getaway haven.
Guest Bloggers
Photographer Jessica Raphael | Weddings at The Lost Orangery
We invited professional Lifestyle photographer Jessica Raphael to tell us about her time shooting for Polly and Rob´s wedding at The Lost Orangery.
Lifestyle
Unique Wedding Venues for 2017
Did you get a sparkly diamond ring this Valentine´s Day? Picking your special venue is the first step to creating a truly unique occasion. Here is our pick of the most romantic wedding venues the UK has on offer - imagine the photographs!
Interiors
Behind The Scenes: Styling For Christmas
That wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, when we gather with loved ones to enjoy laughter and good food. It’s a time for family traditions and memory making, so let’s keep things simple to ensure you don’t get your tinsel in a tangle! Styling for Christmas really doesn’t need to be complicated.
Lifestyle
Wandering Wild
The greater the wilderness, the greater the revelations. Being in the back of beyond allows us to loosen the ties that bind us to the familiar world and rediscover the simple pleasures in life. Let these remote retreats inspire your next great escape, into the wild.
Lifestyle
The Unique Gift Guide
Whoever you are treating this Christmas, give the gift of time together and the promise of new memories with loved ones. The Unique Home Stays gift voucher allows the lucky recipient to pick the escape of their dreams.
Travellers' Tales
A Jolly Weekend In the Country
We chose Bartholomew in Tresham for a short weekend stay earlier this Autumn, and we had the most wonderful time. The house and the location was everything we could have hoped for and more.
Lifestyle
Cosy Pre-Christmas Escapes for Two
The penultimate month is upon us! The clocks have turned back, we’re adjusting to the reality that 6pm bears resemblance to 10pm and what seems to have been a lengthy decent to Christmas has suddenly gained momentum, leaving us to ask the question - mid-November, how did you get here so fast?
Lifestyle
Nature´s Call to Get Cosy
As the autumnal darkness gently creeps in and the air turns cooler, there’s only one comfort that keeps me from booking a six month plane journey to finer climates and that’s my tradition of creating a warm cosy nest - safely burrowed indoors.
Travellers' Tales
Spellbinding Charity
Hot tubs at dusk, snooker and movies into the evenings, good sounds, lounging around the fire enjoying convivial meals at the table. Everyone who stayed was reluctant to leave, all having completely fallen in love with the calm grandeur of the setting and Charity itself.
Travellers' Tales
Three Have Fun in the Welsh Wilds
Our Friday afternoon arrival at The Wilds was full of eager anticipation, as we climbed the narrow mountain road before following the byway to the house, shimmering in the autumn twilight within the folds of the mountains, we had finally reached the Welsh wilderness.
Travellers' Tales
A Wonderful Stay At Mackerel Skies
We enjoyed a wonderful stay at Mackerel Skies in July. This holiday home was truly unique and proved to be our little oasis near the sea.
Interiors
In-Vogue Homestays
To celebrate the centenary of the fashion bible, we’ve collated a selection of the most ‘Vogueish’ homestays on the Unique Home Stays portfolio. From a rustic, peacock-themed barn conversion to an orangery embellished with dripping chandeliers and lemon trees, take a look inside some of the UK’s most decadently stylish private homes.
Lifestyle
Unique Home Stays Turns 15!
Last weekend we celebrated Unique Home Stays´ 15th birthday, which topped off a stellar three months for the business. Staff and owners gathered for a merry evening of live music, canapés and Prosecco on tap.
Guest Bloggers
6 Artful Ways to Create Inspirational Spaces
So, you’ve found and renovated the perfect retreat, in the most beautiful place. It’s time to think about adding that extra little ‘bit of magic’ to share with those lucky enough to step inside. Here’s a few artful pointers to help give your prize home that final flourish of style…
Guest Bloggers
Behind The Scenes with Celtic and Co at Firefly
Shooting an Autumn catalogue during Spring, is always a challenge for us at Celtic. Not only can the weather can be unpredictable and changeable here in Cornwall - but everything about the location of the shoot needs to scream of the season we are trying to emulate, Firefly by Unique Home Stays was the perfect fit.
Guest Bloggers
Delphin | A Scandi Style Cornish Coastal Hideaway
“I’m sure it’s along here somewhere” I reassured my husband as we retraced our route back down the tiny Cornish cliff top lane we’d just driven along, because the first thing that strikes you on arriving at Delphin, is just how incredibly private it is.
Travellers' Tales
A Jolly English Seaside Holiday
Never would I have thought I´d have the opportunity to stay in a WW2 guard tower but here I was, holidaying in one of the UK´s most unique and historical homes with my partner, and right on the seafront. How lucky we were!
Travellers' Tales
Mrs Duck and a Crayfish
You really can’t believe you are staying on an island, but that is exactly what you find when you arrive at Filly Island. It’s located in South Cerney; a truly picture perfect village set in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Travellers' Tales
An Ode to The British Countryside
Following the referendum, the question of British Identity has been brought into focus, my weekend homestay in the glorious British Countryside was the perfect staycation, an opportunity to reconnect with the motherland, all from the comfort and luxury of a Cornish stone barn, aptly titled Somerby.
Lifestyle
Unique Surf Day
Despite our prim and preppy appearances, we like to think we’re quite the team of action women here at Unique Home Stays. So when Cornish Wave invited for some expert surf tuition (all in the name of guest recommendations), we quite literally jumped at the chance.
Lifestyle
What Makes A Unique Home Stay
It’s no news that we pride ourselves on bringing you the most distinctive homes that the UK has on offer, but what exactly comprises a unique home stay?
Lifestyle
The UK´s Top Ten Festivals Not To Be Missed
Ah, summer: the season of cocktail parties, royal regattas, and what Britain does best in my opinion – music festivals.
Owner Chronicles
Sugar Fame and African Style: Stories of Goldhorn Manor
Once leased to Colonel Lyle (of Golden Syrup fame) for £1 per annum, our gorgeous Goldhorn Manor has a fascinating and colourful history. We stole a moment with owner Julia, who told us a little more about her very unique home.
Travellers' Tales
Solving The Riddle
The Riddle in the idyllic Dartmoor village of North Bovey is quite simply the most perfect thatched cottage. As I drove to my home for the weekend I couldn’t wait to explore every nook and cranny...
Interiors
A Bohemian Revival
We´ve collated a collection of our most boho-chic homes to inspire your inner wanderer, adventurer, vagabond or gypsetter. Let us take you a luxury Bohemian adventure you won’t ever want to leave.
Guest Bloggers
An Intimate Wedding at The Lost Orangery
I was thrilled when Candice contacted me about arranging the wedding flowers for her special day which took place at The Lost Orangery.
Owner Chronicles
Fascinating Lives of Incredibly Interesting People
Our unique home owners are an enthralling collection of inspirational individuals who harbour the most fascinating stories and backgrounds.
Travellers' Tales
A Cultured Weekend at Hummingbird House
Five of us arrived on a glorious sunny May afternoon at the gates of Hummingbird House – a quick call on the buzzer and the wooden gates swung opened to reveal a stunning wisteria-clad Wealden farmhouse in the most glorious of settings
Fare
Viva la Wild Garlic!!
Spring is officially here in the South West and our in-house chef Sam Rom couldn´t think of a better place to live. Viva la wild garlic!!
Travellers' Tales
A Slice of Heaven in Dartmoor
As soon as I arrived it was easy to tell that Sojourn was designed with pure relaxation in mind, the owners had everything covered down to the smallest details and I could not wait to slip into luxury holiday mode.
Travellers' Tales
A Place for Friends to Reconnect and Rejuvenate
Phillimores near Kingsbridge was the perfect place for friends to reconnect and rejuvenate
Guest Bloggers
Four Go To Woolacombe
The house was divine. Built in the 1930s, its position overlooking Woolacombe Bay was breathtaking. "Let´s explore!" exclaimed Juliana, as she turned the key in the lock and dashed down the hallway.
Guest Bloggers
Coco Wolf Shoot at The Lost Orangery
In a recent collaboration with Holland and Sherry, my brief was to find a property that wasn´t too far from London, had beautiful gardens, backdrops, photo opportunities and a place to stay. The Lost Orangery ticked all of the boxes and more.
Owner Chronicles
Made By Mouse
We ask Mouse why she fell in love with this little island in the heart of the Cotswolds and what inspired the unique interiors of her kooky cottage Filly Island.
Lifestyle
Happy Birthday Ma´am!
To celebrate the Queen´s 90th birthday, we explore beautiful private homes set in extraordinary locations where guests can experience what it’s like to live just like a queen (or king!).
Travellers' Tales
1930´s Dreaming
My return to work after the Easter Bank Holiday weekend was made somewhat sweeter on Friday when I was presented with the ultimate treat – a short break at The Limit in Holywell Bay! The Limit is a short 15 minute drive from our countryside offices and having previously only seen pictures of this quirky 1930’s home, I was really intrigued to see it in the flesh.
Travellers' Tales
Escape From The City
A weekend away at The Restoratory with friends was exactly what I needed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Coming down from London, we were on what felt like our own private beach in less than two hours – minus the hassle of airports and security queues.
Interiors
Arts and Crafts
We have lusted over the interiors at The Butlery and The Restoratory since they joined the Unique Home Stays portfolio three years ago. We recently grabbed a moment to chat with the owner and busy mum of two, Francesca, who told us a little more about the inspirations behind her exquisite renovation.
Travellers' Tales
A Luxury Break at Libertine
Since joining Unique Home Stays, Libertine was one of those properties that caught my eye right from day one with its wonderful interiors and brilliant location. So I was over the moon when I was invited to stay for a couple of nights!
Fare
The Top Five Unique Places for Afternoon Tea in the UK
Being advocates of all that is unique, we set ourselves the task of finding you the most unusual and downright spectacular places to enjoy afternoon tea in the UK and are delighted to present our findings
Guest Bloggers
Twins That Travel visit Cornwall
This spring we invited popular travel blogging duo Twins That Travel to spend a cosy weekend in Cornwall. Just over four hours from London, with perfect hosts and a cosy wood burner for post-beach walks, what better place to match them to than The Little Charcuterie? Laura tells us all about her adventure.
Interiors
Alice in Scandiland
Cornwall is a pretty inspiring place to live with the moorland, coast and woodlands, three totally different worlds, all within easy reach of one another.
Travellers' Tales
Magical Millook
I fell in love with The Beach Hut the first time I visited Millook back in 2013, with its small, dark pebbled cove sheltering below the geometric rock formations, it seemed other-worldy! Little did I know I would get the chance to stay myself one day very soon.
Interiors
Interiors to Knock Your Wellies Off
Tall, stylish and handsome, Burdock Fox is certainly a head turner. Owner of home interiors brand Rascal & Roses Verity Coleman explains how she gave this cool Castle Combe cottage a contemporary country look.
Fare
Wonders of Whitstable
This trendy seaside town on the Kent coast has long been a hot spot for Londoners looking for a weekend away without having to stray too far from the comforts of the city. Here we explore the wonders of Whitstable!
Owner Chronicles
The Story of Smuggler’s Cottage
Owner of Smuggler’s Cottage, Simon, purchased the cottage following a stay with Unique Home Stays and having utterly fallen in love with Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsular. We chatted with Simon about how he found his dream home-from-home and why he decided to open its doors for others to enjoy.
Lifestyle
Top Ten UK Surf Breaks
Surf´s up! We round up ten top UK surf breaks and showcase the best luxury coastal retreats which will provide that much needed R&R after a day riding the waves.
Guest Bloggers
Our Stay at The Honey Pot
I found this cottage on Unique Home Stays´ ´romantic hideaways for 2´ tab and instantly fell in love with The Honey Pot. It was picture perfect; so English, so adorable and so very Cotswolds.
Guest Bloggers
Isle of Ewe Stardust
‘I love you’ rolls off the tongue almost by accident here; I can certainly recommend Stardust as the ideal destination to spend the days after your wedding, reminiscing, reflecting, relaxing in the perfectly placed hot tub, essentially wallowing in each other whilst the natural beauty of the west coast of Scotland lulls you back to normality. ‘Isle of Ewe’ Stardust ;-)
Fare
Cornish Charcuterie
When it comes to creating Unique Home Stays’ luxury welcome hampers, we hand-pick the best products on the market so that we can make our guests feel at home with a selection of the UK’s finest foodstuffs. We spoke to Kate from one of our longest running product providers, Cornish Charcuterie, to see what makes their products so special.
Interiors
Peacockish Interiors
We talk to Siobhan Hayles, interior designer and owner of Peacock Blue, on the unique design and renovation process behind her exquisite Dartmoor holiday home.
Guest Bloggers
A Unique Property Finding Service
Whether you dream of owning a place where you and your family can escape the routine of the everyday, or are charmed by the idea of owning a property which can earn you a healthy second income, many of us have pondered the possibility of owning a second home.
Travellers' Tales
Where My Girlfriend Agreed to Marry Me...
The rich spicy sweet scent of rose petals with their varying hues and silky nap adorned the floors. The glasses on the table fizzed delightfully and the fire glowed hot, representing our hearts content and warm within.
Travellers' Tales
A Perfect Family Weekend in Porthcurno
We parked up on the driveway and stepped through the white double French doors into the light, bright and beautifully finished home. The children excitedly ran off to decide who was going to get top bunk!
Travellers' Tales
Daydreaming
One thing I love about Unique Home Stays properties is that they each have the ability to make you feel utterly at ease, like the warm, welcoming homes of old family friends. Daydreamer was no exception!
Travellers' Tales
Little Charcuterie; a Writer´s Retreat
Some of the greatest writers always talk about the importance of having a space to write. A sanctuary where they can create fantasy worlds through their words with no interruptions...
Travellers' Tales
Our Firefly Experience
Having already stated our live feedback in the leather bound log book nestled in the bureau in the living room, we also wanted to write you this. Having provided daily support for the most iconic and established central London Hotels for some time now, we tell you this without agenda.
Travellers' Tales
Mum’s Fabulous 50th at Mackerel Skies
When it came to organizing a weekend away for Mum’s 50th Birthday, we decided staying close to home would mean more time for relaxation and celebration. Our stay at Mackerel Skies was so wonderful, it made us realise that you don’t have to be a million miles from home to feel as though you are.
Travellers' Tales
A Foodie Fall Escape
This fall we wanted a large holiday house close to the coast. Close proximity to fresh scones, clotted cream and open countryside with plenty of muddy puddles for the children and dogs were a must. So with gorgeous bathrooms for post-walk pampering and a real fire to warm up by, Camassia Farmhouse ticked all the boxes.
Travellers' Tales
A Dose of Vitamin Sea at Tempest
Walking inside Tempest took my breath away, resting on the cliff edge, the view was completely unbroken and the ocean unfolded in front of us. Tina kindly provided homemade scones with jam and clotted cream - and I couldn´t have thought of a better way to kick off a weekend in Cornwall!
Travellers' Tales
Baby´s First Holiday
Searching for a place which combines the glamour and luxury of a boutique hotel with a new found need for an extra bedroom for a small person? We found it here at The Restoratory.
Travellers' Tales
A Heart-Stirring Luxury Welsh Hideaway
Our time in Wales couldn’t have been more relaxing, our every need was catered for and we were left wanting for nothing.
Travellers' Tales
On The Edge of a Winter Wonderland
We knew we´d chosen the perfect place to celebrate our recent engagement as soon as we hit those ´forgotten´ rugged cliffs of Whitsand Bay. We bumbled down a little coast path and a circular window reflecting patterns of the sea and sky caught my eye... we smiled at one another knowing we had arrived at The Edge.
Travellers' Tales
A Summer Engagement at Twelve Penny Barn
My partner and I booked Twelve Penny Barn to celebrate our 10 year anniversary together. After a weekend of coastal castles, sea swimming and Wimbledon finals by the fire, little did I know what was in store for my last evening...
Travellers' Tales
Halcyon Days at Goldhorn
Driving through the famous Barrington Court Estate as the day drew to a close, the late sun etched a dazzling golden outline of the ancient buildings into the skyline and I could tell that what awaited us at the end of this long sweeping driveway would be something quite special...
Travellers' Tales
Relaxing at Swallowtails
Would I recommend a stay at Swallowtails? I would like to say absolutely not and keep it as a secret to myself but that is selfish so the answer is a big yes, absolutely, no hesitation, a must!
Travellers' Tales
A Serene Dream
It is impossible not to notice the magic that is present in this delightful cottage situated right by the water’s edge. The cottage is a sensory delight, like taking wonderful mouthfuls of delicious food that bring alive all the senses. Beauport Cottage was everything I had hoped for, with special memories forever in my heart.
Travellers' Tales
Waterstone Barn
I was visiting Waterstone Barn with my mum and hoped it would be the perfect place to spend some time together and really unwind.
Owner Chronicles
Our Highland Castaway
After a quarter of a decade spent living in Cornwall, Nigel and Lou Middleton decided they wanted a change. It was the pull of the real authentic wilderness and majestic natural beauty that saw them head to the Scottish Highlands to discover Castaway.
Travellers' Tales
Bluebell Grey
When the owner of Bluebell Grey went to check their treasured guest book, inside they found an endearing acrostic poem which had been written by a rather talented visitor…
Travellers' Tales
My Great British Staycation at Pixie Nook
In searching for something different and wanting to combine local exploration with a comfortable weekend break, I happened upon Unique Home Stays. Like many travel secrets, bountiful once discovered, I had no idea there are an infinite array of rental properties in all shapes and sizes, scattered across the UK.
Travellers' Tales
An Invitation I Could Not Refuse
When the owner of Pelsham Manor sent me an invitation to stay at The Madison, I simply could not refuse. It was a gloomy November morning, I swung my chair around to ask my fellow romanticist and ‘froleague’ Charlotte if she’d like to join me for a long weekend away in the country!
Travellers' Tales
Wedding Planning at Aphrodite
Not knowing what to get my sister for an engagement present, I booked Aphrodite on a whim. I knew just how frenzied she would be in the lead up to the big day and thought a peaceful break at this rural retreat would allow us to indulge in some rest and relaxation before the wedding mania began!
Travellers' Tales
Kingfishers and Quality Time at Colenso House
From the moment we arrived at Colenso House in Cornwall we were enchanted - which is somewhat of a feat for two world-weary parents and two twenty-something daughters (not to mention the two dogs)! We walked across the little bridge with the stream running underneath and it was like walking into a fairytale.
Travellers' Tales
Once Upon a Honeymoon Time
The journey into Cornwall by train was a lovely experience; endless coastline and dramatic seascapes built up the suspense. Was Mousehole and our little holiday cottage going to be everything we wanted it to be in a magical honeymoon?
Travellers' Tales
Time Out at The Beach Hut in Cornwall
Travelling has always been a big part of my life but since we welcomed our new family member (Errol the Golden Retriever) it has been much harder to pack up and fly somewhere, so this time I chose The Beach Hut in Cornwall.
Travellers' Tales
Lovely Loventor
Little Loventor started life as an orangery in Georgian times, but has undergone a recent transformation into a luxury self-catering retreat welcoming it’s very first guests- and I was lucky enough to be one of them!
Travellers' Tales
Babymoon at Stardust
I took my partner and baby bump on a journey from the tip of England’s toe right up to the Western Highlands of Scotland, to a place which felt like the gateway to the edge of the world...
Travellers' Tales
The Beach Hut Weekend With My Sister
Weaving down the country lanes on a dusky spring evening with my sister and puppy Ted on board, we knew instantly when we’d found the secret spot.
Travellers' Tales
Unique Affiliation with Jamie Oliver´s Fifteen Cornwall Restaurant, Watergate Bay
Luxury accommodation provider Unique Home Stays have teamed up with Fifteen Cornwall in Watergate Bay, to create the tempting High Life Romance Package to inspire lovebirds looking for a very special valentine´s break away.
Travellers' Tales
The Magical Secret Holt
The Magical Secret Holt, The owl hoots, whispering trees and the stars viewed through the bedroom skylight took us back to a time when life was simple and we enjoyed wild camping, yet the mod cons and home comforts made us not want to leave the blissful sanctuary...
Travellers' Tales
Cute As A Button
Button Barn was a truly romantic escape and made our anniversary a very special celebration. The barn is positioned in an ideal location in Warwickshire with a multitude of historical, cultural and entertaining attractions close by.
Travellers' Tales
The Island Hideaway
In a peaceful area of the garden I used to dream about building a special place to retreat to, to read or paint or just to be. Inspired by a childhood love of beach huts, I set about designing what became the summerhouse...
Travellers' Tales
Cornwall with Caroline Quentin
Cornwall with Caroline Quentin tv show, following the huge success of the first episode, luxury accommodation provider Unique Home Stays is set to make a return to the small screen in the second series of Cornwall with Caroline Quentin
Travellers' Tales
The Bench
There is something special about a holiday break when you park the car on arrival and do not restart it until it is time to leave one week later. And so it was when we stayed at The Old Pilchard Press in Mousehole during September 2012.
Travellers' Tales
(Out of) Season´s Greetings
Head towards the rugged coastline of the iconic Lizard Peninsula, towards the point where the fields meet the sea and you’re bound to find a charming fishing village nestled in a hidden cove or corner of a sweeping bay.
Travellers' Tales
The Apple Store
“Wouldn’t you rather go somewhere else? Some place... warm? Sunny?” That’s what most people said when I told them my husband and I were going on holiday. In England. In October. “Oh, but the rain!” they said.
Travellers' Tales
The Beach Hut
It was our honeymoon; we had spent the first week in New York staying in mid-town Manhattan. After 22 hours of travelling by bus, plane, train, taxi and car we arrived at The Beach Hut for our second week.
Travellers' Tales
The Call of the Sea
To avoid the Summer throng of holiday makers in England means planning a holiday after the schools have returned and putting a date in the diary long after any chance of the sun appearing has passed.....we did both....by choosing late September
Travellers' Tales
Unique Home Stays Wins First Prize
Luxury holiday accommodation specialist Unique Home Stays is awarded first prize for ‘Best Non-Agricultural Trade Stand’ at the Royal Cornwall Show 2012.
Travellers' Tales
Unique Home Stays To Feature in New Primetime TV Documentary on ITV
Caroline Quentin presents ITV1 prime time show about Cornwall, featuring luxury accommodation provider Unique Home Stays. Cornwall show set to air on ITV1
Travellers' Tales
Unique Home Stays Celebrates its Tenth Anniversary in Style
To mark the milestone, the company is throwing an autumnal rustic feast on 7th October 2011 at one of its exclusive unique country manor houses in Cornwall. Over 100 people, including staff, property owners and local press will attend the birthday bash which will feature live Celtic music and a traditional Cornish hog roast inside a tipi tent.
Travellers' Tales
Unique Home Stays to star in new primetime TV documentary
Luxury accommodation provider Unique Home Stays is set to become a star of the small screen after being chosen to take part in a brand new eight part observational documentary.
