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Guest Bloggers

We love to hear from like-minded souls and be inspired by their creativity and adventures. Makers and wordsmiths join here via a love of language, design and all things unique.

Designer insider: Seamus ShanksDesigner insider: Seamus Shanks

Guest Bloggers

Designer insider: Seamus Shanks

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This month, we´re celebrating our architectural masterpieces and masterminds. Here, architect and owner of properties Elemental and Usonia, Seamus Shanks, welcomes us into his world.

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More from Guest Bloggers

Adventures in the Beacons

Adventures in the Beacons

This month, in celebration of Britain´s finest peaks, we head to Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) to understand how action-packed escapes are a must for all that venture here.

10th July 2023 by Hannah

Island makers: Harris Tweed

Island makers: Harris Tweed

This month, we´re spotlighting our incredible isles and those lucky enough to call them home. Here, we speak with a well-known member of the Harris Tweed weaving family, Catherine Campbell, about the material´s iconic journey from its early island days to global acclaim.

17th April 2023 by Hannah

Bring the outside in: transform your home for spring

Bring the outside in: transform your home for spring

As the first signs of spring begin to emerge, we get ready to welcome the new season. Here, flower grower and floral designer Emily from 3acre Blooms shares how to bring a touch of spring to your home.

15th March 2023 by Emily

The forgotten living space: Pollyanna Wilkinson on making your garden an extension to your home

The forgotten living space: Pollyanna Wilkinson on making your garden an extension to your home

Multi-award-winning garden designer Pollyanna Wilkinson shares her tips on how to make your garden an extension to your home this summer.

11th July 2022 by Pollyanna

An intimate Cheshire wedding doused in vintage style

An intimate Cheshire wedding doused in vintage style

Floral designer and venue stylist Hannah Shaw shares inspiration for an intimate vintage-style wedding at dream country wedding venue, Scarlet Hall.

6th June 2022 by Hannah

A naturally styled Christmas

A naturally styled Christmas

Sustainable floral designer and author Bex Partridge shares her tips on decorating for Christmas using natural materials, as seen in Unique Homestays´ cottage near the Cornish coast, The Hatch.

11th November 2021 by Bex

Why every booking with Unique Homestays counts

Why every booking with Unique Homestays counts

Kate Barclay from Rewilding Britain explains why and how rewilding is so necessary to safeguard our planet for future generations.

26th August 2021 by Kate

Top tips on creating a luxury bathing experience at home

Top tips on creating a luxury bathing experience at home

Leading bath makers William Holland share their top tips on creating a luxury bathing experience without ever needing to leave the comfort of home.

18th August 2021 by William Holland

A surprise proposal at The Chalk House

A surprise proposal at The Chalk House

Wedding planner Fern Godfrey shares her latest collaboration for a surprise proposal at The Chalk House.

24th June 2021 by Fern

JoJo Maman Bébé at Bohéme

JoJo Maman Bébé at Bohéme

With an environmentally conscious edge and a quirky French flair, Bohéme was a match made in heaven when it came to finding a shoot location for JoJo Maman Bébé´s new collection.

28th April 2021 by Francesca

Meet the maker: Gstee

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.

24th March 2021 by Robyn

Romantic rituals

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.

18th February 2021 by Ellea

Wedding styling in 2021: the guide to small but impactful celebrations

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.

27th January 2021 by Tori

Cosy up a space for winter with French Connection

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.

14th December 2020 by Catharine

Four festive floral ideas for your home this Christmas

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.

18th November 2020 by Gemma

Picture-perfect seclusion

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.

10th September 2020 by Daniel

Artist in residence: Sara Reed

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.

31st July 2020 by Francesca

Julita London Bride

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.

7th July 2020 by Francesca

Meet the artists behind the UK´s creative hub

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.

22nd May 2020 by Tori

Meet the maker: Zee van Gils

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.

16th April 2020 by Tori

The Cornish Grazing Co. Visits Nare´s Yard

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.

20th February 2020 by Samantha

The Life of a Modern Digital Nomad

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.

10th February 2020 by Francesca

An Intimate Wedding at Florin

An Intimate Wedding at Florin

Wedding photographer Owen Howells shares his experience shooting at Florin, a stunning Welsh manor house and unique wedding venue.

13th January 2020 by Owen

Birthday Celebrations at The Palladian

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.

17th December 2019 by Alex

A Magic Moment at Northcott Beach House

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.

29th August 2019 by Andrea

Honeymooning by the sea

Honeymooning by the sea

Photographer Lloyd Evans and his new wife find post-wedding bliss at a Scandinavian-style beach house in Porthleven, Cornwall.

15th August 2019 by Lloyd

Meet The Maker – East London Parasols

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.

27th June 2019 by Francesca

Baby on Board

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.

29th May 2019 by Tori

A Relaxing Reading Retreat at Scarlet Hall

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.

12th March 2019 by Katy

A Winter Weekend at Libertine

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.

14th November 2018 by Eleanor

A Whimsical Elopement Wedding

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.

26th October 2018 by Fern

Milly in the Moontide

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.

5th September 2018 by Milly

Art for Homes

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.

6th August 2018 by Jess

The Art of Disconnecting in Ireland

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.

13th July 2018 by Ebony

Wedding Photographer Joab Smith | The Lost Orangery

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.

18th May 2018 by Joab

Relaxation and Rejuvenation

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

2nd April 2018 by James

Wedding Photographers James and Lianne | Figtree House

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.

14th March 2018 by James and Lianne

Photographer Owen Howells | Weddings at Florin

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.

14th February 2018 by Owen

The Ultimate Garden Wedding

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?

16th January 2018 by Christina

The Making of Ellesmera Mill

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.

4th September 2017 by Siobhan

Celtic and Co Spring 2017 Shoot at Whimplestone

Celtic and Co Spring 2017 Shoot at Whimplestone

Celtic & Co shoot their beautiful Spring 2017 collection at Whimplestone in the verdant Tamar Valley.

10th May 2017 by Emma

The Bulrushes

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.

8th March 2017 by Siobhan

Photographer Jessica Raphael | Weddings at The Lost Orangery

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.

5th January 2017 by Jessica

6 Artful Ways to Create Inspirational Spaces

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…

26th September 2016 by Jen

Behind The Scenes with Celtic and Co at Firefly

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.

31st August 2016 by Emma

Delphin | A Scandi Style Cornish Coastal Hideaway

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.

15th August 2016 by Helen

An Intimate Wedding at The Lost Orangery

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.

31st May 2016 by Jill

Four Go To Woolacombe

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.

5th May 2016 by Trish

Coco Wolf Shoot at The Lost Orangery

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.

28th April 2016 by Rebecca

Twins That Travel visit Cornwall

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.

11th March 2016 by Laura

Our Stay at The Honey Pot

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.

21st January 2016 by Rebecca

Isle of Ewe Stardust

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 ;-)

19th January 2016 by Zena

A Unique Property Finding Service

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.

11th January 2016 by Claire

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