Owner Chronicles
With intriguing histories woven all throughout the very fabric of their beautiful homes, get to know our Unique home owners in this collection of their own personally written chronicles.
More from Owner Chronicles
Into the woods
What better summer house than this - a secret woodland hideaway near Cornwall’s glorious Helford estuary. Here, we speak with the proud owners lucky enough to call it home.
Celestial living in the Welsh mountains
Divine timing came into play when owner Ceri and her husband were seeking a mountain hideaway in the Beacons. Here, we hear the magical story of their celestial Welsh home.
Family farmhouse to maximalist manor: Five decades at Gulliver’s Hall
Speaking to property owners Martin and Kate, in our latest chronicle we hear all about what it’s been like calling the grand and glamorous Gulliver’s Hall home for the past 56 years.
The culture club
In our latest chronicle, we speak with property owner Monty Whitebloom about how his eccentric Cornish home acts as a retrospective of the colourful life he has lived.
A life of new heights on a quiet Cornish cliffside
Ukiyo (meaning “floating world” in Japanese) denotes the concept of living in the moment. In our latest owner chronicle, we speak with property owner Simon about how his modernist cliffside hideaway embodies its namesake.
A fairytale of their own: Once upon a time at Charlotte’s Folly
In a land far away, amidst the glorious green acres of the Bradford Estates in Shropshire, resides the prettiest-in-pink cottage you ever did see. In our latest chronicle, its owner tells us just what life is like living in a fairytale of their own.
From new build to ocean oasis; a life on the wild Cornish coast
In our latest owner chronicle, we head down to Cornwall’s charming coastal village of Gwithian to speak with owner, Melanie, about her modern, chic beach pad; Senara. Expect Cornish magic and endless views over Godrevy and St Ives.
Off-grid living in Wales´ Cambrian Mountains
On the hunt for a remote and unspoilt location, James and Raffaella were determined to find a spot where "the wilderness was both the frame and the view": enter Tincture, an off-grid antidote to the everyday.
From coast to coast
From approaching The Signal Station through fields full of wildflowers to stumbling upon their Isle of Harris hideaway during a coffee stop, Anna and James share their owner story.
A family affair at The Sculptor´s Gardens
A topiary pyramid avenue, crooked timber beams and secret gardens dotted with flowers; we speak to owner Alex to find out what he loves so much about his property.
A new life for the Barnes family at Anthology Farm
The idea of renovating a house while running a 500-acre farm and raising young children would make many people want to run for the hills. But not this family.
Paradise found in South Devon
Once the unique home of society bachelor Arthur Graham, this luxury manor is now home to the Montgomery family, who welcome guests to take exclusive hire of their extraordinary Devon dwelling.
Gothic flamboyance on the Welsh coast
A true family affair, hosts Ffion and her father Meirion go to the ends of the earth to ensure guests have an extraordinary stay at their fairytale manor on the remote West Wales coast.
Fairytale charm in the Cotswolds
Discovered whilst strolling the lanes to buy a pint of milk, when owner ´Mouse´ stumbled across the for-sale sign of this iconic Cotswolds cottage she knew it had to be hers.
The enchanted castle on the river
Owner Frieda Gormley shares her story on how she and husband Javvy became custodians of Castle India; an intriguing Cornish country house on the banks of the River Lynher.
A rustic paradise
We speak with owners Mervyn and Niki Franklyn and learn about the creation of Wishbone, their couples´ bolthole in the Malvern Hills.
Island life
We sit down with Julian Wood to discuss his love of island living and his collection of three luxury properties on the Isle of Anglesey.
At home with Sarah
This month, the last of our 20th year in business, we bring our focus back to our roots and talk with Unique Homestays founder Sarah Stanley.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
