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.
Owner Chronicles
Family first | Coswarth manor, Cornwall
Here, Unique Homestays´ founder Sarah Stanley invites us into her countryside Cornish manor, revealing how personal experience has been key to shaping both her business and home.
More from Owner Chronicles
To become anew | Windfall, Herefordshire
This former Herefordshire cider mill – now reimagined as an idyllic countryside bolthole – has been named in homage to a term that denotes the cycle of life and regeneration, Windfall.
Inside the fairytale | Weddings at Scarlet Hall, Cheshire
Scarlet Hall in Cheshire is one of the UK´s most magical country house wedding venues. Here, we talk with owners Chris and Gail about what this special celebration home means to them.
At the end of the earth | Silva, Scotland
At Silva, clocks are discarded and the order of the day is manned by Mother Nature herself. Here, you feel as though you’re at the end of the earth.
A lesson in restoration | Drift Farmhouse, Ireland
This farmhouse, deep in Ireland’s wilderness, has been carefully treasured within the King family for over 160 years. Now posing as Ireland´s newest luxury wellness destination.
The power of connection | Redmere Hall, Wiltshire
Redmere Hall in Wiltshire is a place whose inspiration and design are rooted in togetherness. An ode to the power of connection.
Best of both worlds | Morse and Holanen, Mousehole
West Cornwall is fast earning its place as the county’s most “it” destination. Here, we learn of its appeal from two-time property owners Nick and Tim.
On top of the tower | Found Tower, Suffolk
Here, we speak to owner Jonathan about what it’s like calling one of the world’s remaining Martello Towers, Found Tower in Suffolk, “home.”
The loveliest spot that man hath found | The Tapestry, Lake District
Blink and you may just think you have arrived at Beatrix Potter’s “Hill Top” at this Lake District farmhouse. Step inside The Tapestry.
Au naturale | Mirana, Cornwall
In one of Cornwall’s leafy corners, an oasis awaits. Mirana comprises two connecting barns whose natural wellness garden encircles like protective stones.
In unforgotten Cornwall | Morwell, Cornwall
In a land mostly depicted by golden-sand beaches, we tell the story of Morwell; an idyllic, 400-year-old farmhouse on 50 acres, in the verdant heart of unforgotten Cornwall.
Life and soul of the party | Carnivàle, Isle of Wight
Josie and Rob da Bank, founders of Bestival and custodians of colourful estate Carnivàle on the Isle of Wight, give us a much-anticipated ticket inside their family home.
A fairytale of their own | Charlotte´s Folly, Shropshire
In a land far away, amidst the glorious green acres of the Bradford Estates in Shropshire, resides Charlotte´s Folly; the prettiest-in-pink cottage you ever did see.
On the lake of kings
Walden Lakehouse is a true escape into the wild, nestled on the ´lake of kings´ in Ireland. Here, homeowners Egon and Richard have found their sanctuary.
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.
I´m in the garden
Elberta Barn is a living work-of-art. But then, what else would you expect from the home of a former museum curator turned garden designer?
At the beach
The Limit is the type of place that soothes the soul as soon as you step through the door. Here, we uncover its journey from unloved shack to beachside oasis.
Siblings´ sanctuaries
In the heart of County Kerry, Ireland, two siblings have lovingly restored Lost Cottage and Limehouse, creating retreats that blend history, sustainability, and familial bonds.
Family farmhouse to maximalist manor: five decades at Gulliver’s Hall
In our latest chronicle, we hear all about what it’s been like calling the grand and glamorous Gulliver’s Hall in the Cotswolds home for the past 56 years and counting.
A window to the world
In our latest chronicle, we speak with property owners Katerina and Tim about The Glasshouse; their nature-embracing home on the Teifi Marshes Reserve in Wales.
Unique Homestays owners come together at Cornwall´s Castle Trematonia
Reclined on a floral sun-lounger sipping iced pink cocktails by the pool may sound like a holiday, but here it’s BAU. This May, Unique Homestays owners were invited to Castle Trematonia.
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.
An ode to art
Pomona was once the place that one of Britain’s most prolific sculptors called home. Now, reimagined, it sits proudly within his commemorative sculpture park.
Like father, like son
In our March chronicle, Henry tells us the tale of his mountain hideaway, Charity; whose old stone walls, and the family memories forged wherein, have lovingly passed from father to son.
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.
Wine and midwifery
Cocktail bars, homemade pavlova and a camper van set up in the farm fields; we meet Little Inka owners, learn about their home and their favourite spots to dine in Cornwall.
The disco donjon
Here lies a castle from storybooks. Yorkshire´s Castle Trinity is a place to escape from the everyday: be that in the form of discos after dark, or rambles through deer-speckled grounds.
A safe port on Cornwall´s north coast
Built into the sand dunes on Porthtowan beach, Monterey offers front row thrills for storm watching twinned with tranquility and peace. We speak with the owners to find out more.
A photographer´s "Secret Garden meets Gatsby" manor
On the walls, there are original works by Testino. On the bookshelves, there´s hardbacks on Weegee. There’s even a portrait of Kate Moss in its loo. A photographer´s home — surely.
King and queen of the castle
This is the season inbetwixt. In our latest owner chronicle, we speak with Tina and Craig about their Gothic, "most Pugin-inspired property in Britain", Thornemead Castle in Somerset.
Tales from a treehouse
We speak with Jessica and Jason Green about their award-winning home, Verte, learning more about their aesthetic, inspiration, and favourite ways to pass the time together.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 Trematonia; 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, where he first discovered his love for the wild.
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.
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.
