There is a certain magic in the final stretch of summer, the golden hour of the year. Beaches become quieter as crowds disperse, orchards and hedgerows grow heavy with fruit, and the countryside takes on a mellow, sun-warmed glow. The days remain long and warm, but with autumn on the horizon, each feels all the more precious. It is a time for lingering over al fresco lunches, evening swims and making the most of still-abundant gardens and terraces.
From turreted Cornish castles to waterside hideaways in the Cotswolds, we round up homes made for soaking up the last of the season. Here, there are paradisiacal gardens to explore, hot tubs to sink into, local villages to discover and pools that stay open throughout September, with some now even remaining open (and warm) into October and beyond this year.
Charlotte's Folly, Shropshire
A fairytale hideaway tucked in 200 acres of Shropshire woodland, Charlotte’s Folly makes an enchanting escape for families and couples alike. A pair of vintage bicycles are at your disposal for exploring the estate, from the White Stitch Woods trail to the private lake. Inside, you might whip up stacks of chocolate-chip pancakes in the pinstripe kitchen, retreat to the Antoinette alcove for a long siesta, or sink into a geranium-scented bath.
Ellesmera Mill, Devon
Ellesmera Mill is tucked into a secluded Devon valley near Dartmouth, within easy reach of Blackpool Sands, where pale shingle and clear waters feel all the more inviting once the high-season crowds begin to disperse. Afternoons at the house might be spent swinging in the hammock beneath mature trees, followed by a sauna session or soak in the wood-fired hot tub. Come evening, the deck is an idyllic setting for al fresco dinners.
Castle Trematonia, Cornwall
At the coastal edge of the Tamar Valley in Cornwall, behind turreted walls, Castle Trematonia feels like its own kingdom. Within nine acres of Edenic gardens, there’s a palm-fringed natural pool, Indian pool house and sauna. Here, adults can unwind with languid swims and yoga overlooking the valley, whilst children flit between the skate ramp and trampoline. Beyond, the valley offers scenic walking trails through the countryside.
Isolde, Cornwall
Set in central Cornwall, close to the wild expanse of Bodmin Moor, Isolde is ideally placed for exploring the county. Surrounded by 10 acres of gardens, there’s also plenty to keep the whole family occupied at home, with an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, walled kitchen garden and wildlife pond with a rowing boat. Inside, a cinema room, games room and wellness space offer a cosy refuge for if the weather turns.
The Lost Music Hall, Devon
The Lost Music Hall occupies a verdant valley near Totnes in Devon, surrounded by over seven acres and crossed by the Ambrook River. Created as a private retreat by eccentric London aesthete Arthur Graham at the turn of the 20th century, the estate was conceived with entertaining in mind, from its vast music room, complete with a baby grand piano, to its Italian gardens and outdoor pool. There is also a games room, and the river itself beckons for wild swims.
Little Red Lock, The Cotswolds
Little Red Lock is a tranquil home on the banks of the Oxford Canal in the Cotswolds. Its waterside setting lends a slower rhythm to late-summer days – think breakfast beside the water as narrowboats drift past, kayaking beneath the open sky, a soak in the hot tub and sundowners around the fire pit. Banbury is also just six miles away, with winding streets, independent shops and a lively farmers’ market.
Wool Merchant's House, Somerset
At Wool Merchant’s House in the Somerset village of Beckington, a labyrinth of decadent rooms and enclosed gardens offers space for everyone to find their own rhythm and enjoy the final stretch of summer. Children can make for the wendy houses, whilst grown-ups stretch out on blankets beneath the orchard trees, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool with an ice-cold gin and tonic in hand, or light the barbecue beneath the setting sun.
Feeling inspired? Peruse our full collection of unique private rental homes or read about The great British summer | Destinations tied to nostalgia.
