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. While the uncertainty of this year’s festivities is rife, there is one thing we know for sure here at Unique Homestays; it’s time to bring the magic home, to dig deep in those pockets of imagination to conjure a wonderland of hope and fantastical delight. Here, we round up five properties available this festive season; think couples' retreats for those making the most of a quieter Christmas and our larger properties for gatherings of six people. Wherever you choose to spend it, this yuletide should be a time to deck the halls with holly, bask in the scent of gently baking mince pies and gather together for stories, laughter and silly paper hats from crackers.
Juneberry
Travel south to the golden sands of Cornwall for Christmas. This eco-friendly cabin for two was made for cosy winter getaways and with the uncertainty around larger gatherings, this winter will be the time for couples to enjoy slow mornings of breakfast in bed and evenings by the fire pit. Four-legged companions are most welcome too.
Alba Beach House
This luxury pink cob cottage sits on the golden sands of Porthmeor Beach in St Ives, eagerly awaiting the arrival of guests to gather around a table piled high with lobster and Champagne for a seasonal Christmas Eve supper. On Christmas morning, tiptoe down to the shoreline for a rejuvenating dip before returning to the sitting room where a flurry of wrapping paper and bows take over as children open their gifts from Father Christmas.
Rhapsody
The Wonderland that is Rhapsody awaits for families to fill its cosy art-filled rooms this festive season. Sleeping up to 12 with a smaller group option for six, a luxury country house is not all that is promised to guests; a yoga studio, glass reading room and barbecue hut sits within its 20 acres of blissful grounds near Haslemere. This lavish Surrey retreat takes the magic of Christmas to a whole new level.
The Beach Hut
To wake slowly by the sound of waves lapping a pebble shore on Christmas morning is one of life's most wonderful pleasures. This iconic Cornish beach shack for couples sits proudly on its own beach, so evenings are best spent stargazing when the skies are clear and, when the conditions are just right, a Christmas Day surf will be the only thing on the agenda before preparing a roast with all the trimmings.
Ten
If there's a perfect time to visit London during Christmas, it's this year; the streets illuminated with sparkling lights yet are as quiet as ever. Wrap up warm in woolly hats and cable knit jumpers for walks around The Royal Parks (Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and The Regent's Park are a short walk away), before gathering around Ten's dining table, surrounded by aptly placed carnival lettering spelling out the word ‘LOVE’ in neon lights. Currently available for Christmas and New Year celebrations, this tranquil townhouse in Little Venice is the perfect base for guests to experience a quieter London.
Discover our full collection of festive retreats.
