Holiday homes 2-3 hours from London
Plotting a romantic escape from the city? These luxury retreats within two to three hours’ drive of London are just the ticket. Kick heels off under the office desk, throw a weekend bag in the boot and roll the windows down – the coast and country are calling!
Picture it. It is Friday afternoon, deadlines loom but you find yourself bending paperclips at your desk in desperate search of inspiration. Now imagine this. Within two to three hours you could be reclining on the veranda of your very own beach house, ice cold rosé in hand, sea salt on your lips and not a care in the world. Why imagine? With a hand-picked collection of luxury holiday homes, each personally visited and granted the Unique Homestays stamp of approval, your swift self-catering escape from the city has never been easier. Luxury car hire is also available for those without their own transport, or wanting to try a shiny new set of wheels for the weekend. Rental company, The Out, will deliver a car to any doorstep or airport in the capital.
As the crowds pile into to London for the weekend in search of theatre and Soho nightlife, the clever ones are slyly departing. While the UK offers an array of luxury accommodation within two to three hours from London, self-catering homes are the perfect option for those wanting a little privacy. Choose from chic beach houses on the Kent coast, or hole-up with your loved one in a characterful country cottage where roll-tops and real fires come as standard. For big groups, gather the troops and burn down to a lavish country house in rolling Sussex countryside. Think indoor bowling alleys, at-home cinemas and outdoor swimming pools with not one novelty inflatable in sight. Waitrose delivery at the ready! We can even ask the housekeeper to pop the bubbly in the wine fridge prior to your arrival.
Dandelion
Kempsford, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Traditional on the outside but with flamboyance and flair within, this luxury Grade II listed manor near the Cotswolds has a rambunctious makeup of rich colour, bold patterns and unteachable taste.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests (+2 children)
From: £6,250 per week, £4,695 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 18 guests
Pets: Pets are considered on request
Distance: Approx. 72 miles from central London as the crow flies
The Aviary
Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Traditional Cotswold stone provides the golden foundations for some striking modern flourishes at this luxury farmhouse retreat.
Sleeps: Up to 11 guests (10 adults and 1 child)
From: £7,000 per week, £5,250 per short break
Pets: One well-behaved dog is welcome
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub (May - September), tennis court, cinema room and trampoline
Distance: Approx. 74 miles from central London as the crow flies
The Flower Press
Bibury, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Emerald green in spring and fire red in autumn, creeper-clad cottage The Flower Press is a restful self-catering retreat nestled in the welcoming arms of quintessential Bibury. Snow-white walls, candelabras, chandeliers and vibrant gardens brimming with anemones bring a feel of modern-day Provence to this gorgeous old Cotswold manse.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
From: £1,850 per week, £1,450 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Distance: Approx. 76 miles from central London as the crow flies
Midsummer Wood
Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
This magical Cotswolds millhouse calls you to run wild in private woodland, get lost amidst secret wildflower meadows, dive into a 12-metre indoor pool and unfurl within lavish Jacobean interiors.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
From: £5,495 per week, £4,150 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Indoor heated swimming pool, two steam rooms, tennis court and games room with ping pong, gym and large TV
Distance: Approx. 76 miles from central London as the crow flies
The Palladian
Ampney Crucis, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Georgian in style and grand in nature, this self-catering Cotswold manor offers a true countryside escape perfect for multi-generational groups.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests (6 adults and 6 children)
From: £4,350 per week, £3,150 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub (both May - September), gym, tennis court, trampoline, small football pitch, table tennis and tree house
Distance: Approx. 78 miles from central London as the crow flies
Filly Island
Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Blending style with a big dose of ingenuity results in something truly quite magical here at Filly Island. This unique cottage near Cirencester is sat upon a tiny island accessed by a humpback bridge. Pre-loved finds are revivified to bring about the unique interiorscape at Filly Island.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £995 per week, £750 per short break
Pets: Two small well-behaved dogs are welcome on prior request
Distance: Approx. 79 miles from central London as the crow flies
Zamani
Cheltenham, Hawling, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Ancient Cotswolds barn meets contemporary charm at this luxury self-catering country house near Cheltenham. A stylish sanctuary for large family gatherings and a perfect private retreat to retire to with friends after fun-filled antics at the races.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
From: £4,250 per week, £3,195 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Pool table
Distance: Approx. 81 miles from central London as the crow flies
Photoshoots at Anthology Farm
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
As diverse as it is large, the 500 acres of Anthology Farm are an inspiring location in the heart of The Cotswolds with ample space, inside and out, to suit any creative brief.
Distance: Approx. 85 miles from central London as the crow flies
Anthology Farm
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
With acres of space and oodles of old stone style, these two traditional barns in the heart of the Cotswolds are perfect for large family gatherings or big celebrations.
Sleeps: Up to 18 guests
From: £7,995 per week, £6,395 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 10 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Heated indoor swimming pool, cinema room, tennis court and electric car charging point
Distance: Approx. 85 miles from central London as the crow flies
Elissa
Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Surrounded by miles of undulating countryside, this luxury self-catering home is all about life’s simple pleasures; drawn-out pub lunches, rural rambles and evenings in the hot tub.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children)
From: £1,750 per week, £1,295 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub
Distance: Approx. 89 miles from central London as the crow flies
Gulliver´s Hall
Bisley, Stroud, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Blending ancestral tales with elegant maximalism, Gulliver's Hall brings vitality to the soul; this is a secluded luxury self-catering home where escape where escapism and comfort are key.
Sleeps: Up to 21 guests
From: £8,250 per week, £6,650 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome on prior request
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool (April-October), sunken spa bath, sauna, steam room, outdoor shower, outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, paella burner, games and cinema room, tennis court, croquet lawn, two type 2 electric car charging points
Distance: Approx. 89 miles from central London as the crow flies
The Find
Cranham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Dynamic pairing of luxury architect-designed properties in a beautifully secluded valley location in the Cotswolds.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
From: £15,895 per week, £14,895 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome on prior request
Features: Trampoline, rowing boat
Distance: Approx. 89 miles from central London as the crow flies
Evania
Bentham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Inspired by the colours and countryside of the Mediterranean, this Gloucestershire home with heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, is the perfect family retreat.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
From: £4,850 per week, £3,850 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 & Up to 4 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool (May - September), hot tub, games room with table football, pool table, table tennis and television
Distance: Approx. 89 miles from central London as the crow flies
