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.

The Summer Folly
Grimsthorpe, Bourne, Lincolnshire, UK
The final creation of architect Sir John Vanbrugh in the 1720s (who also built Blenheim Castle), The Summer Folly is a curious retreat in rural Lincolnshire.
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
Features: Cinema snug, petanque lawn, croquet, badminton
Distance: Approx. 90 miles from central London as the crow flies