Country weekend breaks near London
Plotting a romantic escape or a big group gathering away from the city? Luxury country weekend breaks near London have never been so get-at-able; these private homes, from Shropshire to the South Downs, are all within two to three hours’ drive from the Big Smoke.
In a couple of hours, you could be reclining on the veranda of your very own beach house, rosé on ice, sea salt on your lips, and fondue melting on the Aga. The luxury private homes that form this collection of country weekend breaks near London have all been hand-picked, nitpicking-ly examined, and granted the Unique Homestays stamp of approval, meaning a swift self-catering escape from the city has never been so carefree. If the London Underground is your go-to mode of transport, we can arrange the hire of a 4x4 or country-ready convertible, so you can fill the trunk with ensembles and pull up to your weekend abode in style. You handle the spontaneity, we'll handle the spadework.
A city trend's astir. As the crowds shuffle in for their weekend revelries, London locals are slyly departing. From gathering with all the family in lavish mansions with swimming pools, to holing up with their beaus in romantic cottages where Champagne and real fires reign, city-escapers (often with dogs in tow) are turning to out-of-towners in as little as two to three hours. Go big with indoor bowling alleys, at-home cinemas, and secret gardens, or take the hygge highway to hot tubs and fire-charred marshmallows. With oak doors aflung, baguettes in the hamper, and lavender-scented bubbles in the copper tub, the most luxurious self-catering homes in the UK are just a click away. The coast and country are calling.
White Crow Cottage
Little Haseley, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
A biscuit tin cottage that sees your old-world charm and raises you poured concrete and Picassos, this luxury thatch was designed for family living, with plenty of slumber spots for dogs too.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
From: £2,995 per week
Pets: Two well behaved dogs are welcome
Distance: Approx. 43 miles from central London as the crow flies
The Ruby Barn
Sandford St Martin, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Bringing a touch of Californian chicness to the Oxfordshire countryside, this luxury Cotswold stone barn conversion has been fashioned with soul.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
From: £2,150 per week, £1,595 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Children´s play area with slide
Distance: Approx. 62 miles from central London as the crow flies
Photoshoots at In Clover
Witney, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
A Cotswolds cottage encircled by two acres of ancient bluebell woods just four miles north of Witney, In Clover is a shoot location where piles of stylish books, roaring fires and Soho House furnishings come as standard.
Features: Hot tub, outdoor kitchen with gas barbecue, treehouse, mud kitchen
Distance: Approx. 63 miles from central London as the crow flies
Little Red Lock
Claydon, Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK
An English country home that truly embraces its idiosyncrasies, Little Red Lock's wooden picket fence and waterfront position on the Oxford canal oozes tranquillity, while inside its brick walls, a carnival of eclectic rustic charm awaits.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
From: £1,995 per week, £1,495 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub, fire pit, kayaks and life jackets for the canal
Distance: Approx. 68 miles from central London as the crow flies
Inkwell Cottage
Burford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Handcrafted, atelier in style and ever-so fun, this self-catering home in Burford is a pocketful of luxury throwing all conventionality out of its mullion windows.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,150 per week, £895 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Distance: Approx. 68 miles from central London as the crow flies
Atticus
Burford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Treacle-toned Cotswold stone, iron gates and heavy antique doors hint at this striking home’s colourful past. Once a court house and a later jail, Atticus can be found jostling amongst a row of fine period buildings at the end of Burfords' golden high street.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
From: £3,250 per week, £2,450 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Baby Grand Piano and fire pit
Distance: Approx. 68 miles from central London as the crow flies
Little Scarlet
Burford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
This luxury Cotswolds cottage is set in the heart of pretty Burford in Oxfordshire. Little Scarlet offers lovers a romantic retreat for stolen weekends and holidays in the rolling countryside, pottering between tea rooms and boutiques.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,650 per week, £1,195 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Distance: Approx. 68 miles from central London as the crow flies
