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.
Wool Merchant´s House
Beckington, Frome, Somerset, UK
Classic and tasteful in style, with pops of modern artwork, a heated outdoor swimming pool and immaculate attention to detail, this Frome country home is an exquisite Somerset retreat.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
From: £3,495 per week, £2,795 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: One well-behaved dog is welcome
Features: Heated outdoor swimming pool (May - September inclusive)
Distance: Approx. 95 miles from central London as the crow flies
Pearl´s Place
Hugged by a scrambling rose garden and woodland glades, this rock 'n' roll home brings together traditional country chic with gorgeous faded glamour. A unique setting for special celebrations and self-catering escapes.
Sleeps: 14 adults and 4 children
From: £9,995 per week, £7,995 per short break
Pets: Two small well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Wood-fired hot tub, electric car charger
Distance: Approx. 97 miles from central London as the crow flies
The Walled Garden
Dyrham, Bath, The Cotswolds, UK
Perhaps the most ornate vegetable store in the whole of England, The Walled Garden began life as a potato house for Dyrham Park. This romantic retreat sits on the western edge of the Cotswolds, not far from Bath and all its gleaming treasures.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
From: £1,450 per week, £1,095 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: One small well-behaved dog is welcome
Features: Fire pit, use of the owners´ tennis court
Distance: Approx. 97 miles from central London as the crow flies
Kilnwood
Tucked into the rolling Mendip Hills with views of Glastonbury Tor, this set of restored barns offer a rustic-luxe retreat in the heart of rural England.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests (10 adults and 2 children)
From: £3,595 per week, £2,750 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 8 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Enclosed outdoor heated swimming pool and outdoor heated shower (May - September), fire pit, trampoline and table football
Distance: Approx. 107 miles from central London as the crow flies
Viola
Butleigh, Glastonbury, Somerset, UK
Between the rolling hills of Somerset, not far from Glastonbury, lies Viola, a luxury home of two wildly different personalities.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
From: £8,995 per week, £6,995 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 8 guests
Pets: One well-behaved dog is welcome or two on request
Features: Spa Jacuzzi, sauna, swimming pool, plunge pool, a lake, two full motion Formula 1 racing simulators (ages 14 and above only), full motion aeroplane simulator, tennis court, three hole golf course and badminton
Distance: Approx. 115 miles from central London as the crow flies
Thornemead Castle
Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, UK
Be Lord of the Manor at this 240-year-old gothic castle set within manicured lawns and wildflower meadows within walking distance of the Somerset coast.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests (+3 children)
From: £3,595 per week, £2,895 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Hot tub hire is available (please enquire for details), electric car charging point, football table, badminton, volley ball, games room, outdoor tennis table, croquet lawn, library, Kadai fire bowl and pizza oven.
Distance: Approx. 124 miles from central London as the crow flies
