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.
Mill of Arun
Billingshurst, West Sussex, UK
A tranquil spot on the Arun River sets the scene for a grand self-catering getaway here in rural West Sussex. Throw in a magical four-story millhouse for the family, a romantic couples' barn and English topiary gardens - and the whole family are guaranteed a ball.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
From: £3,195 per week, £2,350 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub, two kayaks for the river, table football in the games room, fishing is available year round outside of April and May
Distance: Approx. 34 miles from central London as the crow flies
Mulberry Mill
Billingshurst, West Sussex, UK
There’s something quite special about this romantic old mill on the River Arun. Sandwiched between the High Weald and South Downs AONB with beautiful topiary gardens, this charming country home on the edge of Billingshurst is a rural idyll.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 4 guests
From: £1,950 per week, £1,395 per short break
Pets: Two pets are welcome
Features: Canoes for the river, football table, fishing is available year round outside of April and May
Distance: Approx. 34 miles from central London as the crow flies
Figgy Court
Billingshurst, West Sussex, UK
A 700-year old rustic grain barn reinterpreted - this charming self-catering couples’ retreat affords a slice of country living on modern terms. Honey-hued oak beams and hand-crafted furnishings are a celebration of yesteryear, with little luxuries like the riverside hot tub adding lashings of romance.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,295 per week, £995 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub
Distance: Approx. 34 miles from central London as the crow flies
Studio Fold
Nutbourne, Pulborough, West Sussex, UK
Meticulous design and eco-friendly credentials have seen this former water pumping station in Pulborough's sought-after village of Nutbourne transform into an award-winning self-catering home.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
From: £2,595 per week, £1,950 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Pool table and cinema room
Distance: Approx. 42 miles from central London as the crow flies
Cadence
A 70’s sci-fi film was the unlikely inspiration for this playful modern retreat. Award-winning for its design and settled within poetic South Downs scenery; this architect's private home is a fine example of the new English country house.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
From: £5,750 per week
Pets: Two well-behaved pets are welcome
Distance: Approx. 42 miles from central London as the crow flies
The Art House
Sutton, Pulborough, West Sussex, UK
An idyllic private retreat where art deco architecture sits in manicured lawns and wildflower meadows, you'll feel far removed from the everyday at The Art House with its outdoor pool, tennis court and natural swimming lake.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
From: £10,495 per week, £10,995 per short break
Pets: One well-behaved dog is welcome
Features: 17-metre heated outdoor swimming pool (June - September), sauna, 50-metre wild swimming lake with jetty, tennis court, air hockey, pool table and fire pit
Distance: Approx. 46 miles from central London as the crow flies
Ariabelle
Iping, Midhurst, West Sussex, UK
Found at the end of a sweeping tree-lined drive, Ariabelle is the ultimate private country house, affording a luxury stay with lavish indoor pool and all the trimmings, all wrapped up within glorious South Downs countryside.
Sleeps: Up to 14 guests
From: £18,395 per week, £14,695 per short break
Pets: Pets are considered on prior agreement
Features: Indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, tennis court, steam room and sauna, gym and bar
Distance: Approx. 46 miles from central London as the crow flies
