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.

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
From: £2,750 per week, £2,050 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs 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: £12,595 per week
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