Impulse escapes
Car keys, travel bag, a quick booking and you're all set to head to golden sands or deep woodland: a last-minute luxury break is so much better than a humdrum weekend at home.
There's nothing quite like slinging a few items in a weekend bag then running to the train station to adopt a new hometown. We all need to escape the rat race – especially for a last minute holiday. Impulse escapes are the very watchword in hedonism, leaving us free of all responsibilities; that dash of much-needed spontaneity is often all that's needed to recharge the batteries. Here at Unique Homestays, we've sourced luxury homes in the wilds of rural England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales to offer country cottages that will have you striding out on long walks in no time, tucking into a fireside pub supper at the end of the route, or plunging into a hot tub with a cool sea breeze washing over your cheeks. These one-of-a-kind homes are available for a 3-night stay within the next fortnight, so take advantage of a rare free weekend; throw caution to the wind and book one of our last minute luxury holiday cottages, lodges, or coastal castaways, where you can be free to indulge in some serious down time. Out of office, officially on.
Somerby
Trebudannon, Newquay, Cornwall, UK
Embrace the vibrancy of rural sunsets, the scent of flower-filled gardens and the warmth of flickering flames from the open fireplace at this luxury modern barn set in a sleepy hamlet.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
Pets: One well-behaved dog is welcome
Features: Type 2 electric car charging point
The Fourth Wall
Step back in time to eccentric Victorian London at this self-catering apartment in Covent Garden, where the bizarre and wondrous rule high above the sparkling city.
Sleeps: Up to 3 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Sienna
Kenmare, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland
This luxury self-catering cottage is a romantic and remote retreat in County Kerry's "little nest", Kenmare. Think desert island beaches, crashing seas and spellbinding starry skies.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Hot tub and fire pit
Lost Cottage
Glenbeigh, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland
Lost Cottage was once a winter refuge to a herd of mountain goats but now invites guests to stay in one of the most unique self-catering cottages in Kerry, Ireland. Pared-back interiors offer a stylishly simple shelter from which to admire Glenbeigh's emerald green farmland and soaring mountains.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
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
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Baby Grand Piano and fire pit
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
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
The Tapestry
Witney, Oxford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Muted greens and blues, thick drapes and stone floors, this Oxfordshire farmhouse oozes tranquility, with all the luxurious home comforts a weekender could wish for.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome on prior arrangement
Features: Television room and trampoline
Avalon Manor
Upton Scudamore, Wiltshire, UK
Superb 14th century large self-catering Manor House in Wiltshire. Stylish and historic, it's the perfect luxury country house.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests (+ 2 children)
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Games room, mini gym and tree house for children. A cedar hot tub and outdoor, woodfired BBQ and pizza oven.
Dandelion
Kempsford, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Traditional on the outside but with flamboyance and flair within, this luxury Grade II listed manor near the Cotswolds has a rambunctious makeup of rich colour, bold patterns and unteachable taste.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests (+2 children)
Pets: Pets are considered on request
Bohème
Luxury self-catering boho farmhouse blends original features with stylish interior design in the most fashionable modern-rustic manner, all wrapped up in 100 acres of pastoral paradise.
Sleeps: Up to 20 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 10 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: 15 metre heated indoor pool, Tesla electric car charger, universal electric car charger, table tennis, pool table, fire pit, entertainment room with cinema projector
