With almost a year of toing and froing between freedom and lockdowns, and with an array of missed get-togethers, celebrations, and family holidays under our belts, it is quite the understatement that many of us are missing the freedom of our old lives.
Add to this the threat, or worse, the reality of a Covid diagnosis and our mentalities have entirely shifted when it comes to contact with others. When the country opens up its doors once again and we are allowed to reunite with missed family members and friends for those skipped trips and festivities, the moments will be special, but how will our mindsets have changed when it comes to travel?
Founder and CEO of leading luxury travel PR agency Fox Communications, Lysbeth Fox stated that, “remote destinations that enable travellers to experience scenery and lush landscapes, offering space and privacy along the way” will be a big travel trend coming out of Covid restrictions. (Source article Samantha Lewis in the March 2021 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)).
Overseas trips will see a rise in use of private travel, including exclusive use planes and private luxury world tours, secluded villas and residences, led by the increased need for a truly socially distanced holiday. And it is looking like it won’t be very different for UK staycations, either. Fox added: “Being unable to travel during the pandemic has also made us more appreciative of the destinations on our doorstep; luxury staycations will continue to rise, whether it’s escaping to the Cornish coastline or rugged Scottish Highlands.”
A luxury trip on home turf, where we can reconnect with loved ones and avoid the hustle and bustle of airports and close contact with strangers in hotels, is the optimum solution; privacy is the new luxury, after all.
If you’re planning on a big get-together when restrictions allow, then we have some amazing properties for you. All are monumental and exclusive period properties, just throw in some luxury private tours of the surrounding area, top-quality dining and exciting activities, and you will have a holiday to remember.
Auchterarder House, Central Scotland
A retreat like no other, Auchterarder House in Central Scotland dates back to 1832 when it was built by Scottish architect, William Burn, and is a stunning property with rust hues. Recent completion of an 18-month renovation project sees the 10-bedroom residence open up its doors as a private house to rent for exclusive use for the first time in its history.
20 acres of manicured gardens, a small lake (lochan), glorious views of the Grampian Mountains and Cairngorms, Scotland really is the gift that keeps on giving, and you get the best of it all here.
Edinburgh and Glasgow can both be reached within an hour, the luxuries of Gleneagles Hotel are minutes away, but the property itself will entice you to stay. Along with complete privacy, the house boasts a cinema room, billiards room, conservatory, library, dining room, reception hall, gym, sauna and drawing room and can sleep up to 28 people.
Huntsham Court, Devon
With 40 bedrooms and suites, and events for up to 130 guests, Huntsham Court, at the other end of the UK, in Devon, is ready to cater to all of your partying needs. A stunning property inside and out with individually decorated rooms boasting gorgeous period features throughout, this place will provide you with a stay to remember. A range of activities and events can be organised, a list of 150 suppliers can be contacted, staff can be included, meals can be prepared, or not – it’s the flexibility that seals the deal for us – and the stunning interiors and surroundings, of course.
Weston Park, near Telford
With a magnificent art collection, marble halls, a music room, library and Victorian orangery, you might be forgiven for thinking that you’ve stepped into a royal residence. Add to this a miniature railway, adventure playground and a deli, with an array of activities to partake in and you may not ever want to actually leave Weston Park once you’ve arrived.
The stately house sits in 1,000 acres of parkland, sleeps up to 54 guests across 28 bedrooms and provides the aforementioned impressive selection of shared rooms for your loved ones to enjoy a big celebration or, simply, an all-important catch-up after being apart for so long.
