Family holiday rental expert Vrbo is revealing for the first time the best-in-class holiday homes across Europe, in a coveted list dubbed the ‘2022 European Holiday Homes of the Year’. The nine selected holiday homes are fabulous properties, ideal for families to spend quality time together and make wonderful memories.
The properties can be booked through the Vrbo website and meet a strict selection criteria, including a combination of five-star ratings, guest reviews, number of bookings, Premier Host status (an invite-only program that recognises owners and managers who consistently deliver great traveller experience) and feature some of the most sought-after amenities that make special moments together with loved ones.
“We know every family – or whoever you call family – has its own needs and preferences, so in addition to meeting high-quality standards, this list of holiday homes also includes a variety of property types in popular European destinations,” said Karen Mullins from Vrbo. “Whether you prefer a beachfront house, a chalet in the mountain, a country mansion or a cottage, you can have an amazing stay at any of our European Holiday Homes of the Year.”
The listed properties are all located in the most sought-after European destinations for Brits for the summer of 2022, including Spain, Portugal and Greece. For those looking to stay closer to home, Thursford Castle, a magnificent four-bedroom hideaway in Norfolk, has made it into Vrbo’s list of European Holiday Homes of the Year.
France, Brittany
This contemporary house in Brittany is filled with light and offers incredible sea views. Everything in this holiday home is made so you can recharge your batteries in the open air: there’s a heated swimming pool, a large, enclosed garden and a whirlpool bath facing the horizon. Located near the port and the town, it is the ideal starting point for discovering the coast by bike, while horse riding or enjoying the many water activities available in the area, like sailing, kayaking or scuba diving.
Sleeps 6 (4 bedrooms), from £2,336.39 for 7 nights.
Italy, Tuscany
This modern Balinese-style villa in Serra de Tramuntana is the absolute dream for anyone wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Situated on its own plot of land by the cliffs, it offers stunning sunset views over the sea with complete privacy. It comes with a magnificent garden – composed of holm oaks, olive trees, bamboo and palm trees – which is the perfect place to relax and disconnect. In the garden of the villa lives Missy, the resident cat, who certainly won’t say no to the occasional pet.
Sleeps 6 (3 bedrooms), from £629.37 for 3 nights.
Portugal, Algarve
Villa Savannah is a beautiful five-bedroom villa set in a prime location in the affluent Golden Triangle area, just a few minutes’ drive to wonderful restaurants and beautiful beaches. With a large private swimming pool, beautiful garden and impressive traditional Algarvian barbecue, this fantastic villa is ideal for couples or families looking to holiday in one of the most sought-after areas of the Algarve. The airy living/dining room has comfortable seating for the whole family and leads out onto the terrace with outdoor seating.
Sleeps 13 (5 bedrooms), from £1,618.62 per night.
Greece, Corfu
Villa Orlaya is the ideal home away from home while holidaying in Corfu. It comes equipped over and beyond what is normally expected from a holiday home, with appliances that families will treasure most, including a cot, a stair gate, Bumbo seat and high-chair available upon request. All the bedrooms have their own balconies with incredible views over the surrounding area. This blue and white dream Greek house invites you to make lifelong memories around the beautiful barbecue, in the two patios and the pool with sun loungers.
Sleeps 6 (3 bedrooms), from £1,114.80 for 6 nights.
Italy, Apulia
This is a unique opportunity to stay in a trullo, a traditional Apulian dry stone hut. Trullo Santo Stefano is made up of 11 canonical roofs and manicured gardens with fruit trees that will transport you to Alice in Wonderland. When it’s hot out, take a dip in the swimming pool or go inside, where every bedroom and living space feature an aircon unit. You won’t have to venture outside Trullo Santo Stefano, as the property features a barbecue and a cosy wood burning oven, so dinners are sorted – but the traditional Apulian cuisine is not to be missed.
Sleeps 7 (3 bedrooms), from £1,095.26 for 7 nights.
Germany, Lower Saxony
This pet-friendly, rustic timber house is blissfully situated in the middle of a forest, about 30 kilometres from Osnabrück, in north west Germany. Reminiscent of a gingerbread house, it was recently fully renovated and furnished with stylish Scandi furniture, turning it into a minimalist design marvel. Outside the holiday home, the sunny terrace invites holidaymakers to take in the surrounding nature. You can also book a wood-fired barrel sauna and an outdoor heated bathtub located in the garden. Cooler days can be spent comfortably in front of the fireplace with one of the many books you will find in the in-house library.
Sleeps 8 (4 bedrooms), from £528.38 for 2 nights.
Croatia, Trogir
It’s sea views galore in this oasis villa located in the quaint little island town of Trogir. This seafront home comes with a heated swimming pool, a hot tub and Instagram-worthy outdoor Balinese beds and a hanging egg chair. Indoors, you will find mod cons throughout, including a fully furnished kitchen and air con. From here, you can enjoy leisurely walks around the island, as this property is located within walking distance of the beach, restaurants and the centre of Trogir.
Sleeps 8 (3 bedrooms), from £1,174.71 for 3 nights.
France, Haute-Savoie
This authentic French wood chalet located in the heart of an alpine valley can be your own bubble of happiness in all four seasons. Close to the ski resorts of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand, you will enjoy cosy moments spent by the wood burning stove or in the barrel sauna overlooking picturesque views. In the summer there’s much to do in the region. Guests can go on hikes, mountain bike rides, trout fishing in the river, mini-golfing or, for daredevils, there’s a via ferrata with breath-taking views.
Sleeps 11 (4 bedrooms), from £1,791.55 for 3 nights.
England, Norfolk
This spectacular UK property has gotten both national and European Holiday Homes of the Year status, so it’s definitely worth checking it out. Thursford Castle sums up a Norfolk hideaway to a tee – you really wouldn’t know it was there, unless you were fortunate enough to be in on the secret. This property is the result of a magnificent restoration project of a romantic Gothic chapel set in idyllic countryside a 15-minute drive from the coast. Featured on Grand Designs, here, ancient history sits harmoniously with modern design.
Sleeps 8 (4 bedrooms), from £3,942.57 for 3 night.
