Thinking of taking a staycation this year? With its breath-taking countryside, beautiful coastline and intriguing history, there is a lot to love about the UK as a holiday destination, and with some of the best luxury accommodation and fine dining restaurants in the world dotted across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, why wouldn’t you want to get to know the nation a little better?
One of the best ways to do just that is by finding yourself a lavish home-away-from-home, which will serve as a relaxing base for your UK adventure. While you can never go far with an opulent five-star hotel, for country and coastline explorations, you can’t beat the character and privacy of your own private house or villa, and you might be surprised at the range of choice on offer.
Whether your plans involve picturesque scenery, show-stopping sea views or a taste of village life, there’s a luxury venue to suit all tastes – and if anyone knows a good holiday home when they see one, it’s the experts at Oliver’s Travels. With an emphasis on quirky, lavish, one-of-a-kind places to stay, their repertoire includes everything from castles and stately homes to beach huts and cottages.
Here, their team of travel experts have handpicked the five best luxury holiday homes in the UK. Be sure to snap them up quickly, as these places are hot property.
Cotswold Manor Estate, The Cotswolds
Why do things by halves when you could spend your summer at the breath-taking Cotswold Manor Estate? Starting at £22,000 a week, this opulent property is the height of luxury in every way.
A quintessential English country estate located close to Stow-on-the-Wold, it’s just perfect for larger family gatherings and celebrations, and with its idyllic countryside setting, immaculate gardens and space for up to 30 guests, we can’t think of anywhere better to spend your summer.
Stretching over 14.5 acres of land, the Estate consists of a whopping five properties – The Manor House, Barn, Granary, Cow Byre and Peacock Shed. The historic 15th century Manor House has been lovingly restored to create a beautiful 5-bedroom residence, and makes for a discrete and exclusive retreat for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
With luxurious beds, private tennis courts, a private lake and of course, the obligatory hot-tub, this place has got it all.
Amberstone Manor, Devon
The 19th Century Amberstone Manor is set in the sprawling greenery of the picturesque Devon countryside, situated just between the beautiful Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks. Boasting 25 acres of private land including river meadows and landscape gardens, the Manor now offers 12 bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom, with space for up to 22 adults.
On the ground floor, relax and unwind in the TV room or enjoy long, lazy lunches in the dining area. This light and airy property has got everything you could possibly need for the staycation of your life – from a private, sunken salt-water swimming pool set amongst tropical plants, to a croquet lawn, tennis courts, orchard and Victorian garden grotto. Prices start at £8,500 a week.
Kirkliston Castle, Edinburgh
If you want to go all-out on your summer getaway, then the stunning Kirkliston Castle, just outside Edinburgh, Scotland, is just the place. Starting at £23,700 a week, this incredible rental property is set within 32 acres of sprawling private grounds, and having recently been renovated, now offers accommodation for up to 24 guests.
The main entertaining space comprises an elegant marble lounge, piano room and fully stocked bar – the perfect place for entertaining, or enjoying a nightcap after a busy day exploring the surrounding countryside.
With tennis courts, en-suite bathrooms and its own private chefs on hand to arrange a mouth-watering summer barbecue, there are few places quite as impressive to spend your UK summer holiday – and it’s the perfect place for cosying up with a group of friends or family for a winter getaway, too.
Gwynedd House, Snowdonia
This quaint, 16th Century country house in Snowdonia, Wales, is nestled snugly amongst the peaks and valleys of the region, just a short walk from the sandy the Llŷn Peninsula and the lively seaside town of Criccieth. With 10 bedrooms to choose from, all beautifully decorated, Gywnedd House offers large group accommodation, and guests can choose to stay either on a self-catering basis or within-house catering. When on holiday, we know which we’d choose – why lift a finger when you’re here to relax?
Set in seven acres of land and with beautifully manicured gardens and tennis courts, it makes for the perfect setting for summer al fresco dining. Watching the sun go down from the terrace is a memorable experience, and the beautiful azaleas, hydrangeas and roses make this one of the prettiest gardens of all.
If you’re looking for luxury dwellings in the UK this summer, then you won’t have to look very far. These stunning properties promise a memorable staycation you’ll never forget.
