One area growing in popularity in an architect designed home. So, if you can’t afford to do your own “grand design” you can live in one, at least for a while! Here are ten of the most popular ones on CoolStays.com.
The Chickenshed
Info: This farming shed has had an uber-stylish makeover and is a hidden gem in South Wales’ lush, country landscapes. Its agricultural footprint is fused with a minimalist style and combines natural materials with crisp, uncluttered lines. There’s an open-plan living space and four chic bedrooms, along with a tranquil terrace offering stunning country vistas. Read a book beside the fire or cook in the slick, designer kitchen, sipping wine by starlight next to the crackling firepit. Visit nearby Monmouth or Chepstow’s historic sights, exploring the Wye Valley or following the famous Offa’s Dyke.
Where: Monmouthshire
Sleeps: 8
How much: From £210 per night
Book here.
Black h
Info: Spaciously minimalist and modern, Black h is the perfect self-catered property for two to enjoy the privacy and remote beauty of the Isle of Skye. Start your getaway celebrations straight away by tucking into the complementary welcome hamper. A wood burning stove and underfloor heating will shelter you from Scotland’s colder evenings. Head over to the nearby Talisker whisky distillery for a classic Scottish whisky-drinking tour experience.
Where: Syke
Sleeps: 2
How much: £1575 per week
Book here.
Bliss Blakeney
Info: Super comfy, uber luxurious and wonderfully social holiday home in Norfolk - The perfect place for large groups looking to explore this gorgeous county. Wonderfully stylish, The Cabin is modern and spacious, whilst remaining comfy and homely. Luxurious bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and sliding doors out onto the pretty garden. Stunning coastal views of Blakeney Harbour and the nearby salt marshes. Large open plan living space with fully functional kitchen, comfy lounge area and nice big dining space. Great location for groups wanting to explore the breathtaking Norfolk coastline.
Where: Norfolk
Sleeps: 10
How much: From £1440 a week
Book here.
Croft 103
Info: Two contemporary eco-hideouts in a wild Scottish landscape, hidden away from the outside world for the ultimate romance. Expertly crafted boasting unique designs that blend in with the contours of the land. Luxury interiors using the finest materials including Caithness stone, lacquered steel and Anta tweed. Both cottages make the most of their majestic setting with floor-to-ceiling windows and outside bath tubs. The Croft 103 land is on the outskirts of Durness and is beautifully remote.
Where: Durness, Scotland
Sleeps: 4
How much: From £180 per night
Book here.
Barford Beach House
Info: Head to the North Cornwall coast at Barford, a stunning holiday home for up to 16 people that offers sea views and luxurious living. Beautiful seaside holiday home accommodating up to 16 people. Six double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and stunning sea-view terraces.Cinema and Games room, plus Secret Underground Bunker Bar with pool table, vintage Star Wars pinball machine and arcade games. Outdoor hot-tub and indoor sauna and spa room. A short walk from Widemouth Bay and its 2.7 miles of sandy beaches. Widemouth Bay is perfect for surfing and body-boarding - whether a rookie or an expert.
Where: Cornwall
Sleeps: 16
How much: From £600 per night
Book here.
Sea Gem
Info: A contemporary, seafront pad on stunning Camber Sands, with sensational sea views and an award-winning design. Its minimalist design leaves a lasting impression and boasts a crisp, v-shaped silhouette and floor-to-ceiling glazing. Uber-modern interiors let the sea views take central focus and include open-plan living areas and luxury, en-suite bedrooms. The first floor balcony has mesmerising sea views and looks down over the wild, beach garden and sunken BBQ terrace. Sea Gem and the surrounding areas are popular with film crews as they have golden sand dunes, quirky towns and big skies
Where: East Sussex
Sleeps: 8
How much: From £3000 per week
Book here.
Shingle House
Info: Experience life on the edge in Kent’s most remote but intriguing corner. Shingle House adds modernity and architectural brilliance to Dungeness’ strangely addictive desolation. A large open-plan kitchen and dining room offer fine views of Dungeness, plus there’s a sheltered inner courtyard for al fresco dining. Enjoy a spacious living area with fireplace, music system and TV, and a quiet mezzanine sitting room looking out to sea. Four bedrooms and three bathrooms, including an en suite double on the upper floor. Set well back from the road, surrounded by a nature reserve, the house is both peaceful and private
Where: Kent
Sleeps: 8
How much: From £1495 per week
Book here.
Life House
Info: Created as a place for relaxing contemplation, this Pawson-designed holiday home promises simplicity and sanctuary in Wales. There’s plenty of space to open your mind, including three themed bedrooms and a striking contemplation area. Luxurious touches include Egyptian cotton bed linens, REN toiletries, and cookware and other furnishings designed by John Pawson. There are beautiful walks in all directions, with the house surrounded by hills and moorland. Around 30 minutes’ drive away, spa town Llandrindod Wells was a Victorian favourite and has museums, green spaces and an attractive lake
Where: Powys
Sleeps: 6
How much: From £1295 per week
Book here.
Backwater
Info: Incredible architect-designed holiday home that shows you the Norfolk Broads up close. Room for eight and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy on the irresistible deck. Get together over a barbecue and drinks with the soothing backdrop of Wroxham Broad. The kitchen and living area are equipped with top-notch appliances including Smart TV and a Sonos music system. Bag yourself the master bedroom and you’ll have the use of a swish en suite and luxurious king-size bed. It’s just a short drive into Wroxham, the centre of the Norfolk Broads world, with a great choice of places to eat and relax. Guests can also make use of a fibreglass Canadian canoe
Where: Norfolk
Sleeps: 8
How much: From £1420 per week
Book here.
Five Acre Barn
Info: A contemporary B&B barn in the lush Suffolk countryside, with a bold Blee Halligan design and a cool Scandi-style. The 19th century barn boasts a modern Blee Halligan extension which has a sawtooth roof and natural cedar cladding. Each of the five double rooms has its own unique decor, fusing minimalist Nordic style with vintage, mid-century pieces. Thoughtful touches make it stand out from the crowd and include homemade treats, cosy beds and tasty breakfasts. The B&B is set in five acres of woodlands and gardens, close to Aldeburgh, Thorpeness and the stunning Suffolk coastline.
Where: Suffolk
Sleeps: 2-4
How much: From £350 per night
Book here.
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February 2019
The trend for getting away from the mass market is growing, with the discerning traveller looking for holiday rentals with a real wow factor.
Published January 2019