January is here and so are the holiday blues. With cold, dreary weather and seemingly endless dark nights, it’s no wonder that the first month of the year is one of the most popular for holiday bookings. What’s more, an increasing number of Brits are realising that you don’t have to go abroad to experience luxury.
In July 2019, temperatures hit a sizzling 38.7 degrees and the UK was hotter than Spain more than once across the year. With a glorious summer to look forward to, staycations are becoming more and more popular every year. For those looking for a luxury, stylish holiday without the hefty price tag, Host Unusual have a wealth of amazing properties to choose from, with locations up and down the country. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite Host Unusual properties with interiors to die for.
The Stonehouses, Ullapool, Scotland
Perfect for: A wild nature get-away with rugged landscapes
Nestled in the hills overlooking Loch Broom on the north coast of the Scottish Highlands, this curved abode was built using natural materials and the latest green technology. Features include a private sauna, large free-standing bath and floor to ceiling windows that offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, loch and further afield to the Summer Isles.
The interiors are perfectly paired with the surrounding landscapes with warm woods, a log burner and soft colours through-out. The large egg-shaped bath is the ideal place to have a deep soak after a day of treks, nature walks and sea kayaking (the perfect opportunity to spot some seals, otters and maybe even dolphins!)
The Windmill, Oxfordshire
Perfect for: 360-degree views and relaxation after a busy day of shopping
Located just a stone’s throw away from Bicester Village, otherwise known as the UK’s largest shopping outlet, The Windmill is (you guessed it!) a Grade II listed renovated windmill from the seventeenth century. With a mix of contemporary design and original features, this property is steeped in history and rich rural countryside.
With a fully fitted kitchen, en-suite shower room and even a dishwasher, The Windmill features a mixture of soft grey tones coupled with some brighter injections of colour as you move towards the jewel of the home – the 360-degree views from the living room. We can just imagine cosying up on the sofa and gazing out across the rural Oxfordshire landscape. Not into shopping? The Windmill is just 25 minutes away from the beautiful city of Oxford, with plenty of museums, free walking tours and of course the university.
Cadwollen’s Treehouse, Powys, Wales
Perfect for: a beautifully secluded, true country escape
Every aspect of this amazing tree house in rural Wales is truly spectacular. From the hot tub to the free-standing copper bath, this property oozes style. Set on a 75-acre working farm and surrounded by a 900-acre hill, your only neighbours are likely to be the sheep. To top it all off, an on-site masseuse is on hand to get rid of any remaining stresses after a long walk in the gorgeous countryside.
With wood cladding, deep blues and THAT copper bath, the interiors of this property are as Instagram-worthy as the exterior. We love the use of different shades of blue against the soft warmth of the varying shades of wood. This property is guaranteed to induce staycation jealousy!
The Harpy Houseboat, Tower Bridge, London
Perfect for: those looking for a city break with a difference
Not that into nature? No problem, HostUnusual also offer city locations like this unbelievably cool houseboat floating on the Thames in London. Take in some of London’s iconic sights while sipping coffee from the deck of this unusual houseboat. A short walk takes you to Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast and The Tower of London, and the nearby underground station can take you to any part of the capital you want!
The interior design of this houseboat is as unique as the property itself, boasting 3 bathrooms and 4 bedrooms, all of which have above deck views, an ideal place for first class photos of London’s skyline.
Fallen Angel, Cornwall
Perfect for: a super stylish seaside retreat
Last but by absolutely no means least on our list is Fallen Angel, an idyllic property built into the slope of a hill overlooking the sea in a Cornish village. With the beach so close by, there’s no excuse not to have some surf lessons or at the very least lounge on the soft sand for a peaceful afternoon or two. We can just imagine the relaxation felt when soaking in the tub with views like this on offer!
The interiors of this property do not disappoint either. The soft pastel tones throughout coupled with natural elements like the wood burning stove and textured wall art offer up a quiet haven for total relaxation. Enjoy a glass of wine in the private sub-tropical gardens and let yourself unwind.
Host Unusual brings together some of the most extraordinary hidden gems in the UK and around the world as an antidote to the ordinary. With so many amazing properties to discover up and down the country, a staycation is definitely an option for everyone this year. Visit the Host Unusual website to discover more of their extraordinary homes.