Host Unusual was born of our genuine passion for unique holiday retreats. That means we don’t just list them, we stay in them as well!
Case in point: our Tried and Tested blog category is populated with the real, one-of-a-kind Host Unusual holidays taken by our team over the years, starting all the way back in 2016 with Hoe Grange Holidays.
We don’t just spend our yearly breaks at the properties we list, either. We celebrate life’s special moments. Both Dawn and Nina spent their hen weekends at Host Unusual properties (with Nina also honeymooning at the incredible Hudnalls Hideout).
Meanwhile, Alex’s long-anticipated holiday-of-a-lifetime trip to South Africa included a jaw-droppingly unusual rooftop stayover that should be on everybody’s bucket lists.
With so many unique stays under our collective belt, we thought it fitting to mark a decade of Host Unusual by rounding up 10 of our most memorable Tried and Tested reviews.
Which one is your favourite?
(Note: aside from the Tried and Tested posts themselves, we don’t offer extra incentives, and neither are we paid for these write-ups. As we say, we do it because we love it, and we mean every word).
Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: The HU Team at The Harpy Houseboat | London
2025 – Starcroft Farm Cabins, East Sussex (Nina)
“Particular delights included a custom stained-glass window in the bathroom, books themed around gardens and growing, and a striking, themed mural on the bedroom wall… with a stargazing window right above my bed.”
2024 – The Harpy Houseboat, London (Alex, Dawn and Nina)
“There’s just so much to absorb, from the bespoke artwork (including a spectacular unicorn head made by the owners’ daughter) to the many intriguing and colourful artefacts taken from diverse global travels.”
2024 – Brucefield Estate Schenbothies, Clackmannanshire (Nina)
“Comprising 1000 rural acres, Brucefield Estate is brimming with unique history and heritage. This is reflected in the retreats: while luxurious and modern, they include gentle nods to days gone by.”
2023 – Grand Daddy Airstream Trailer Park, South Africa (Alex)
“Each of the seven airstreams has its own original stamp and themed decor chosen by a different designer, reflecting the South African experience and a road trip in the country.”
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2023 – Kingfisher’s Nest, Essex (Nina)
“Browning Bros.’ website calls Kingfishers Nest a ‘secret escape’, and as we made our way to the end of the farm track, passing grazing sheep and fields on the way, that’s exactly what it felt like.”
2021 – Coastal Cabins, Devon (Dawn)
“Inside, the cabin had a gorgeously light and summery feel, with whitewashed wooden walls, beach-inspired décor and everything we could need for our stay.”
2019 – Salmestone Dutch Barge, Kent (Dawn)
“We were really impressed at the enormous deck area strung with solar lights, kitted out with benches and a fabulous wicker hanging chair, and the view towards the Toll Bridge with the river gently flowing past.”
2018 – Lantern and Larks Sweffling Hall, Suffolk (Dawn)
“The night sky was a jaw-dropping spectacle – due to the low light pollution in this uncluttered rural area, we were treated to a crisp clear night with a blanket of stars to rival the Australian outback.”
2018 – Belle Tout Lighthouse B&B, East Sussex (Alex)
“Arriving at Belle Tout gives you an almost child-like exuberance. The journey to the lighthouse itself takes in gorgeous scenery and with nothing else around except a few passing walkers it really feels like a destination in itself”
2016 – Hoe Grange Holidays, Derbyshire (Sarah)
“One thing that immediately struck me was how spacious the wooden pod felt inside, with a high arched ceiling and perfectly organised interior.”
NB: All information within this article and its associated articles was correct at the time of staying, but may have changed since.
