Features

Heritage-Rich Holiday Homes Around the World

16 September 2022

If you’re looking for a magical stay that is truly one-of-a-kind, choose a holiday home that’s steeped in heritage.

Why? The word “heritage” denotes decades – sometimes centuries – of proud, carefully-preserved tradition that is unique to an individual setting. The walls of heritage buildings sing with captivating tales, gently transporting you back in time on a journey that promises to linger long in your memory.

Along with your loved ones, you’ll be surrounded by characterful elements and quirky features that add depth and charm to a holiday, from beamed ceilings and intricate original artwork, to roaring open fires that warm your evenings to snuggly perfection.

Immersed in such a soothing atmosphere, you could discover that stepping away from the stresses and strains of everyday life suddenly becomes much easier!

Scattered across the globe, each one of these heritage-rich retreats boasts its own incredible story, with a enthralling blend of proud historic qualities and sleek, well-chosen mod-cons for those extra touches of comfort and convenience.  

Many have been carefully and lovingly restored by their owners themselves. Others boast scenery that is truly spectacular – both inside and out. All are distinctive and mesmerising in the most wonderful ways.

So why not browse our hand-picked list, and choose your favourite over a welcome cuppa?

Author: Nina Jervis
Main image: Manowce | Poland

Aylsham Windmill

Aylsham, Norfolk
A luxury holiday home for six in a former working flourmill, built in 1826 and modernised to welcome guests to enjoy Norfolk's many attractions. 
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 6
From
£72 / night

The Knoll Tower

Shifnal, Shropshire
Historic former hunting lodge in Shropshire's Weston Park - a romantic retreat for two.  
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£723 for a 7 night stay

Champing™ Aldwincle

Aldwincle, Northamptonshire
Snuggle down inside the original Champing™ church - All Saints in Aldwincle, a beautiful ancient space in Northamptonshire.
Bedrooms:
Sleeps: Up to 12
From
£49 pp

Helen's Tower

Bangor, County Down
It's not every day you can stay at an enchanting home immortalised in the words of Alfred Lord Tennyson, yet Helen's Tower in stunning County Down offers exactly that.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£292 (2 nights)

The Black Castle

Coolbaun, Tipperary
Travel back through time with an ‘over-knight' stay for two in a majestically authentic 16th century Gaelic castle.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£274 / night

Ermita del Carmen

Carcabuey, Andalucia
Ermita del Carmen is a stunning 15th century chapel conversion, set within the soul-soothing natural heart of Andalucia.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
From
£550 / night

Okel Tor Mine

Calstock, Cornwall
Beauty, peace and calm combine in two romantic Cornish riverside retreats: the former Smithy and Captain's Office of a Victorian tin mine.
Bedrooms: 1 per cottage
Sleeps:
From
£70/ night

Palmers Folly

Holkham, Norfolk
An exclusive and luxurious Grade II-listed couples' retreat, set on North Norfolk's elegant 25,000-acre Holkham Estate.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£809 (7nts)

Cruinn Leum Round House

Toscaig, The Highlands
A light-flooded creative retreat with untamed rural views, blissfully secluded in a remote, semi-wild Scottish Highlands village.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£425 (7 nights)

Kilmartin Castle

Kilmartin, Argyll and Bute
An authentic, exquisitely restored Scottish castle that dates all the way back to the 16th century, set within acres of unspoilt Argyll wilderness.
Bedrooms: 4-5
Sleeps: B&B or 10 exclusive
From
£225 / night (B&B)

Manowce

Nowe Warpno, Police
An elegant and historic palace, exquisitely decorated and surrounded by sweeping woodland, for the ultimate in luxurious group and individual stays.
Bedrooms: 16 Suites/Bedrooms
Sleeps: 1-42 Guests
From
£90 pppn

Archirondel Tower

St Catherine's Bay, Jersey
A captivating and historic coastal retreat, rich in heritage and boasting a roof terrace that showcases Jersey's National Park to perfection.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 4
From
£155 / night

Chillingham Castle

Chillingham, Northumberland
Meet the resident ghosts of Britain's ‘most haunted historic castle', surrounded by Northumberland countryside just 20 minutes from the coast.
Bedrooms: 8 apartments
Sleeps: 2-7 per unit (24 total)
From
£100 / night

Fletland Mill

Stamford, Lincolnshire
A historic, lovingly converted riverside retreat on the edge of the Fens, filled with welcoming warmth and surrounded by wildlife-steeped countryside.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
From
£209 / night

Quarry Hill Church

Strangford, County Down
An award-winning conversion that blends cherished heritage and design-led luxury, for a captivating stay in a timeless Irish village.
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10
From
£600 / night

Fort Leicester

Bouley Bay, Jersey
A historic military stronghold that's rich in comfort and historic drama, expertly transformed into a dog-friendly, distraction-free retreat elevated above Jersey's atmospheric coastline.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 8
From
£578 (2 nights)

Villa Ca'Damare

Porto Venere, Liguria
An exclusive, architect-restored villa with a private Mediterranean garden, mesmerisingly secluded within the natural park of Cinque Terre for incredible views of the Gulf of Poets and the soaring Apuan Alps.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£300 / night

ARC Padstow

St Issey, Cornwall
A former 18th century listed manor house, grandly restored by master architects for budding lords and ladies, nestled in the heart of a tranquil Cornish village just outside Padstow.
Bedrooms: 12
Sleeps: 26
From
£643 / night

Dracup's Railway Cottage

Bridgnorth, Shropshire
Step into a unique fantasy-world retreat, lovingly created by a visionary artist and filled with quirky surprises, secluded in the scenic Shropshire town of Bridgnorth.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£250 (2 nights)

Rowden Mill Station Building and Parcel Office

Bredenbury, Herefordshire
Nostalgic, first-class couples and family accommodation at a restored 19th century railway station, set amongst timeless North Herefordshire countryside.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per property
Sleeps: 2 or 4 per property
From
£80 / night (Parcel Office)

Dalnaglar Castle

Blairgowrie, Perthshire
A grand 19th century retreat, spectacularly set within a 200-acre estate in the heart of Glenshee, on the southern fringe of the Cairngorms National Park.
Bedrooms: 10
Sleeps: Up to 20
From
£3,999 (3 nights)

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