There’s something a bit special about staying in a house you’ve seen on telly. Not only will you return with plenty of gossip to tell your friends about, but there’s a delicious feeling of ‘behind the scenes’ secrets being revealed as you wander around your famous holiday home.
The best part? You won’t have to sell the family silver to give it a try!
TV-featured stays are a lot more accessible – and affordable – than you might think, and to prove our point, we’ve listed some of our favourites.
So stay tuned for some magical children’s TV classics, a few jaw-dropping restorations, a former ‘Loo with a View’, and a charming riverside home that regularly featured on what was said to be the Queen’s favourite show.
(There’s no denying it: this list is a real ratings hit!)
Harbour Lights | Charlestown, Cornwall (above and main photo)
As seen on: George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces
Playing host to Poldark and Alice in Wonderland, amongst many others, the windswept village port of Charlestown is a screen staple in its own right.
In 2015, George Clarke oversaw the sumptuous and imaginative renovation of Charlestown’s former ‘Loo with a View’, into a luxurious two-bedroom holiday hideaway.
Full of natural character and marine-inspired style, there’s an outdoor hot tub that faces the sea, and even a romantic lookout shed, so you can grab a glass of bubbles and watch the ships glide past in comfort.
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Nora Batty’s Holiday Cottage | Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
As seen on: Last of the Summer Wine
While Last of the Summer Wine was said to be the Queen’s favourite show, we can’t imagine she ever took style tips from loveable battleaxe Nora Batty!
But if you’re a fan of wrinkled stockings, pinny and curlers, make sure you pack them for your break at 28 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth – Nora’s former home.
The terraced two-bedroom cottage was built in the late 18th century, and you’ll find it imbued with plenty of charm and character. Decorated in nostalgic vintage style, the home looks just as Nora left it – with pictures from the much-loved series displayed throughout.
Seahorse Cottage | Aldeburgh, Suffok
As seen on: Grandpa In My Pocket
The fictional town of Sunnysands (expertly played by Aldeburgh in Suffolk) is where you’ll discover the beautiful Seahorse Cottage.
Featured in the magical children’s TV series Grandpa In My Pocket, starring James Bolam, the Scandi-inspired cottage sleeps up to four people and is perfectly placed for you to enjoy all the beauty of the area.
Look out over refreshing Moot Green, towards the golden beach and the sparkling sea, all without leaving the comfort of your nautical-styled holiday home!
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Cuevas Helena | Granada, Spain
As seen on: Our Dream Hotel
The renowned hotelier Alex Polizzi herself charted Mark and Shirley Graham’s Spanish dream on the Channel Five show Our Dream Hotel.
Described as “out of this world” and the “perfect family destination”, Cuevas Helena is a unique Andalusian cave house that features glorious high-ceilinged, white-walled rooms that are carved into the cave itself.
Outside, you’ll find a swimming pool, a hot tub and a spacious al fresco dining table that showcases those rolling hills and mountains to absolute perfection.
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The DugOut | Orcop Hill, Herefordshire
As seen on: Grand Designs
Part of the longest-running Grand Designs ever, and a genuine labour of love, you’ll find creative, turf-roofed earthhouse The DugOut on the secluded Herefordshire smallholding On The Hill.
Nestled within the hill, and featuring magnificent views both inside and out, you’ll find plenty to remind you of what made the Grand Designs feature so captivating.
Amongst other imaginative touches, there’s a book-encased double roll-top bath, copper and zinc piping, and a roundwood chestnut king-sized bed, beautifully hand-made by owner Ed.
Trullo of Dreams | Apulia, Italy
As seen on: House Hunters International (and many others!)
Used as a filming location for the BBC, along with numerous American television shows including House Hunters International, Trullo of Dreams is truly spectacular, inside and out.
‘Trulli’ are historic circular stone cottages unique to rural Italy, with iconic conical roofs, and the historic Trullo of Dreams has been carefully renovated to preserve its breathtaking original features.
The result is unique and luxurious accommodation for up to six people, complete with a large outdoor swimming pool and extensive private gardens bursting with a vast selection of fruit trees you’re welcome to pick from (oh, and a double hammock for relaxing!)
Round The Woods | Weston Longville, Norfolk
As seen on: Mortimer and Whitehouse – Gone Fishing
Featured as one of The Guardian’s best ‘back to nature’ stays, and with a Gold Accreditation from Green Tourism, it’s not surprising that Round The Woods attracted comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, as they toured the UK’s finest fishing spots!
With two lovingly crafted yurts (Oaktree and Hazelnut) nestled in serene Norfolk countryside, you can gaze across the soothing meadow in comfort – there’s even a hammock provided for lazy sunny afternoons.
Sparkling ponds and streams make for a perfectly tranquil backdrop, along with an orchard bursting with fruit trees…oh, and several free-roaming chickens and geese!
Cambridge Lodge Water Tank | Wensley, Derbyshire
As seen on: Mortimer and Whitehouse – Gone Fishing
We’re back with Whitehouse and Mortimer’s favourite fishing spots, and a stay in a former water tank that was once featured in The Times’ ‘Fifty Best Cottages in Britain’!
Originally covered by an earth mound and only accessed through manholes in the roof, the building has been amazingly transformed into a comfortably charming Peak District holiday cottage for six people.
Featuring a cosy ground and lower ground floor, you’ll also discover a country cottage garden on the roof top that provides breathtaking 360-degree country views, leading out to Chatsworth House and Riber Castle.
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Bedroam | Melbourne, York
As seen on: George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces
An innovative double-decker bus conversion, Bedroam’s Japanese-inspired design was described as super-slick, with George Clarke declaring himself “blown away” by the high quality of its contemporary décor and materials.
Bedroam is glamping with a truly unique twist, featuring a top and bottom deck with 14 individual Japanese-style luxury sleep pods, and all the comforts you’d expect from your own lounge with a hardy outdoor awning taking care of al fresco dining and entertainment.
(If you’re thinking a sleep pod might be a bit small – rest assured 6’3” George Clarke discovered he had more than enough room to spare!)
Sally Port Cottage | Truro, Cornwall
As seen on: Fraggle Rock
“Dance your cares away, worry’s for another day!”
Imbued with a generous helping of fun nostalgia, this one-storey holiday home at St Anthony’s Lighthouse in St Mawes is the location for the iconic children’s TV show Fraggle Rock.
Sleeping four in total, you can relax in complete seclusion, with just the rocks, the sea, and unbeatable views for company. You’ll even have your very own observation room here, and a suntrap patio area close to the beach. Perfect!
So, which of these show-stopping, TV-featured settings will you have on repeat? If you’re looking for even more choice, our dedicated As Seen on TV category features a whole wealth of small screen stars.
Happy viewing!
