We try our best to describe the unique style and atmosphere that makes each Host Unusual retreat so special. This, of course, involves speaking with their owners – or, the people who make the specialness happen!
The season of renewal, autumn is a particularly magical time for a break. And since nobody knows a retreat quite as well as its hard-working owner, we thought we’d let them explain – in their own words – why you should visit.
“The longer nights allow for the first glimpses of the northern lights, which you can see from the bubbling depths of your private hot tub…”
That’s why each of these wondrous stays includes a few descriptive words from the people who know – and love – it better than anybody else.
“As the landscape transforms into a canvas of amber and gold, our rooftop tents offer an unparalleled blend of adventure and cosiness… with top-tier amenities that include a chilled wine-fridge and a sumptuous mattress for a restful night under the stars.”
We can all conjure an idyllic autumnal scene in our heads. Simply add the detail you’ll find in these personally-written paragraphs, and your ideal autumn retreat will begin to reveal itself, as if by magic!
Read our owners’ words now.
Main image: RiverBeds Luxury Wee Lodges | Highlands, Scotland
Author: Nina Jervis
Ballachulish, The Highlands, Scotland
Luxury Wee Lodges, complete with bubbling private hot tub, nestled at the entrance to the mighty Glencoe Valley.
Bedrooms: 1 per lodge
Sleeps: 2 per lodge
As the leaves begin to turn, the Woodlands Estate really comes into its own! So, if you’re a cabin-in-the-woods type (with a penchant for a spot luxury), then a RiverBeds autumn getaway will tick every box. The longer nights allow for the first glimpses of the northern lights, which can be seen from the bubbling depths of the private hot tub. Later, while cosied up in luxury bedlinen, listen out for the roar of stags as they lock horns in the surrounding mountains as they compete for a mate. Promo code: TWINKLE for best possible autumn / winter rates.
Broxted, Essex, England
Indulge your wanderlust with an off-grid, self-drive adventure aboard your very own Land Rover Defender, complete with rooftop tent set-up, a cosy lounge, and all the equipment you could want!
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 roof tents
Sleeps: 2-7 guests
"Experience the magic of Autumn from the elevated comfort of a LandyCamper's rooftop tent. As the landscape transforms into a canvas of amber and gold, our Land Rover Defender campers, equipped with spacious and easy-to-set-up rooftop tents, offer an unparalleled blend of adventure and cosiness. Inside, you're treated to top-tier amenities, from a chilled wine-ready fridge to a sumptuous mattress ensuring restful nights under the stars. With LandyCampers, you're not just camping; you're embarking on a journey where nature's beauty meets the luxury of thoughtful design. Revel in the essence of the season and the allure of open roads with us."
Bishop Wilton, Yorkshire, England
A luxuriously romantic lodge-amongst-the-leaves, in an award-winning corner of the unspoilt Yorkshire Wolds.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 2
Wolds Edge is the perfect place to welcome in Autumn. Grab your wellies and a scarf and explore our footpaths, bridleways or the quaint lanes of York. Crunch through the leaves, climb the hills and then warm yourself by a fire in one of our traditional village pubs and tea rooms. Return to your peaceful hideaway and relax in the hot tub as you watch the leaves turn their beautiful colours of red and yellow and simply listen to nature.
Nr Lavenham, Suffolk, England
You'll be swept away to the height of luxury at The Windmill Suffolk - a glorious towering bolthole as seen on George Clarke's 'Amazing Spaces' and overlooking idyllic countryside, just two miles north of historic Lavenham.
Cosy up at The Windmill Suffolk this Autumn! Snuggle up on the huge oversized velvet sofas on the top floor or sip a warm hot chocolate on the balcony in your super soft dressing gowns where you can watch Suffolk turn beautiful shades of red, gold and orange as the leaves start to change. Surrounded by open countryside offering plenty of woodland walks, head back to The Windmill to warm up in the enormous bathtub for two. At the end of the day get a restful night's sleep in one of the kingsized handmade beds piled high with sumptuous velvet throws and cushions. The perfect Autumn escape!
Aberporth, Ceredigion, Wales
A unique, award-winning architect designed ‘boat house' that's ideal for an adventure-packed beach break, next to the invigorating Welsh Coast Path.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 12 (or 4 per cabin)
Cymtydu's a quiet place in the Autumn and Winter, it's an ideal time to enjoy the magic of the coast path and the woods, to shelter and stay warm at night, to think about the past year, and to look ahead. 'Ty Cwch is a cluster of six cool cabins, fashioned from old shipping containers, just behind lovely Cwmtydu beach and perfectly placed for exploring the Cardigan coast's hiking, cycling, coasteering and surfing potential. There's loads of space for storing kit, as well as large, versatile living areas that can be private or opened up and shared by a group adventuring together-discounts are available for exclusive use'. Sarah Baxter, Telegraph. "Wow! We had such a remarkable stay! The location was amazing with amazing views. The pods and bed were quiet and comfortable. We loved the local beach and cafe. The coastal walk from Cwmtydu beach is one of the most stunning walks I’ve ever done" - Malissa
Calstock, Cornwall, England
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:
It’s not every day you can stay at a World Heritage Site in an ANOB and SSSI. You can at Okel Tor, a magical place tucked into the woods above the river Tamar, with far-reaching views across the river, historic tin mine ruins and abundant wildlife. Autumn is the perfect season for walks along the river and through the woods, returning to the welcome of a wood burning stove in your Okel Tor cottage.
Forestmill, Clackmannanshire, Scotland
Sumptuous woodland hideaways, privately nestled on a magical Clackmannanshire estate that's teeming with rich heritage and diverse, protected wildlife.
Bedrooms: 1 per bothy
Sleeps: 2 per bothy
What is an autumnal TinyHome in the forest? It’s full of long shadows from the sunlight, the stove being dusted down, rosehips and hawthorn berries adorn the table. The log basket is filled for cosy nights and thoughts turn to early evenings by the firepit at dusk before retiring up to the sleeping gallery with its luxurious fluffy superking duvet (made of recycled bottles). Outside, badgers are too collecting bedding, and feasting on available food to have sufficient body stores for the winter. The common lizard returns to her hibernation site - in autumn she’s easier to see as she’ll bask for longer to stay warm. Come and spot the red squirrels and roe deer from your fully insulated TinyHome in the forest.
Limehouse Basin, London, England
A stylish, sumptuous wide-beam houseboat with a furnished al fresco deck, perfectly located on the historic Limehouse Basin for an activity-packed, adults-only stay in London.
As the crowds leave and the temperature drops, book a cheeky stay on the lovely 'Lulubelle'. Snuggle down in front of the fire or enjoy the late summer evenings on the river. Catch a show, or exhibition that you've been meaning to see all year, or just enjoy a quiet oasis of calm in the best city in the world.
Dittisham, Devon, England
An exquisite collection of luxury treehouses, a gleaming American airstream, and artisan shepherd's lodges, all with al fresco hot tubs and beautifully nestled in the scenic heart of Devonshire countryside.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 1-5
With our Treehouses, Shepherds Lodges and a Vintage Airstream suitable for every weather condition the UK throws at us, you really can relax in the comfort of your chosen accommodation. They are all heated throughout, plenty of blankets to cosy up with, wood-fired Hot-tubs, log burners (exc Airstream), welcome hampers to provide you with for your first mornings breakfast and hot drinks during your stay. You won’t need for anything while at Dittisham Hideaway. There is so much to see and do in Dittisham, and the surrounding areas of Dartmouth and Totnes even through the cooler months. Prices from as little as £390.00 for 2 people for 2 nights. Dogs also stay for free in our Shepherds Lodges for the rest of 2023 using code D43.
Isleornsay, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Rest your weary heads in a dreamy lighthouse cottage, blissfully cast away on a soul-soothing private island off the rugged Isle of Skye.
When the nights are drawing in, there's no better time to visit Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage on the Isle of Skye and here's why. The changing season brings a different mood to the island and it just feels right to 'hunker down' when you arrive, rather than scooting off around the Isle of Skye, trying to cram in the top five attractions. This is when you can really experience life on a lighthouse island at its most authentic. Long lazy days are taken up by lie-ins, short strolls around the island, wildlife spotting, baking, reading and afternoon naps. Later, watch the lighthouse as she begins her slow, blinking conversation with her sister across the water, then retire to the fireside (inside or outside) to enjoy a wee dram.
Duisdealmor, Isle of Skye, Scotland
A sumptuous, architect-designed haven that’s rich in clean-lined Scandinavian design and sensory treats that include an al fresco hot tub, mesmerisingly secluded on the scenic southern peninsula of Skye.
We love how the Scandinavians lean into the changing seasons. Scandinavian culture is famous for 'hygge vibes' and we've really embraced that here at Skuyö Nordic Skye. From the wooden exterior of the building to the hot tub on the deck, from the cosy wood-burning stove to the Hotel Chocolat 'velvetiser,' we're pretty sure you'll make some 'hygge' memories with the special person in your life when you visit. Autumn is the perfect time to come to the Isle of Skye, with the heather in full bloom on the mountains and the main attractions still open, but less busy than before. Locals have time to linger and chat in the local pub and you'll feel welcomed into the community spirit. Seasgair is the Gaelic word for 'hygge.' So if you're looking for a romantic break this Autumn, we're looking forward to welcoming you!
Walsingham, Norfolk, England
A restored Control Tower B&B bursting with history, period art deco features and furnishings on a former North Norfolk airfield.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 2 per room
Autumn is such a beautiful season in North Norfolk. While it is sad to put the longer days of summer behind us and watch the swallows depart, it is a joy to watch the arrival of the thousands of wild geese arrive to take advantage of the miles of unspoilt coast we are lucky enough to have in abundance here. Also a perfect time to explore as everything quietens down – long walks on the beach with large stretches of golden sands all to yourself or leisurely browse around one of our local towns like Wells-next-the-Sea or Holt which are full of independent shops. Shorter days also means not feeling guilty about cosying up with a book or in a beautiful rural pub. And then, there are breakfasts by the fire at The Control Tower – what’s not to like?
Brodie, Moray, Scotland
A reviving slice of forest living and coastal adventure, based from a cosy eco-cabin at the Edge of paradise.
We don’t need to say a word as to the virtues of Culbin Edge our Autumn guests speak for themselves. “Truly relaxing, lovely and warm, cosy, homely cabin.” “Beautiful location and the best hot tub, looking up at the stars is the most peaceful evening you could ever have.” “Walks in Culbin Forest and exploring the coastal paths.” “ Making memories which will last a lifetime. “ Book now so you can add your own comments on a holiday in a great cabin on the Moray Coast.
Bideford, Devon, England
A selection of luxurious, award-winning hideaways for couples and families, with indulgent on-site facilities and surrounded by North Devon countryside.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: Varies
Coastal Cabins in stunning North Devon is the perfect place for an Autumn break. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery on the nearby South West Coastal Path, visit the 3 cosy village pubs, book in for a treat at the local fine dining restaurant just 5 mins walk away, or visit the deserted beaches. There’s plenty to do! Then come back to your warm heated cabin, fire up the BBQ and share stories in the communal BBQ cabin. For a special treat why not book a sunset session in the onsite Wild Spa Hot Tub area. Pure bliss! Enjoy 25% off all breaks throughout September and October (including Half Term!). What’s more we are also offering a FREE activity. Choose from either FREE family entry to the award winning theme park The Big Sheep, or a couples session in our on site Wild Spa Hot Tub area.
Underhill, Gloucestershire, England
A romantic hideaway in the heart of the Wye Valley AONB that’s cocooned in nature, styled with eco-friendly luxury, and completely surrounded by wildlife.
The Wye valley is stunning in autumn with the colours changing. Inspiration for Wordsworth and others. Sit in the hot tub and watch the deer. One lucky couple actually saw stag rutting .
Chichester, West Sussex, England
An award-winning, eco-friendly Grand Design with a vast natural swimming pond, surrounded by the soul-soothing charms of nature and endless coastal walks in a West Sussex AONB.
Within a 10 minute walk to Bosham Harbour, this Grand Designs House will not disappoint. The house encapsulated tranquillity impeccable interior design. This summer has seen the introduction of a sauna to supplement the wood-fired hot tub and natural swimming pool. Boasting 4 wood burners The Water Shed is the perfect escape for Autumn and Winter breaks with friends and family.
Presteigne, Powys, Wales
Refreshingly eco-friendly yurt and cabin glamping, secluded within 25 acres of soothing woodland on the Welsh borders.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 5 (yurts) 3 (cabin)
Autumn brings new pleasures at Redwood Valley. With the cosy glow from your log burner and feather duvets and blankets to curl up under, this is perhaps the most romantic time to visit. Our babbling brook picks up a pace, the woods turn from lush greens to ochre and orange, and the dark skies are teaming with stars. With just two yurts and a treehouse in 25 acres of woodland, you will feel like you have all this beauty to yourselves. Kids love kicking about in the leaves, gathering pine cones, drinking cocoa round the campfire and visiting our local waterfall whilst for adults, this is the ideal time for some serious hiking or mountain biking on Offa’s Dyke. Book now using the code ‘REDWOOD50’ and receive £50 off any booking of two or more nights made before December 31st!
