With the festive planning starting to take over, why not take a rest from the hectic pace and imagine yourself teleported away to one of our fabulous new properties.
Maybe we can tempt you with a converted helicopter, bus or fairytale treehouse in Sussex? Or, over in Wales, we have a Grade-II listed gatehouse and tower steeped in history close to Snowdonia – then there’s an effervescent showman’s caravan, revived and restored whilst still evoking its glory days – and finally, a Scandi-retro cabin, a 1970s-inspired bolthole with no shortage of rustic charm and sophistication close to glorious Cardigan Bay.
We think you’ll have a much easier job choosing your Christmas decorations than deciding between these gems!
Every bit the Tolkien-inspired playground, filled with some of the most unique accommodation you could imagine, Blackberry Wood is a peaceful woodland glamping retreat set at the foot of the beautiful Sussex downs in a National Park. Now you’ve found your perfect blissful setting, all you need to do is make the tough choice between these marvellous abodes: the Holiday Bus, Holicopter, Curvy Cabin, Gypsy Caravan and two exceptionally made treehouses, Higgledy and Piggledy, both perched high amongst the trees and lovingly hand-crafted using local wood and materials. There are a number of wild glade camping spaces too for those who live to fully connect with the great outdoors.
Time for a historic Welsh twist now, and a designated Grade-II listed building that was designed back in 1883 by the Chester architect John Douglas. Plas Mynach is a distinctive and majestic tower in Snowdonia, built from local stone and with a slate roof, stair turret and stepped gables. It is a complex that comprises single and double-storey ranges and a gatehouse range. Your sleeping choices include The Gatehouse and Tower Flat, which may be rented separately, or you can opt to book both for a group of up to 12 guests, individually self-contained for privacy. Your setting is a short walk from the beautiful seaside town of Barmouth, and the Italian-esque village of Portmeirion is but a short drive.
For our last two properties we stay in Wales and head to a private 8-acre idyll of glorious woodland and countryside near Cardigan Bay. First up is Dolly, a welcoming showman’s wagon dating back to 1947 that has recently been awarded Gold Star status in Visit Wales’ glamping category – and it is easy to see why! Whilst her exterior is shiny with quaint leaded windows and a private garden to unwind in, her interior is equally impressive; a light-oak walled parlour with vintage seating, painted mirrors, theatrical drapes and a separate retro kitchen – the essence of romance and tradition, with interesting ornaments and adornments galore. Dolly has certainly been restored to her former splendour.
Caban Cwtch is a hut with a difference; a retro-Scandi escape from the norm! This Swedish style pet-friendly wooden lodge is nestled at the edge of Penlan Holiday Village in Carmarthenshire. Retro enthusiasts will rejoice at the high standard of finishing and unique design features that characterise the cabin, from the wooden walls to the vibrant bursts of colour, retro light fittings and furnishings, and the glass doors seamlessly connecting you to the outdoor verandah – this is a 1970s show home if ever we saw one! Maybe take a dip in the onsite swimming pool, or venture out and explore the nearby waterfalls, coves and sandy shores. Retro attire optional!
